Description
Boo-Schetta is a spooky and delicious twist on classic Caprese bruschetta, featuring ghost-shaped fresh mozzarella slices baked to perfection and served atop crispy toasted French bread with a flavorful grape tomato and basil mixture dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Ghosts
- 8 ounce package sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
Bread
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
Dressing
- 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
Caprese Mixture
- 1 pint (10 ounces) grape tomatoes, diced
- 10 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
Instructions
- Prepare the mozzarella ghosts: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Press a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese into each cavity of a ghost-shaped silicone mold set on a baking sheet. Bake for six minutes to soften the cheese. Remove from oven, then press the softened cheese firmly into the mold using a tart tamper, paper towel, or spoon to shape it. Use a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Let the ghosts cool to room temperature before carefully removing them from the mold. Repeat with remaining cheese slices.
- Toast the French bread: Increase oven temperature to 450°F and line a half-sheet pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Slice the French bread diagonally into half-inch thick slices and arrange them on the prepared pan. Brush the slices with half of the olive oil. Bake in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Flip the slices, brush the other side with remaining olive oil, and return to the oven for another 5 to 6 minutes until both sides are crisp and golden.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar with a secure lid, combine the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Prepare the Caprese topping: In a medium bowl, combine the diced grape tomatoes and thinly sliced basil strips. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Boo-Schetta: Arrange toasted French bread slices on a serving platter. Using a slotted spoon, top each slice with a generous portion of the Caprese tomato and basil mixture. Place one ghost-shaped mozzarella slice on top of the tomato mixture. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze and fill the ghost eyes and mouths with glaze to enhance the ghost effect. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Boo-Schetta is a creative and festive variation on traditional Caprese bruschetta perfect for Halloween or themed parties.
- Using a ghost-shaped silicone mold elevates the presentation and adds a fun element to the appetizer.
- Ensure to pat dry the mozzarella ghosts after baking to prevent sogginess on the bread.
- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe grape tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
- This recipe yields approximately 15 servings, perfect for a medium-sized gathering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Boo-Schetta (1 serving)
- 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
