Caprese Crostini Appetizer Recipe – The Perfect Party Appetizer!

This caprese crostini appetizer recipe will up your party appetizer game! If you are in need of a quick, but elegant appetizer then this recipe is for you!

What is it about caprese salad that makes our hearts sing?

Is it the ripe tomatoes? The creamy mozzarella? The freshest of fresh basil? Or, is it that drizzle of balsamic that adds that zip of vinegar to the salad?

I mean, all of it! Somehow when these simple ingredients are combined, it is just magical.

Since, we are all lovers of caprese salad here. I just had to wonder, what can be done to turn this yummy salad into a hand held treat?

Taking the rich mozzeralla, ripe tomatoes, tons of basil, and a heavy handed approach to the amazing sweetness yet vinegary tang that punches you right in the taste buds. In the best way possible of course!

So, I got my gears turning, and the caprese crostini was born!

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What is a crostini anyway?

So, a crostini is also known as little toast. It is basically a piece of perfectly crusted toast with toppings.

It can also be a slightly intimidating ‘fancy’ party appetizer.

I mean, even when I was thinking of how to elevate a caprese recipe, I was asking myself Am I really a crostini person? Am I worthy to serve a crostini? Okay, maybe that is a bit much, but seriously doesn’t it sound so fancy?

Current situation, I am in my kitchen sporting a mom bun, and not entirely sure of the last time I washed my hair. So basically, fancy appetizers aren’t exactly where I am at in this moment. Know what I am saying?

You know you want more easy appetizer ideas! Be sure to check out this Easy Pico De Gallo recipe, and these incredibly delicious Irish Nachos.

But, here is the thing.

Crostinis are actually not intimidating at all! In reality, they are incredibly easy to make, but appear ‘fancy’. Yassss!

So, if you love to entertain, and are looking for an amazing caprese crostini party appetizer recipe keep on reading!

PS If you want to read a really great post to learn more about crostini, check it out here.

Caprese Crostini Ingredients

Let’s talk bread!

Okay, so here is the thing with the bread. You want a good loaf of bread. Crispy on the outside with that warm and soft center. This will also be a handheld appetizer, so keep that in mind as well. I have found an Italian loaf or baguette work best for this caprese recipe.

And, don’t forget the tomatoes! You are looking for ripe and juicy goodness here. The type of tomato does not matter as much as the ripeness.

Something amazing happens to a ripe tomato when it is baked in the oven. It releases this sweetness that cannot be beat. So, again, at the risk of sounding overly receptive here…ripe tomatoes! Also, keep in mind the size of your toast points, for perspective on the size of the tomatoes.

• Italian loaf or baguette
• 5-6 tomatoes
• Basil
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella has an amazing creaminess, but you know I like to keep it real! I have used shredded mozzarella in this recipe many times, and have received zero complaints. 😉
• EVOO
• Italian Seasoning

How To Make Caprese Crostini

A quick note to all the busy moms before we get started.

I do realize that we are approaching this recipe as a party appetizer. But, I am going to let you in on a secret. I have made this caprese recipe countless times for dinner.

It is quick, easy, and super flexible!

If you have a busy weeknight, or just can’t even process the thought of coming up with a dinner idea, let alone cooking…this recipe is for you!

You can keep the caprese crostini as is, or swap out ingredients.

Take away the tomatoes and add some pepperoni. Throw some more veggies on there! Your kids want just cheese? Go for it!

I have made countless variations of this recipe for my family, and have had my fair share of dealings with picky eaters. Trust me, this flexible recipe can easily be used for dinner! Your family, and picky eating kids will gobble this stuff up!

Now, are you ready to get your caprese crostini game on? Let’s do this!

Get your balsamic reduction started. Heat a cup of balsamic vinegar on low, until it is lightly simmering. Be sure to use balsamic vinegar, not balsamic vinaigrette.

While your balsamic vinegar is reducing, go ahead and start slicing your bread. Then drizzle EVOO on the bread, and add Italian seasoning to each toast point.

Next, add some mozzarella to each of the toast points, and top it with your sliced tomatoes.

Now you are ready to bake! The caprese crostinis will cook on 350 for about 10 minutes. While they are baking, be sure to check your balsamic reduction.

Once it is ready, it should have more of a syrup consistency. This is when the sugary tangy magic happens. And, also why I may use the word drizzle, but really I am extremely heavy handed with this goodness on my caprese crostini!

No, really I could probably drink it! Yes, it may be a problem. No, I don’t care. 😉

Once the caprese crostinis are finished baking, top them with fresh basil, and finish with a heavy handed drizzle of the balsamic reduction. Because, again this balsamic reduction is everything!

This caprese recipe is incredibly delicious, and SO easy to make! And, you are going to look like a total rock star anytime you make it!

And, you are no longer intimidated by the thought of making a crostini, because you now know that it really isn’t that difficult. Shhh…it’s our secret.

So, are you ready to get started party planning? Because I think it is completely reasonable to plan a party around your new found caprese crostini appetizer recipe skills!

Now, tell me! What is your favorite easy appetizer recipe to serve at a party? Be sure to share in the comments!

Caprese Crostini

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• Author: Amanda - Jasper and Willow
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

This caprese crostini appetizer recipe takes everything that you love about caprese salad, and elevates it to the next level. With creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and the most amazing balsamic reduction. This simple party appetizer will be a crowd favorite for sure!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf Italian Bread or Baguette
• 1/2 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 16 oz Mozzarella, shredded or sliced
• 5–6 Tomatoes (sliced)
• 1 bunch Fresh Basil (chiffonade, chopped, or torn)
• 3 cups Balsamic Vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Heat balsamic vinegar on low heat, and maintain a light simmer.
3. Slice bread into toast points.
4. Drizzle EVOO on each toast point.
5. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on each toast point.
6. Add mozzarella to each toast point, and top with sliced tomatoes.
7. Bake toast points for about 10 minutes.
8. Cook balsamic reduction until it reaches a syrup like consistency.
9. Top toast points with basil, and a heavy handed drizzle of the balsamic reduction. Enjoy!

Notes

You can use either fresh mozzarella balls, or shredded mozzarella. Both will work well for this recipe!

This caprese crostini recipe is super flexible, and family friendly. Feel free to omit ingredients, or swap ingredients to fit even the pickiest of eaters taste buds!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 234
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 7g

Keywords: caprese recipe, caprese appetizer, caprese crostini, caprese crostini appetizer recipe