Mozzarella Caprese Crostini Food

CAPRESE CROSTINI (CANAPES)

Steps:

• Slice bread and brush both sides lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Bake 5 minutes at 350˚F to lightly toast it (toasting the bread keeps the bread from getting moist from the cheese).
• Top with a slice of mozzarella and a slice of tomato. Sprinkle the tops with salt and pepper and bake at 350˚F for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
• A few minutes before the crostini are finished baking, in a small ramekin, mix together 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil until well combined. Toss in the sliced fresh basil and stir gently. Top each crostini with the marinated basil.

ROASTED CAPRESE BITES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Using a small serrated knife, cut off the top eighth of each tomato and hollow out the insides, leaving the sides intact. (Discard the seeds and insides.) Slice a small sliver off each tomato bottom so it sits flat. Drain well on paper towel, taking care to dry the inside.
• Sprinkle the tomatoes with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stuff each tomato with a pinch of the chopped basil and a mozzarella ball and set on a small rimmed baking sheet.
• Combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil, oregano and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Divide the mixture among the tops of the tomatoes.
• Bake until golden and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm.

BAKED CAPRESE SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Arrange slices of baguette onto a baking sheet and brush both sides of each slice with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt.
• Toast the bread in the preheated oven until lightly golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Flip the bread slices over and top each slice with a slice of tomato and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with salt.
• Return crostini to the oven and bake until tomato and mozzarella slices are warmed through, about 5 more minutes.
• Arrange the crostini onto a serving platter and sprinkle with basil. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle lightly with more sea salt and black pepper.

CROSTINI ALLA CAPRESE

Steps:

• Cut bread into 1/2 inch rounds and place, in a single layer, on a baking sheet.
• In a small skillet, heat oil, over medium low heat; add garlic and saute 5 minutes to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
• Very lightly brush bread with the garlic flavored oil.
• Toast lightly under the broiler.
• Top each crostini with a tomato slice, fresh basil leaf, and half a mozzarella ball.
• Lightly drizzle all with vinegar and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
• ALTERNATIVELY: You can skewer the ingredients on small 4-inch skewers, then drizzle with vinegar and red pepper flakes, if desired.