Caprese Bruschetta 🍅🧀🌿🥖 Juicy, Creamy, and Fresh With Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil on Crisp Toasted Bread

Caprese meets bruschetta in this Italian-inspired bite: vine-ripened tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil drizzled with balsamic glaze over crunchy olive oil-brushed bread.

It’s light but satisfying, simple but elegant — a go-to for summer gatherings or anytime you want clean, bold flavor.

Ingredients (Makes ~10–12 pieces)

For the topping

• 3–4 ripe Roma or heirloom tomatoes, diced or sliced
• 6 oz fresh mozzarella, diced or sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 1–2 tsp balsamic vinegar (for mixing) or glaze (for drizzling)

For the bread

• 1 baguette or rustic loaf, sliced ½-inch thick
• Olive oil for brushing
• Optional: 1 garlic clove, halved (for rubbing toast)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the topping
Combine tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes to release flavor. Stir in basil just before assembling. Keep mozzarella separate if slicing.

Step 2: Toast the bread
Brush bread slices with olive oil. Toast under a broiler or in a skillet until golden and crisp. If using, rub the warm toast with the cut side of a garlic clove.

Step 3: Assemble
Top each toast with a layer of mozzarella, then spoon on the tomato mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using, and finish with extra basil or a crack of black pepper.

Flavor Variations

• Add avocado slices for richness
• Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a creamy center
• Swap in cherry tomatoes for a poppier texture
• Drizzle with pesto instead of balsamic
• Top with crispy prosciutto for a salty contrast

Pro Tips

• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for best flavor
• Don’t over-salt too early — tomatoes release a lot of liquid
• Slice bread just before toasting to keep it crisp
• Let balsamic glaze drizzle, not soak — a little goes a long way

Final Thoughts

Caprese Bruschetta is everything good about summer in one bite: sweet tomatoes, creamy cheese, and basil brightness on golden, garlicky toast. Serve it at room temp, pair it with wine, and let the freshness shine.

Slice it. Stack it. Savor the simplicity. 🍅🧀🌿🥖

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