Caprese Tomato Basil Toast

 

Caprese Tomato Basil Toast  

A fresh, bright, and incredibly simple light meal or appetizer highlighting classic Italian flavors on toasted rustic bread. 

Ingredients

• 2 large, ripe tomatoes (sliced for the toast, or diced for a topping variation)

• 1 block (8 oz) whole milk mozzarella cheese (sliced)

• 1 loaf of rustic sourdough or artisan bread, sliced thick

• Fresh basil leaves

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

• Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the Bread: Brush the slices of rustic bread lightly with olive oil. Toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown and crisp on the edges.

2. Melt the Cheese: While the toast is still hot (or return it to the broiler for 1 minute), lay thick slices of mozzarella directly onto the bread so it slightly melts and warms through.

3. Assemble: Layer the fresh tomato slices beautifully over the melted mozzarella.

4. Garnish: Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomatoes.

5. Drizzle and Season: Drizzle the assembled toast generously with extra virgin olive oil and a zig-zag of balsamic glaze. Finish with a hearty pinch of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.