Happy Monday and New Year Friends! We love making appetizers from time to time. Here is a classic Neapolitan dish (aka the caprese salad) simply turned into caprese crostini bites!
So easy to make, they're effortless! You 'll be glad to know you can make them just minutes before your guests arrive.
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese similar to the fresh Buffalo mozzarella, only it's creamier with a rich and creamy texture inside. Burrata is so creamy, it melts in your mouth with every bite. So incredibly light and delicious, you might run out, so make extra. Some of my family members love the buttery center of the Burrata cheese so much, they smear it on bread and eat it alone.
Burrata can be easily found in most gourmet shops, but if you can't find it, you can easily make these caprese bites with fresh (Buffalo) mozzarella. Either way, both mozzarella cheeses turn out wonderful.
We love making these caprese crostini bites all year long. When I came across the mini heirloom cherry tomatoes at the market, I knew they would work perfectly for my appetizer. In fact I made these again the other night for my family, and finally had the chance to photograph them. If you plan on having a larger soiree, just remember to buy extra Burrata cheese.
Not only were they delicious, they made a pretty colorful presentation!
Hope you spent your holidays with family and friends. We wish you new blessings in 2016!
Enjoy!
Burrata Caprese Crostini Bites
- 1 container of Burrata cheese, sliced into thin slices
- 1 container of mixed heirloom cherry tomatoes, sliced into thirds
- 1 loaf rustic bread, sliced
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large cloves of garlic
- 5 to 6 leaves of fresh basil - chopped
- salt and fresh cracked pepper
Slice bread and toast the bread in a toaster or oven until golden brown.
In a small glass, pour some extra virgin olive oil.
Working with each slice of bread, one at a time, lightly spoon some olive oil over
the bread, and rub it over the bread with the back of the spoon. Take a clove of garlic and run it up and down the bread. Place a slice of Burrata cheese on top, then sliced cherry tomatoes and transfer to a serving platter.
Repeat with each slice of bread needed. (Keep in mind, the amount of bread you will need will be determined on the amount of Burrata cheese you slice). Sprinkle lightly over the crostini's with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Scatter on top with fresh chopped basil. Serve.
Quick Tip: If you make these ahead of time, cover lightly with foil wrap and set aside in a cool place until you are ready to serve. Do not refrigerate (this will cause the bread to get soggy).
Yields: 4 to 6 crostini bites, or more (depending on the size)
