Deconstructed Bruschetta with Mozzarella

Using quality ingredients of fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese on top of a homemade toasted baguette slice, this deconstructed bruschetta with mozzarella recipe is all about classic flavors for the perfect appetizer.

This is one of my favorite light and healthy appetizers that we love to bring to holiday parties to offset heavy dips and other party platters. This deconstructed bruschetta with mozzarella recipe also makes great appetizers for before dinner. Tasty but not too filling.

How to make Basil, Tomato, and Mozzarella Bruschetta

The key to any basic bruschetta recipe is good-quality ingredients. Having crisp basil leaves and fresh tomatoes and sliced mozzarella is important in giving this dish its classic and authentic flavors.

Ingredients

For Toasted Baguette Slices:

• 1- 16 ounce loaf of French baguette
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Bruschetta:

• 16 basil leaves
• 16 ounces of sliced mozzarella
• 2-3 medium to large tomatoes
  • I like to use tomatoes on the vine. They seem to be about the perfect size sliced and not too juicy.
• Balsamic Galze as garnish
• sea salt

Directions

First, slice the baguette and tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick slices. Then it’s best to make the Toasted Baguette Slices first and then construct the bruschetta while the baguette is baking.

Toasted Baguette Slices

Mix the olive oil and garlic powder in a small bowl. Next place the baguette slices on a rimmed, non-stick baking sheet in a single layer. Then taking a pastry brush, brush the oil over each baguette slice. Make sure to stir the oil and garlic powder occasionally as you go to evenly reincorporate the garlic powder.

Finally, bake the baguette slices at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until you see the baguette slices browned to your preference. Hint: I bake these for the full 20 minutes when I want them to be extra crispy under bruschetta.

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Making a Modern Deconstructed Bruschetta Appetizer

While the baguette slices are toasting, layer the tomato, mozzarella, and basil. First, put down a single tomato slice on a cutting board and top it with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Then garnish that with a basil leaf. Cut the circle in half and place each half on a serving tray. Repeat until you have used all the sliced mozzarella. Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt.

Once the toasted baguette slices are cooled, arrange them around the outside of your serving tray. Just before serving take the basil, mozzarella, tomato stack and place it on top of a toasted baguette slice. Lightly drizzle balsamic glaze on top and enjoy this deconstructed bruschetta with mozzarella.

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Serve this appetizer tray with extra balsamic glaze and olive oil for dipping and extra flavor if desired.

More Dinner Party Dishes

If you like bruschetta try this salad! Juicy Roma tomatoes, dried basil, and mozzarella all layered on a bed of fresh spinach with a delightful homemade balsamic vinaigrette on top is this Balsamic Tomato Salad recipe. This spinach salad is a just handful of ingredients that come together to make a simple and savory salad.

How about an easy main dish? Tender manicotti noodles stuffed with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses and traditional pesto topped with a red spaghetti sauce is this Easy Baked Manicotti recipe!

Party Potatoes are always a hit! The ooey-gooey goodness of sour cream, cream of celery soup, cheddar cheese and hash browns melted together by hours of slow cooking makes these crockpot party potatoes a win at your next gathering.

One more easy and foolproof appetizer: Melted swiss cheese and warm ham sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls covered in a savory butter sauce that’s all toasted to perfection is this Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.