Description
Boo-Schetta: Ghostly Caprese Bites offer a spooky yet delicious twist on classic Caprese bruschetta. This recipe features ghost-shaped slices of fresh mozzarella baked to a perfect softness, served atop crispy toasted French bread slices and topped with a vibrant mixture of grape tomatoes, fresh basil, and a flavorful olive oil-balsamic dressing. Perfect for Halloween parties or any festive occasion, these bite-sized treats blend creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors with an eye-catching presentation.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Mozzarella Ghosts
- 8 ounce package sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
Toasted French Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
Dressing and Topping
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pint (10 ounces) grape tomatoes, diced
- 10 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
Instructions
- Prepare Mozzarella Ghosts: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Press a slice of fresh mozzarella into each cavity of a ghost-shaped silicone mold placed on a baking sheet. Bake for six minutes to soften the cheese. Remove and press the softened cheese firmly into the mold using a tart tamper, paper towel, or spoon. Blot excess liquid with a paper towel and allow the cheese to cool to room temperature before carefully removing each ghost shape. Repeat with remaining mozzarella slices.
- Toast French Bread: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and line a half-sheet pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Slice the French bread diagonally into half-inch slices and place them on the pan. Brush the top side with half of the olive oil and bake for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Turn the slices over, brush the other side with the remaining olive oil, and bake for another 5 to 6 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Make Dressing: In a small jar with a lid, combine the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously to blend all ingredients into a smooth dressing.
- Combine Caprese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the diced grape tomatoes and basil strips. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble Boo-Schetta: Arrange the toasted French bread slices on a serving platter. Using a slotted spoon, top each piece with the dressed tomato and basil mixture. Place a ghost-shaped mozzarella slice atop each and drizzle with additional balsamic glaze. Use the glaze to fill the eyes and mouths of the mozzarella ghosts to enhance their spooky appearance. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Boo-Schetta transforms traditional Caprese bruschetta into a festive Halloween treat by using ghost-shaped fresh mozzarella instead of classic mozzarella pearls.
- Pressing the mozzarella into silicone molds and baking softens the cheese, making it easier to shape and handle.
- Using a balsamic glaze for drizzling not only adds extra flavor but also enhances the ghostly visual effect when filling the eyes and mouths.
- For best results, slice the French bread evenly and toast until golden brown on both sides to ensure a crunchy base.
- The recipe yields approximately 15 servings, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Boo-Schetta (1 piece)
- Calories: 157 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 297 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
