This homemade bruschetta caprese (with mozzarella) is a unique twist on your classic Italian bruschetta recipe! With sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella that is baked until melted, it is an easy appetizer your guests will be diving in for!
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Easy Mozzarella Bruschetta
Ahh bruschetta! Cue the Italian music!
Who doesn’t love a good bruschetta recipe?
Doesn’t it just make you want to grab a glass of wine and throw on some Sinatra? (or whatever music gets you going)
I LOVE bruschetta and frankly…I don’t make it enough.
It is such an EASY party appetizer that everyone devours so after this recipe, I am definitely adding it back into my “repertoire” of appetizers.
Especially because THIS bruschetta recipe is the BEST! I love sticking to tradition but when it comes to food, I feel like there is always more to offer.
So I added in a few other ‘non-traditional’ ingredients like chunks of creamy mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes! Think of it like a kicked up caprese salad, ON BREAD!
So What Is Bruschetta Anyway?
Bruschetta is simply, a larger slice of Italian bread that is grilled or charred and often drizzled with olive oil.
Learn more about what bruschetta is!
Now of course we know the ever-popular tomato bruschetta but there are many other kinds like:
- Olive
- Mushroom
- Prosciutto Melon
- Feta Cheese
- Peppers and Onions
- Mozzarella
How Do You Pronounce Bruschetta?
Bruschetta is pronounced ‘Bruws-KEH-ta’!
Not Bruw-SHÈ -ta!
If you look at the spelling, it does not look like a hard ‘k‘ sound but there is one!
Do I personally pronounce it correctly? Ehh, not all the time, but it’s nice to know when you’re at a fancy shmancy Italian restaurant.
What’s The Difference Between Bruschetta and Crostini?
When I think of bruschetta, I immediately think of tomatoes! But little did I know, that is just a TYPE of bruschetta.
Bruschetta (often incorrectly pronounced ‘brushetta’) is made from slicing a larger more ‘rustic’ loaf. Crostini, on the other hand, is made from slicing a smaller baguette.
Here is one of my favorite Crostini recipes!
So larger sliced bread (with some yummy toppings) is called bruschetta.
Read more about the difference between crostini and bruschetta.
How Do You Make Italian Bruschetta?
Your traditional bruschetta recipe is made using the following ingredients:
- tomatoes
- garlic
- olive oil
- fresh basil
- salt & pepper
Other yummy bruschetta topping add-ins:
- garlic
- other fresh herbs
- vinegar (red wine or balamic)
- Parmesan cheese
- capers
- red onions
- feta cheese
- olives
Here is a video showing you how to slice a LARGER LOAF which would be perfect for bruschetta.
< center > < / center >Does Bruschetta Have To Be Served Warm?
Typically no.
But it is optional. Most classic Italian bruschetta recipes do NOT have to be served warm. They are usually served room temperature where the
bruschetta toppings (tomatoes and such) are chilled.
If you are using mozzarella in your bruschetta, then you definitely can warm them or better yet, BROIL them under your oven’s broiler. This will allow the mozzarella to slightly melt giving your guests a creamier consistency.
Is ‘Bruschetta’ The Bread or The Topping?
Bruschetta is the BREAD!
I think we all assume bruschetta is the tomato based topping we typically see HOWEVER it is actually the toasted slice of bread which is used as the ‘vessel’ for the yummy toppings.
If you put the same ingredients (tomatoes, garlic, basil, oil) on top of a smaller slice of bread, it would be called crostini! Not bruschetta crostini! Lol!
What Goes Well With Bruschetta Besides Mozzarella?
Well, since bruschetta is a toasted pieces of Italian bread, really ANYTHING would be amazing on top of it. I would start with rubbing garlic on it for some immediate flavor. Then top it with something tangy, salty and maybe sweet! Fresh herbs are always a plus!
Here are some more of the best bruschetta ideas for your next party!
What Kind of Bread do you Serve with Bruschetta?
The toughest part is finding the bread.
The bread is EVERYTHING.
Do NOT go with just ‘any’ bread. This appetizer is all about the bread. I mean, the name MEANS toasted bread! So search for the best Italian baguette you can get your hands on!
The rest will be easy!
If your looking for another Italian appetizer, try my Antipasto Skewers!
How This Bruschetta Recipe is Unique
Bruschetta does not need to be complicated. All I did was add ONE ingredient and replaced ONE (the fresh tomatoes). Those two unique ingredients are:
Mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes!
This is why I called this bruschetta, ‘caprese’. The mozzarella adds a creaminess to each bite. I chose to use sun dried tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes for TWO reasons:
- They pack more flavor.
- They keep in the pantry for months!
This easy bruschetta recipe is easy and can be whipped up in less than 20 minutes!
Here is another delicious Italian appetizer that is like a deconstructed bruschetta, my Burrata with Roasted Peppers. It uses burrata instead of mozzarella!
Chelsey
Bruschetta is my favorite! These appetizers look so easy and yummy! I’ve never tried using sun dried before but it’s a wonderful idea and I’m sure it adds amazing flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Chelsey! Bruschetta is my fav too!!
We love bruschetta as an easy snack or a light supper. I always have mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes in my fridge and will be making this delicious caprese bruschetta soon! Thanks for sharing!
Me too! Thanks Jas!
Haley Seymour
Yummay in my tummay! I love Bruschetta!! Fresh mozzarella and basil - usually I use fresh tomatoes but can’t wait to try out this recipe using sun dried!