Caprese Bruschetta. Flavorful tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella with a balsamic reduction drizzle.
This Caprese Bruschetta is a simple, elegant appetizer that highlights fresh summer flavors. Sweet, juicy tomatoes pair perfectly with tender fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil. A rich balsamic reduction drizzled over the top brings everything together with a balance of sweet and tangy notes.
Making the balsamic glaze is straightforward: simmer balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low to medium heat until it reduces by about half and thickens. Remove it from the heat and let it cool—the glaze will continue to set as it cools. I used a half cup of vinegar and ended up with plenty of glaze for the bruschetta and extra to add to salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.
The remaining ingredients are minimal and easy to prep. Cherry tomatoes work especially well here—their bite-sized pieces and bright color are ideal. If you prefer, you can use a larger tomato and dice it to the desired size. Fresh basil leaves, rolled and thinly sliced, add a sweet, aromatic note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
Cube or tear the fresh mozzarella into small pieces that match the tomato size. When combined, the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella create the classic Caprese flavor profile: juicy, savory, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious.
For serving, slice a French baguette and either leave the slices soft or toast them for added crunch. To toast, brush the slices with olive oil or butter, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden. Pile the Caprese mixture onto each slice and finish with a generous drizzle of the balsamic glaze.
This appetizer comes together quickly and makes a wonderful party starter, snack, or light lunch. The contrast of textures—creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, crisp bread—and the bright basil aroma make every bite inviting. If you have leftover glaze, it’s fantastic on just about anything.
More appetizer recipes:
- Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels
- Easy Homemade Salsa
- Bean Dip
- Mexican Corn Dip
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Caprese Bruschetta
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
- 2 tbsp basil sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes diced
- 1 french baguette loaf
Instructions
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Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer 8–10 minutes until reduced by about half and thickened. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl to cool; it will thicken further as it cools.
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Chop the fresh mozzarella into small pieces.
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Halve or third the cherry tomatoes to your preferred size.
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Roll the basil leaves and slice into thin strips. Combine the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil and gently stir to mix.
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Slice the baguette. Toast the slices if desired by brushing with olive oil or butter and baking at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden, or serve untoasted.
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Top each baguette slice with the Caprese mixture and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Protein: 7g
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Fat: 6g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
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Cholesterol: 22mg
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Sodium: 186mg
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Potassium: 121mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 400IU
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Vitamin C: 8mg
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Calcium: 152mg
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Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.