Caprese Bruschetta with Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze is a fresh and vibrant appetizer that celebrates the classic Italian flavors of a Caprese salad, served atop crisp toasted bread. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for entertaining or light snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bruschetta combines the timeless appeal of a Caprese salad with the crunch of toasted bread for an irresistible appetizer. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Combines fresh, simple ingredients for maximum flavor
Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 20 minutes
Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish
Perfect balance of textures: crisp toast, creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes
Elegant presentation for gatherings and dinner parties
Naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free
Crowd-pleaser that works for any season
Versatile—adaptable with different tomato varieties or herbs
Ideal for make-ahead components
Light, wholesome, and refreshing
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
rustic baguette or Italian loaf, sliced (about 1/2 inch thick)
ripe tomatoes (Roma or heirloom), sliced
fresh mozzarella, sliced
extra virgin olive oil
garlic cloves, peeled
fresh basil leaves, whole or sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
directions
Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the sliced bread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Lightly brush each slice with extra virgin olive oil.
Toast in the oven for 6–8 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Remove from the oven and, while still warm, rub the top of each toast with the peeled garlic cloves to infuse flavor.
Assemble the Bruschetta
Place 1–2 slices of tomato on each toasted bread slice.
Top with a slice of fresh mozzarella.
Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Garnish and Finish
Drizzle each bruschetta with a little extra virgin olive oil.
Add a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves—either whole or sliced into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
Serve
Arrange the bruschetta on a serving platter.
Serve immediately while the bread is still slightly warm and the ingredients are fresh.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 8–10 pieces (depending on bread size)
Calories per serving: Approximately 120 kcal
Difficulty: Very easy
Variations
Grilled version: Grill the bread for extra charred flavor.
Cherry tomato mix: Use halved cherry or grape tomatoes instead of sliced tomatoes.
Caprese skewers: Serve components on skewers for a bite-sized variation.
Add prosciutto: Top with thin slices of prosciutto for added richness.
Burrata twist: Substitute mozzarella with burrata for extra creaminess.
Avocado slice: Add a thin slice of avocado beneath the tomato.
Garlic herb butter: Use garlic-herb butter instead of plain olive oil on the bread.
Homemade balsamic glaze: Reduce balsamic vinegar with honey until syrupy for a homemade glaze.
Pesto drizzle: Add a swirl of pesto for a basil-forward variation.
Spicy touch: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
storage/reheating
Bruschetta is best served fresh. However, components can be prepped in advance:
Toast the bread and store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Prepare and store the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella separately in the refrigerator.
Assemble just before serving to preserve the crispness of the bread.
Reheating is not recommended once assembled, as the bread will soften from the moisture of the toppings.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Yes, store-bought balsamic glaze is convenient and works perfectly. Homemade glaze can be made by simmering balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or sugar.
How far in advance can I toast the bread?
You can toast the bread up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp.
What type of bread works best?
A rustic baguette or Italian loaf with a firm crust and soft interior is ideal. Avoid soft sandwich bread.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free baguette or similar crusty bread alternative.
Do I have to rub garlic on the bread?
No, but it adds subtle flavor. You can skip this step if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is recommended for best flavor and presentation. Dried basil won’t provide the same effect.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Assemble just before serving. Avoid over-layering tomatoes or letting them sit too long on the bread.
Can I serve this cold?
Yes, bruschetta can be served at room temperature or slightly warm.
Is this a good appetizer for parties?
Absolutely. It’s easy to assemble, visually appealing, and full of fresh flavor.
Can I add a spread under the toppings?
Yes, a thin layer of pesto, ricotta, or garlic aioli can add extra flavor and prevent sogginess.
Conclusion
Caprese Bruschetta with Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze is a simple yet elegant appetizer that highlights the best of Mediterranean flavors. With crisp toasted bread, creamy cheese, and juicy tomatoes, all finished with fragrant basil and tangy balsamic glaze, it’s a fresh and flavorful addition to any table. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a light bite any day of the week.
Caprese Bruschetta with Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caprese Bruschetta is a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring crusty toasted bread topped with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect bite-sized celebration of classic Italian flavors—simple, elegant, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
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1 rustic baguette or Italian loaf, sliced (1/2-inch thick)
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3-4 ripe tomatoes (Roma or heirloom), sliced
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8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
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2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, peeled
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1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, whole or sliced
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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3 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
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Toast for 6–8 minutes until golden.
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While warm, gently rub one side of each slice with garlic cloves.
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Assemble the Bruschetta:
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Top each toast with 1–2 slices of tomato and a slice of mozzarella.
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Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Garnish and Finish:
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Drizzle with additional olive oil and balsamic glaze.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
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Serve:
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Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately while warm.
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Notes
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For extra flavor, sprinkle with crushed red pepper or a touch of sea salt.
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Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a creamy twist.
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Best enjoyed fresh—assemble just before serving to keep bread crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian