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Home / Appetizers

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta Caprese

4.75
/5
8 minutes minutes
80 Comments
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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 07/22/2015

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

Pop quiz… when you go out to eat at an Italian restaurant, what’s your favorite appetizer to order?  My husband and I order bruschetta, just about every time.  We love it!  There’s just something about the simplicity of the ingredients, yet they really “pop” in your mouth.

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

Now what’s better than some bruschetta?  Some bruschetta caprese!  All the flavors you know and love in a bruschetta, with the added richness of the creamy fresh mozzarella and deep flavors of the balsamic glaze.  You simply won’t be able to eat just one, I guarantee it!

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

Of course, if you wanted to, you could skip the mozzarella cheese component, or skip the whole caprese thing all together and just go with the fresh tomato and basil topping.  Seriously, you can’t go wrong!

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

But you know I just had to go for that balsamic glaze… it’s like balsamic candy!

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

Now, you guys know I like love am obsessed with garlic.  And you may be looking at these pictures and remembering a bruschetta you had somewhere that had garlic in it, and then wondering why I, of all people, would make a bruschetta recipe with no garlic in it!  Well it’s actually in there… I was just sneaky with it 😉

As much as I love garlic, I don’t really want to bite down on a piece of raw garlic, and also didn’t want to take the time to saute anything.  So here’s what I did… I sliced my baguette and drizzled them with a little olive oil, and broiled them for a few minutes until they were golden brown.

Then I peeled a couple cloves of garlic and sliced off just the top of the peeled clove.  While the bread was still pretty hot from the broiler, I rubbed the cut garlic all over each slice.  The heat sort of melts the garlic and it melts all in the nooks and crannies of the baguette slice.

Now there’s amazing garlic flavor in every bite, but no chunks of raw garlic!

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

Hint hint… this trick is a great way to make garlic bread too!

Now I don’t know about you guys… but I can make an entire meal out of bruschetta.  It also makes a terrific appetizer, side dish, snack, lunch, etc.

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

I’ve made this recipe with just about every type of tomato I can, and my personal favorite is the heirloom tomatoes.  The flavor is just so much more pronounced!  But a very close second, are red and yellow cherry (or grape) tomatoes.  They have more of a “snap” to them, so the tomato flavor really bursts in your mouth.

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

I served these as a side dish/appetizer to go with my lemon chicken piccata, but it would be awesome with some stuffed Italian flank steak, slow cooker spaghetti bolognese, or have an appetizer night and serve them with some Italian sausage stuffed mushrooms!

The Chunky Chef | Classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

This bite is for you!

The Chunky Chef | A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

The Chunky Chef | Classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta Caprese

4.75 from 8 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes minutes
(hover over # to adjust)
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A recipe for classic bruschetta gets a gourmet twist by using sweet heirloom tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with a decadent balsamic reduction glaze!

Ingredients

  • 1 french baguette I used a whole wheat baguette
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • 2-3 cloves garlic peeled and just the very top of the cloves sliced off
  • 2 heirloom tomatoes diced
  • leaves Several fresh basil minced
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
  • in Balsamic reduction glaze I use the one mentioned this post but you could make your own as well, for drizzling

Instructions

  • Turn on broiler to HIGH.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set aside.
  • Chop up tomatoes, basil and mozzarella and set aside.
  • Slice baguette either straight across or at an angle for a longer slice of bread. Arrange slices on prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
  • Broil for a few minutes, until golden brown. Be careful, bread can burn FAST!
  • When the bread is toasted, take your peeled garlic cloves and rub it all over the hot bread.
  • Top with a mixture of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
  • Drizzle on the balsamic glaze and enjoy!

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

** To make your own balsamic glaze: Add 1 cup balsamic vinegar and a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar to a small saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over MED-HIGH heat, then lower heat to LOW and simmer for 10-15 minutes. It's finished when the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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4.75 from 8 votes (1 rating without comment)

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  1. Stephanie says

    Posted on 7/31 at 3:16 pm

    How gorgeous and delicious is this! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! This post has been pinned on the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! I love having you and can’t wait to see you next week!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 8/1 at 11:17 pm

      Thank you Stephanie!! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Gin says

    Posted on 7/30 at 10:37 pm

    I’m so making this for a party I’m having next month! Perfect. Your pics are delicious btw!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 8/1 at 11:06 pm

      Thank you SO much Gin!! That’s awesome you’re making it for the party, I hope you all LOVE it 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jennifer A Stewart says

    Posted on 7/28 at 10:53 am

    Bruschetta is such a great appetizer because you can add so many things to the tops! I love the freshness of the heirloom tomatoes in summertime and the creaminess of the cheese and the bite of the basil! Thanks for linking up to Saucy Saturdays!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/29 at 10:14 pm

      Thanks Jennifer!! I agree with you, there are SO many bruschetta options… I never get tired of it 🙂

      Reply
  4. Fareeha says

    Posted on 7/28 at 4:48 am

    This looks so amazing and delicious.. Loving all the colors in it

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/28 at 8:28 am

      Thank you Fareeha!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Amy @ Feeding Finn says

