Caprese Toasts

Inspiration: Giada
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

Makes: about 30 slices

Description: To me these ingredients are the holy trinity. Cheese, tomato, basil.....my mouth is watering right now. We like to toast the bread and then add the toppings. It is easily done without the toast and makes an awesome side salad or appetizer.

Ingredients

1 loaf baguette, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar

Salt & fresh ground pepper

5 Roma tomatoes, sliced

1 1/4 pounds fresh mozzarella, sliced

1 bunch fresh basil leaves, stemmed

balsamic vinegar for drizzling
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Arrange the sliced baguette bread on a baking sheet.

3. Brush the sliced baguette with some of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake until the bread is slightly golden and crisp, about 5 minutes and remove from the oven.

5. Top each baguette slice with a slice of mozzarella.

6. Return the baking sheet to the oven to warm the cheese, about 5 minutes.
7. Arrange the toasts on a serving platter.

8. Top each toast with tomato and basil.

9. Using a brush, drizzle the remaining olive oil or balsamic over the basil.
10. Sprinkle the toasts with salt and pepper.

Tips and Tricks 

I don't always heat the mozzarella. Sometimes I just toast the baguette slices and right before a party I put the dish together.

It is important to season the toast to get a robust flavor.