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These garlic Caprese crostini melts are a crowd-pleasing appetizer with the classic Caprese flavors of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Finished off with a tangy balsamic drizzle!
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Garlic Caprese Crostini Melts

Fresh and garlicky crostini melts with the classic Caprese flavors of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: caprese crostini
Servings: 12 crostini
Author: Natasha Bull

Ingredients

  • 1 demi baguette or 1/2 standard-sized baguette
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • fresh mozzarella sliced into 12 equal pieces (approx. 12 ounces)
  • 8 ounces (or to taste) assorted tomatoes sliced
  • Handful fresh basil chopped finely
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Balsamic drizzle:

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon liquid honey

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Add olive oil and garlic to a small bowl. 
  • Slice the baguette into 12 approx. 1/2" slices. Arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush the olive oil and garlic mixture onto both sides of each slice. Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add the balsamic vinegar and honey to a small pan. Cook it on medium-high (reduce to medium if it's furiously bubbling) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture easily coats the back of a spoon. It tends to thicken up more as it cools, so make sure you don't overdo it or you'll be left with a stuck-on mess. Set aside. 
  • While your balsamic reduction is cooking, you can slice the tomatoes and chop the basil. 
  • Set your oven's broiler to high and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Add a mozzarella slice to each piece of bread. Broil for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts (watch it closely), taking care not to burn the bread. 
  • Top the crostini with the tomatoes, basil, a drizzle of the balsamic reduction, and some salt and pepper. Serve immediately. 

Notes

  • This recipe is for 12 slices of bread. You can easily double the recipe or adjust if you have more ingredients. 
  • Feel free to use store-bought balsamic glaze if that's easier.