    Posted on 7/28 at 4:31 am

    Looks delicious. Your photos are fab and look so fresh. #tryabitetuesdays

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/28 at 8:28 am

      Thank you so much Amy!! 😀

      Reply
  6. Seedy Lawyer says

    Posted on 7/27 at 11:32 pm

    Great minds think alike! I had a similar post on my blog this week. (I think your pictures are better:)) Cant beat a heirloom tomato, especially with that killer glaze! Yum! Cheers 🙂

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/28 at 8:27 am

      Thank you!! I don’t know, I love your pictures, especially the ones of all the different homegrown tomatoes 😀

      Reply
  7. Carlee @cookingwithcarlee says

    Posted on 7/27 at 9:56 pm

    That looks as beautiful as it is delicious! The balsamic reduction really makes it pop.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/28 at 8:26 am

      Thank you Carlee!! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Miz Helen says

    Posted on 7/27 at 2:39 pm

    Oh yes this Bruschetta would have my name on it, awesome! Hope you are having a fantastic day and we are so excited that you shared your post with Full Plate Thursday.
    Thanks so much and Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/28 at 8:25 am

      Thank you Miz Helen!! Enjoy your Tuesday 😀

      Reply
  9. Petra says

    Posted on 7/27 at 1:17 pm

    I know I am late to the party but I sure hope there are some left for me! I just adore heirloom tomatoes and like you, I love garlic and it is so perfect with tomatoes! Thank you for bringing this to Fiesta Friday! So yummy 🙂

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/28 at 8:24 am

      Thanks Petra!! I’m actually making this for lunch today, so there will be plenty to share 😉

      Reply
  10. Sandy Sandmeyer says

    Posted on 7/26 at 8:44 pm

    I love heirloom tomatoes and love caprese! And garlic? Of course! Thanks for sharing your recipe at the #AnythingGoes Link Party.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/28 at 8:20 am

      We sound very alike Sandy! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Karly says

    Posted on 7/25 at 5:53 pm

    Wish I was having this now! So perfect for summer. Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/26 at 2:41 pm

      Thanks Karly!! 😀

      Reply
  12. Diane says

    Posted on 7/25 at 2:52 pm

    This recipe looks perfect for our homegrown tomatoes, Amanda! Found you at FBC and the #SaucySaturdays Link party. So pretty and perfect for summer. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 3:02 pm

      Thanks so much Diane!! Homegrown tomatoes are so amazing, I’m hoping I can grow some next year 🙂

      Reply
  13. Elizabeth says

    Posted on 7/25 at 12:13 pm

    These look great (good photography too!). I am coming to appreciate the joys of good vinegar! I will be giving these a try.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 3:01 pm

      Thank you Elizabeth!! I hope you love them as much as we do 😀

      Reply
  14. Byron Thomas says

    Posted on 7/25 at 9:39 am

    Amanda, everything you make looks absolutely gorgeous! I love, love, love your blog. Looking forward to the next post! Cheers!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 3:00 pm

      Byron, you are SO sweet, thank you so much!! 😀 I made your caramel brownies last night and they are ahhh-mazing!

      Reply
  15. swayam says

    Posted on 7/25 at 9:09 am

    These look so so dreamy Amanda.. makes you want to reach in and grab one! ANd guess what?? I just had wine roasted mushroom bruschettas too 🙂
    Go and check the SS link.. You have been FEATURED!! We LOVED your Hawaiin sliders…
    Thanks so much for an amazing dish and for linking up at #SaucySaturdays 🙂

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 2:57 pm

      Ahhh thank you so much for featuring my Hawaiian Sliders and for the compliments on this bruschetta Swayam!! Oh wow, those wine roasted mushroom bruschettas sound divine!!

      Reply
  16. Howie Fox says

    Posted on 7/25 at 7:55 am

    Wow, these photos look amazing! The recipe is awesome too. When I lived in Spain I found out about using garlic as a spread, what a brilliant idea!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 2:56 pm

      Thank you so much Howie!! Ohhh wow, I’m sure living in Spain was just beyond amazing 😀

      Reply
  17. Claudia | Gourmet Project says

    Posted on 7/25 at 7:04 am

    #inlovewithbruschetta! Hurray for bruschetta nights (yes, only bruschetta)!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 2:55 pm

      Lol, you sound just like me Claudia! Bruschetta nights are the best nights 🙂

      Reply
  18. Whitney says

    Posted on 7/25 at 1:26 am

    Love the “hidden” garlic technique! and your photos are beautiful! Thanks for sharing. My mouth is watering!!!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 2:54 pm

      Thanks so much Whitney!! I use that garlic technique on just about any bread 🙂

      Reply
  19. Faye Wilkerson says

    Posted on 7/25 at 1:25 am

    This looks delicious. Nothing beats the flavor of summer tomatoes.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 2:53 pm

      Thanks so much Faye!! I agree, summer tomatoes just can’t be beat 😀

      Reply
  20. Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says

    Posted on 7/24 at 8:09 pm

    I love bruschetta, this looks awesome! Absolutely love the garlic trick too!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 7/25 at 2:51 pm

      Thanks so much Michelle!! I think I picked the garlic trick up from watching a random show on the food network years ago, and instantly fell in love 🙂

      Reply
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