Caprese Bruschetta is the ultimate summer appetizer. Fresh, Flavorful and effortlessly elegant. Juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil are piled high on a crispy toasted bread, then drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze.
This simple, yet stunning appetizer captures the essence of Italian Flavors and is perfect for parties, light lunches or as a starter to any feast.
If you like caprese flavors, you'll want to try my Caprese Chicken Sandwich, Fresh Peach Burrata Salad, or my Caprese Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto Sauce.
Visit my recipe box for some more great recipe ideas inspired by Italian tradition!
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Here's Why You'll Love this Dish
You'll love this recipe for caprese bruschetta because not only is it simple to make, but:
- flavor of tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella taste fresh and bursting with summer flavors
- quick and easy to make
- perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer to kick start any meal
- kid friendly and crowd-pleaser
- versatile that you can add your favorite ingredients
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What is Fresh Mozzarella?
Pizza mozzarella is firmer and has a lower moisture. It melts evenly and has a stretch elastic texture when baked. It's milk but slightly saltier than fresh mozzarella cheese and is preferred for class pizza varieties.
Soft Cheese Mozzarella or fresh mozzarella has a higher-moisture level and is delicate. It's usually sold in a brine or vacuum sealed package. It's creamy and milk with a freshy, milky taste. It tends to release moisture when cooked, which can make some dishes wetter and it's commonly used in Caprese salads and specialty pizzas.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious caprese bruschetta: ripe tomatoes, baguette, garlic cloves, soft mozzarella, oregano, basil, salt and balsamic drizzle.
For exact measurement details and directions see recipe card...
How to Make Caprese Bruschetta
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In a small bowl add chopped tomato, olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped basil, and salt. Mix and let sit for a few minutes.
Using a serrated knife slice your baguette on the diagonal. Brush the slice of bread with olive oil then rub garlic (that has been cut in half) over the surface of the bread. Season the bread with a little bit of salt.
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350℉ for 5 minutes per side (do not toast until hard). Remove from oven and set aside
Drain the liquid from the fresh mozzarella and thinly slice it with a non serrated knife. Use a paper towel to pat the slices dry then layer on top of the toasted bread. You may need to cut the mozzarella in half lengthwise to fit on the bread.
Then layer the chopped tomato mixture on top carefully and transfer to a serving dish. Repeat until you have assembled all of the bruschetta.
Top the bruschetta slices with dried oregano and balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Storage:
Top Tips
Use ripe, in season tomatoes for the sweetest, juiciest flavor
Use a non serrated knife to cut your fresh mozzarella
Toast bread just before serving so it stays crisp
Pat mozzarella dry to prevent soggy bread
Add balsamic glaze last to keep the bread from absorbing too much liquid
Serve Immediately for the best texture and taste
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some great variations to try:
- Bread - swap out the baguette for a ciabatta, sour-dough or gluten-free bread
- Cheese - use regular mozzarella, chunks of parmiggiano or a dairy free cheese
- Extra Toppings - add extra toppings like sun-dried olives, green onions or pesto sauce.
- Herbs - add fresh oregano or thyme for a deeper flavor profile
The perfect recipe isn't that far away. I'd love to know how you substituted ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Drop a comment below and let me know!
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
You can prepare the tomato topping ahead of time and then assemble your bruschetta just before serving to your guests.
The best bread to use for bruschetta is a crispy baguette or ciabatta because they will hold up without getting to soggy.
To keep your bruschetta from going soggy, make sure to toast your bread until it is golden and assemble the bruschetta just before serving.
What to have with your Caprese Bruschetta
Here are some recent recipes to enjoy with your caprese bruschetta.
Try these other caprese inspired recipes:
Caprese Chicken Sandwich, Fresh Peach Burrata Salad, or my Caprese Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto Sauce.
Recipe Details
Fresh and Easy Caprese Bruschetta
https://easyhomemaderecipes.caEquipment
Ingredients
Tomato Mixture
Bread
- 12 oz baguette sliced on the diagonal (8 slices)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic cut in half
- salt
- 8½ oz fresh mozzarella (not to be confused with pizza mozzarella)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Using a serrated knife slice your baguette on the diagonal. Brush the slice of bread with olive oil then rub garlic (that has been cut in half) over the surface of the bread. Season the bread with a little bit of salt.3 tbsp olive oil, 12 oz baguette, 1 clove garlic, salt
- Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350℉ for 5 minutes per side (do not toast until hard). Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a small bowl add chopped tomato, olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped basil, and salt. Mix and let sit for a few minutes.5 oz tomato, 1 small garlic clove, 3 fresh basil leaves, ½ tsp salt, 3 tbsp olive oil
- Drain the liquid from the fresh mozzarella and thinly slice it with a non serrated knife. Use a paper towel to pat the slices dry then layer on top of the toasted bread. You may need to cut the mozzarella in half lengthwise to fit on the bread.8½ oz fresh mozzarella
- Then layer the chopped tomato mixture on top carefully and transfer to a serving dish. Repeat until you have assembled all of the bruschetta.
- Top the bruschetta slices with dried oregano and balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Notes
Top Tips
Use ripe, in season tomatoes for the sweetest, juiciest flavor Use a non serrated knife to cut your fresh mozzarella Toast bread just before serving so it stays crisp Pat mozzarella dry to prevent soggy bread Add balsamic glaze last to keep the bread from absorbing too much liquid Serve Immediately for the best texture and tasteNutrition
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Food Safety
Note that the storage guidelines provided on this page and site are estimates from personal experiences. We are all adults and as an adult you are responsible to ensure that the food you eat is safe to eat. Since, I'm not a food safety expert, you are responsible to review your local guidelines on food storage prior to storing any food left-overs.
Remember to:
- Not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For Canadian Guidelines check the Government of Canada Food Safety Guidelines or see more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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