Description
Boo-Schetta is a fun and ghostly twist on classic Caprese bruschetta, featuring grape tomatoes and fresh basil tossed in a flavorful olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing, served on toasted French bread and topped with ghost-shaped fresh mozzarella cheese slices for a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for Halloween or any spooky gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Ghosts
- 8 ounce package sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
Bread and Toasting
- 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 ghost mozzarella: Preheat oven to 350°F. Press a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese into each cavity of the ghost silicone mold placed on a baking sheet. Bake for six minutes to soften the cheese. Remove from oven and press softened cheese into mold using a tart tamper, paper towel, or spoon. Remove excess moisture with a paper towel and allow to cool to room temperature. Carefully remove ghost-shaped mozzarella. Repeat with remaining slices.
- Toast the French bread: Preheat oven to 450°F and line a half-sheet pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Cut the French bread diagonally into half-inch slices. Arrange slices on pan and brush top side with olive oil. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove, flip slices, brush opposite side with olive oil, and bake another 5 to 6 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Make the dressing: Combine remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a small jar with a lid. Secure lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare Caprese topping: In a medium bowl, combine diced grape tomatoes and thinly sliced basil. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Boo-Schetta: Arrange toasted French bread slices on a serving platter. Using a slotted spoon, top each toast with a generous spoonful of the Caprese tomato and basil mixture. Drizzle each with balsamic glaze, then top each with one ghost-shaped mozzarella slice. Use additional balsamic glaze to fill the eyes and mouths of the ghost mozzarella for a spooky effect. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Boo-Schetta offers a seasonal and spooky makeover on the traditional Caprese bruschetta by shaping the mozzarella into ghost forms for a fun presentation.
- Using fresh mozzarella slices softened and molded enhances the texture and appearance compared to traditional mozzarella pearls.
- For best results, make sure to dry excess moisture from the cheese after baking to avoid soggy bites.
- Basil leaves should be cut thinly to distribute flavor evenly through the Caprese topping.
- Yield makes approximately 15 individual Boo-Schetta servings, perfect for a party appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Boo-Schetta
- 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
