This Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Bruschetta is a vibrant, fresh appetizer featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. It’s a colorful, flavorful bite perfect for entertaining or a light snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal prep.
Fresh flavor burst: Ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy cheese, and aromatic basil make a perfect flavor trio.
Versatile appetizer: Ideal for parties, casual get-togethers, or a light starter.
Customizable: Add garlic, other cheeses, or different herbs to suit your taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cherry tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
Fresh basil leaves
Extra‑virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar or glaze
Fresh garlic (optional)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Crusty baguette or crostini (optional base)

directions

Prep the ingredients: Halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella. Very finely mince garlic if using.
Combine components: In a mixing bowl, gently toss tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves (torn or chopped), garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar or glaze.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
Assemble: Spoon the mixture onto toasted baguette slices or in a bowl for a bruschetta dip.
Serve: Garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 appetizer portions or 12 crostini
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes (toasting optional)
Total time: 10 minutes (plus 5 minutes to toast if using crostini)

Variations

Cheese swap: Replace mozzarella with burrata, feta, or fresh ricotta.
Herb focus: Add chopped oregano or thyme in addition to basil.
Garlic intensity: Rub toasted bread with garlic clove before topping if not tossing garlic in.
Heat boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño.
Gluten-free version: Serve on cucumber rounds or gluten-free crackers instead of bread.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store the tomato‑mozzarella mixture undressed (no oil, vinegar, or salt) in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Store crostini separately.
Reheating: Not advisable; best enjoyed fresh to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

What size mozzarella should I use?

Use bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) or ciliegine (even smaller). Halve or quarter to match the cherry tomatoes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—prep the tomato and mozzarella mixture up to an hour ahead to allow flavors to meld. Don’t dress the bread until just before serving.

Is it necessary to toast the bread?

Toasting bread adds crunch and prevents it from becoming soggy. It’s optional but recommended.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes—dice ripe tomatoes and drain excess juice, but cherry tomatoes provide a nicer bite-sized texture.

What balsamic glaze should I use?

Ready-made balsamic glaze works great. You can also reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey until syrupy.

Can I make this vegan?

Replace mozzarella with vegan cheese, omit the cheese, or use marinated tofu cubes for creaminess.

How do I prevent the bread from sogging?

Toast the bread well, and serve the tops immediately after assembling the bruschetta.

What’s the best way to cut the cherry tomatoes?

Slice in half for small or bite-sized portions. If cherries are especially small, quartering works well too.

How can I elevate the flavor?

Add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, aged balsamic, crushed garlic, or fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.

Can I serve this as a salad instead of on bread?

Absolutely—serve the mixture in a bowl garnished with fresh basil for a bruschetta-inspired salad.

Conclusion

The Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Bruschetta is a fresh, elegant appetizer that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for warm days, casual gatherings, or light snacking.

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