Caprese Toast

This Caprese Toast is easy to make with juicy summer tomatoes, fresh vegan mozzarella, garlic, basil finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect healthy breakfast, snack, lunch or appetizer using fresh seasonal ingredients.

Updated June 2023

Caprese Toast

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad with a delightful twist. This Caprese Toast recipe is a refreshing and nourishing twist on the classic appetizer and combines the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, all atop a crunchy slice of toast. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser and makes the perfect appetizer or snack for using up summer tomatoes.

What is Caprese?

Caprese is a traditional Italian salad that typically consists of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.

Ingredients you need

• Rustic Sourdough (or crusty rustic loaf of choice): We like Bread Srsly, AWGBakery or California Country Gal for grain-free.
• Dairy-free (or regular) fresh mozzarella: Creamy and delicate, fresh mozzarella complements the tomatoes perfectly. It adds a rich, savory flavor and a creamy texture to the dish. We like Violife Cashew Milk Mozzarella but feel free to use your favorite brand of your choice.
• Baby spinach
• Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the star of this recipe. They add a burst of freshness and are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves: Fragrant basil leaves lend an aromatic touch and enhance the overall flavor profile. Plus, basil contains essential oils with potential health benefits.
• Balsamic glaze 
• Avocado oil or olive oil, for toasting the bread

How to make Caprese Toast

• Toast the bread: Drizzle the bread with some olive oil and toast the bread on a skillet over low-medium heat, until lightly golden on both sides or to your liking. Rub the cut end of the garlic all over the toast.
• Add toppings:
  • Top the toast with 2 slices of the fresh mozzarella.
  • Arrange the spinach neatly on top (use more or less as needed).
  • Layer 2 slices of tomato (or as many as needed) over the spinach and season with salt, black pepper and chili oil / chili flakes.
  • Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil (plus one whole basil leave) along with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Serve and enjoy: Cut the toast in half and enjoy.

Tips for Success:

• Choose high-quality ingredients: Since this recipe relies on simple flavors, it’s crucial to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients. Opt for ripe and flavorful tomatoes, fragrant basil, and the best-quality mozzarella you can find.
• Toast the bread to perfection: Toast your bread slices until they reach a golden-brown hue. This step adds a satisfying crunch to the Caprese Toast while ensuring that the flavors meld together harmoniously.

Variations

1. Avocado Caprese-Inspired Toast: Add sliced avocado or mash onto the toast.
2. Pesto Toast: Spread some pesto over the toast.
3. Prosciutto Toast: Add some prosicutto or deli-meat of choice.
4. Grilled Toast: Toast your bread on an outdoor grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Appetizer: Caprese Toast is a fantastic appetizer that can be served at dinner parties or social gatherings. Arrange the toasts on a platter and garnish with additional basil leaves for an elegant presentation.
2. Brunch: Caprese Toast is a delicious option for a leisurely weekend brunch. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
3. Light Lunch: Enjoy Caprese Toast as a light and refreshing lunch option. Pair it with a side salad, such as mixed greens or arugula, dressed with a light vinaigrette. This combination offers a satisfying and wholesome meal.
4. Picnic or Potluck: Pack Caprese Toast for a picnic or potluck gathering. Prepare the toasts in advance, and assemble them just before serving to keep the bread crisp. They are easy to transport and are sure to impress your fellow picnickers or potluck participants.
5. Party Platter: If you’re hosting a larger event or celebration, consider creating a Caprese Toast platter. Arrange the toasts on a large serving tray and garnish them with fresh basil leaves. This visually appealing platter will be a hit at any party.
6. Snack or Light Bite: Craving a quick and flavorful snack? Caprese Toast is an excellent option. Prepare a few toasts and enjoy them as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a light bite between meals.

Storage and Freezer Instructions:

If you have any leftovers or want to prepare this recipe in advance, here are some storage tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store the assembled Caprese Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, note that the bread may become slightly less crispy.
2. Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the individual components separately. Freeze the tomato slices and basil leaves in airtight containers, and the mozzarella in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and assemble when ready to serve.

More summer tomato recipes you will love:

Tomato Grilled Cheese

Fresh Tomato Salsa

5 from 1 vote

Print

Caprese Toast

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

This Caprese Toast is easy to make with juicy summer tomatoes, fresh vegan mozzarella, garlic, basil finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It's the perfect healthy breakfast, snack, lunch or appetizer using fresh seasonal ingredients.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: caprese toast

Servings: 1 serving

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• Olive oil or avocado oil for toasting the bread
• 1 slice of rustic gluten-free Sourdough (or crusty rustic loaf of choice. We like Bread Srsly, AWG Bakery, California Country Gal or Base Culture.)
• 1 whole clove garlic peeled and tip cut off (to rub over the toast)
• 2- oz dairy-free fresh mozzarella (about 2 round slices) (we like Violife Cashew Milk Mozzarella or fave brand of your choice. Regular Mozzarella works if not dairy-free)
• Handful of baby spinach about ¼ cup
• 2 slices of medium tomatoes red Heirloom tomatoes if possible but if not then any medium tomatoes
• Kosher salt or sea salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Red pepper chili oil or red pepper chili garlic flakes to taste
• 2 fresh basil leaves 1 thinly sliced and 1 whole (for garnish)
• 1-2 tsp balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt or sea salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Drizzle the bread with some olive oil and toast the bread on a skillet over low-medium heat, until lightly golden on both sides or to your liking.
2. Rub the cut end of the garlic all over the toast.
3. Top the toast with 2 slices of the fresh mozzarella.
4. Arrange the spinach neatly on top (use more or less as needed).
5. Layer 2 slices of tomato (or as many as needed) over the spinach and season with salt, black pepper and chili oil / chili flakes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil (plus one whole basil leave) along with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
6. Cut the toast in half and enjoy.

Recipe Video

Disclaimer: This updated post was generated on June 8, 2023 by ChatGPT, an AI language model, and all info should be reviewed and validated by a human for accuracy and relevancy before implementation.