I think it is important to have a go-to item for entertaining. Something that is easy, quick, and 99.9% of people will enjoy. One of my favorite meals is a caprese salad. It consists of ingredients that are staples in Italian cooking and which are all part of my pantry standards list: tomato, basil, mozzarella cheese, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A classic example of a handful of quality ingredients coming together as perfect compliments to one another. Whether it is a quiet night in with my husband or if we have friends on their way over for cocktails, I lean on this appetizer and it always hits the spot. Serve it alongside cheese and some charcutarie and you have a lovely Italian flavored cocktail party. Now just add wine!
Introducing the stars of the show: fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and roma tomatoes. I love each of you so, so much!!! Begin by preheating the oven to 425 degrees. Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into quarter inch slices.
As noted in my recipe for hot brown crostinis, I am head-over-heals for Blue Dog bread (find out more here – Blue Dog Bakery – some of the best bread you will ever find). The simple white French loaves at Kroger really won’t do for this dish. They are so dense in the center they don’t crisp up and become soggy. The mozzarella is filled with lots of liquid and that spills out as they cook. The inside of this baguette is just dense enough that it works beautifully. Cut the bread into quarter inch slices and set on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and heat in the oven for five minutes.
When the bread has been toasted, top with one slice of tomato and one slice of mozzarella. Continue to bake on 425 for eight minutes until the cheese begins to bubble and melt over the tomato.
While the caprese toasts are cooking, assemble the remaining ingredients – kosher salt, black pepper, basil, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
When the caprese toast is ready, move to a platter and sprinkle with salt, pepper and top with a nice sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Drizzle with oil and vinegar.
The final touch is the chopped basil. The crunchy bread is a great base for the creamy, chewy cheese and touch of acid from the sweet romas. Top this with the fresh basil and earthy oil and vinegar and your hors d’oeuvre is complete. Now could that be any easier? I don’t think so. Enjoy!
Continue reading for the ingredient list and step-by-step instructions!
Makes Eight
- two medium balls of fresh mozzarella cheese
- two roma tomatoes
- fresh crusty baguette
- two tbs olive oil, divided
- one tsp kosher salt
- one tsp freshly ground black pepper
- one half cup basil, chopped
- two tbs freshly grated parmesan cheese
- one tbs balsamic vinegar
Comments 1
Looks amazing! I can't wait to try it, so easy.