I’ve long been a huge fan of the flavors of caprese, whether it’s in salad form or this crostini caprese. It’s so simple with just a few ingredients, yet they work so well together to make such an incredible appetizer!
Crostini caprese is elegant, fresh, and so gorgeous on or around a charcuterie board. It’s perfect for a dinner party or a simple, delicious snack.

Crostini Caprese takes inspiration from two beloved Italian traditions: the crunchy, toasted bread known as crostini and the timeless Caprese salad.
Caprese, originating from the island of Capri, typically features fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. I prefer to add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or assembling first and setting a small dish of the glaze beside them – but both ways are delicious. Pairing these classic flavors with crispy bread makes for a fantastic appetizer that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this crowd-pleasing recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- baguette
- extra-virgin olive oil
- fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese
- Roma or cherry tomatoes (Roma work best because they’re smaller in diameter and not as juicy as other tomatoes)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you know your guests have dietary restrictions, consider using a gluten-free baguette or a vegan mozzarella. For low-carb, substitute cucumber for the bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s everything you need to know about preparing this simple appetizer! The crostini can be made up to a day in advance and kept in an airtight container.
- Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Toast them in the oven for about 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re lightly browned and crisp (they’ll crisp a bit more as they cool).
- Assemble the Caprese Layers: Once the crostini has cooled slightly, layer each slice with fresh mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and a basil leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle and Serve: Finish each crostini with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if using. Serve immediately.

Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Like all dishes with so few (and fresh) ingredients, choose the highest quality. Summer tomatoes are best, which is why this is such a popular summer appetizer. It’s ideal if you can pick the basil just before assembling, but if not, make sure it’s as fresh as possible.
- Make Ahead: You can toast the crostini up to a day before serving and assemble everything just before your guests arrive.
- Homemade Balsamic Glaze: Making the balsamic glaze yourself is incredibly simple. Simmer balsamic vinegar with a teaspoon of honey or sugar until it reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency. Be careful to remove it from the heat at just the right time, as it will thicken more as it cools.

Serving Suggestions
Crostini Caprese pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Prosecco.
- Charcuterie Board: When adding to a charcuterie board, you can either add a few at a time and replenish as you go, or place them on a separate plate next to the board. These are perfect as part of a grazing table!
- Seasonal Twist: Swap out tomatoes for roasted red peppers in the cooler months for a delicious twist.
Crostini Caprese is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this recipe is easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to be a huge hit at your next gathering.
Buon appetito!

Crostini Caprese
Crostini caprese is sophisticated, flavorful, and a perfect easy appetizer for your next dinner party.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced (or halved bocconcini)
- 2-3 ripe Roma tomatoes (or halved cherry tomatoes)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Toast them in the oven for about 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're lightly browned and crisp (they'll crisp a bit more as they cool).
- Once the crostini has cooled, layer each slice with fresh mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and a basil leaf. Season with salt and pepper
- Finish each crostini with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if using. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 233Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 427mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 10g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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