Caprese Pizza Crostini with Balsamic Glaze

A vibrant, fresh crostini that pays homage to the classic cheese pizza. Crispy bread is topped with creamy fresh mozzarella, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all finished with a tangy-sweet balsamic reduction. This bite-sized appetizer is a perfect blend of textures and bright, Italian-inspired flavors.

Cheese & Dairy

Ingredients

1 baguette, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, small diced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
Brush each baguette slice lightly with olive oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp.
In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced fresh mozzarella, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove the crostini from the oven. Top each crostini with a generous spoonful of the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
Return the crostini to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is slightly melted and warmed through.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving immediately.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For an extra layer of flavor, rub a cut clove of garlic over the toasted bread slices before adding the toppings. This simple step adds a subtle, aromatic depth that complements the Caprese flavors beautifully.

From the Tini Crostini Collection