Grandpa Joe's
Bruschetta Caprese

This will wow your family and guests.

About this recipe

Tomatoes are at their very best right off the vine.  I can't think of a better dish for enjoying fresh tomatoes than this one – particularly during those precious few weeks (in Michigan, at least) when they are readily available.  Add some fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and extra-virgin olive oil and you're good to go!

Ingredients

  • crusty bread
  • garlic cloves
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • freshly picked tomatoes, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • fresh basil leaves
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Slice the crusty bread about ¾-inch thick.  Toast or grill on both sides. 
  2. While the bread is still hot, rub both sides with the garlic clove. 
  3. Arrange the slices in one layer on a large platter, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and cheese.  Add a quarter cup of olive oil and mix gently.
  5. Spread the tomatoes and cheese over the bread slices.  Tear basil leaves over the tomatoes and cheese.  Drizzle again with olive oil.
  6. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground pepper over the tomatoes and cheese seconds before serving!
Bruschetta Caprese.

Notes

  • Be sure to use your very best extra virgin olive oil for this one.
Posted: March 2014.