Love fresh summer recipes like this one? Then you’ve got to try my Zucchini Noodles with Blistered Tomatoes and Pesto and my 15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta!
Homemade Caprese Crostini with Blistered Tomatoes and Smoked Mozzarella
This appetizer sounds a lot more complicated than it is. That’s what I love about it! It’s as impressive as it is delicious. Plus, it comes together in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, or game nights! It begins with a loaf of crusty Italian bread, some fresh tomatoes, basil and my favorite smoked mozzarella cheese. If you have trouble finding smoked mozzarella you can always substitute regular mozzarella. (Although, it’s totally worth the effort to track it down.) It has all of the flavors of summer I love rolled onto one piece of toast!
Why You Should Be Blistering Your Cherry Tomatoes
Searing the cherry tomatoes in a hot pan gives them a nice caramelization on the outside and makes the sweet tomatoes savory. To blister the tomatoes simply add a bit of olive oil to a cast iron skillet over high heat. When the pan is nice and hot add in the tomatoes and cook until they are nice and caramelized on the outside and soft to the touch. They make an awesome side dish, too.
Don’t Forget the Homemade Pesto and Balsamic Reduction!
To save some time you can always use store-bought pesto, but I highly recommend making your own from scratch. If you don’t have basil or pine nuts, feel free to substitute different herbs and nuts. The best thing about this pesto is that you will have some leftover to keep in the fridge or freeze. And you can’t have a caprese dish without the balsamic reduction. It pulls everything together with a bright, flavorful bite. It is simply balsamic vinegar and brown sugar simmered down until it’s reduced by half and nice and thick. it’s the perfect way to marry together all the different flavors and elements of this Caprese Crostini!
How To Make Homemade Caprese Crostini
Add olive oil to a large cast iron skillet over high heat to sear the tomatoes until they are caramelized on the outside and tender, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Broil sliced bread for 2-3 minutes in a single layer on a baking sheet until crispy (but not overly dry). Assemble the Caprese Crostinis by spooning some pesto onto each piece of toast, then adding a slice of cheese before broiling again until the cheese has melted. Then, remove from the oven and top with the blistered tomatoes and a heavy drizzle of the balsamic reduction. Garnish with extra fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
