Description
This Halloween Caprese Crostini is a festive twist on the classic Italian appetizer, combining fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on a crunchy French bread base, with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for Halloween parties or year-round entertaining, these bite-sized crostini can be styled as spooky skulls or enjoyed in a traditional way.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella
- 3-4 ounces fresh mozzarella (cherry-sized balls for skull shapes, or slices for classic style)
Balsamic Glaze
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey or maple syrup)
Bread
- 1/2 loaf French bread (preferably small diameter for Halloween version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes (or small diameter tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes for classic version)
- 12 large basil leaves (or 24 medium leaves)
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar (or honey or maple syrup). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the French bread into thin slices, ideally about 1/2 inch thick. For a Halloween twist, choose smaller diameter slices to create a more fitting shape. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Toast the Bread: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the oiled bread slices onto the skillet and toast each side until golden brown and crisp, roughly 1 minute per side. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Slice the Roma tomatoes into thin rounds. If using cherry tomatoes, slice in half. Arrange the fresh mozzarella balls or slices accordingly—use cherry-sized mozzarella balls to mimic skull shapes for Halloween or standard slices for the classic version.
- Assemble the Crostini: On each toasted bread slice, layer a piece of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and a basil leaf or two. For added visual interest, arrange the basil leaves to resemble facial features for the Halloween version.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Spoon or drizzle the balsamic reduction over each assembled crostini generously for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Serve: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures of the crunchy bread and fresh toppings.
Notes
- Classic Caprese flavors on a crunchy base make this crostini a versatile appetizer.
- For Halloween, use smaller bread slices and cherry mozzarella balls to create a skull effect.
- Substitute brown sugar in the balsamic glaze with honey or maple syrup to adjust sweetness.
- Use fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes for best flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
