Capture the vibrant flavors of the season with these irresistible Taste of Summer Caprese Melts! This quick and easy recipe combines golden, garlic-toasted ciabatta bread with juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all topped off with a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze. Broiled to bubbling perfection in just minutes, these open-faced melts are a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or party snack. With its fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is the ultimate way to savor summerβs bounty in every bite.
Preheat your ovenβs broiler to high.
Slice the ciabatta loaf into four even sections and cut each section in half lengthwise, creating 8 pieces. Place the bread pieces on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Lightly drizzle the cut sides of the bread with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toast the bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until lightly golden and crisp. Remove from oven.
Peel and finely mince the garlic clove. While the bread is still warm, gently rub each piece with the minced garlic to infuse it with flavor.
Cut the heirloom tomatoes into 8 slices. Place one tomato slice on each bread piece, sprinkling lightly with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Layer a fresh basil leaf on top of each tomato slice, followed by a slice of fresh mozzarella.
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the mozzarella. Place the baking sheet back under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the Caprese melts cool slightly, about 1 minute.
Drizzle each melt with balsamic glaze and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with extra basil leaves for presentation.
Calories |
2090 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.2 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.2 g | 161% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 3992 mg | 174% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 243.8 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.9 g | ||
| Protein | 92.8 g | 186% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1685 mg | 130% | |
| Iron | 12.8 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 1554 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.