Why settle for boring snacks when you can have something sensational? Tomato Crostini with Olive and Mozzarella are flavorful and easy to make. This sophisticated dish is perfect for an appetizer party or the start of a fabulous meal. So, enjoy the rich flavors and textures of the Mediterranean right in your home.
A Great Appetizer: Tomato Crostini with Olive and Mozzarella
There is nothing better than a simple, easy-to-make recipe like crostini. You can whip up a batch in no time for that impromptu get-together. Tomato Crostini with olive and Mozzarella is a real showstopper. The colorful toppings on crispy toasted bread will have your guests wanting more.
The star ingredient of this dish is oven-dried tomatoes. These flavorful treats are a staple in Italian cuisine. Their robust flavor complements the salty olives and the creamy mozzarella.
I served this appetizer at my last party. It was a huge hit. It is fascinating how much flavor you can get from something so simple. My guests were dying to know how to make them and demanded the recipe! It is as simple as pieces of bread topped with delicious ingredients.
Oven Dried Tomatoes
Oven-dried tomatoes are a flavorful and concentrated version of fresh tomatoes. To make these delectable treats, preheat the oven to 200°.
Choose ripe, firm tomatoes. The preferred variety is Roma or plum because they have a lower water content. Slice the tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Remove the seeds and excess moisture to aid the drying process.
Next, arrange the tomato pieces spaced apart on baking sheets. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Optionally, minced garlic or a dusting of sugar can enhance the taste.
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Let the tomatoes slowly dry for 6-8 hours or until they reach a leathery, chewy texture. Check on them occasionally, and rotate the trays if necessary.
Slow-drying tomatoes intensify the taste. The result is a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor profile. The tomatoes take on a candy-like texture.
Once dried, store the tomatoes in an airtight container with olive oil for an extended shelf life. Use them in salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a flavorful topping for pizzas. Their intense taste makes oven-dried tomatoes a versatile ingredient for many recipes.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 baguette cut into ½” slices
Tomatoes:
- 2-lbs. ripe tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Flavored Oil:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3-minced garlic cloves
Tomato Mixture:
- Sun-Dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- Flavored oil
Assembly:
- 8-oz. sliced mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Make the Tomatoes:
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
- Place tomato halves, cut side up, in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 6-8 hours.
- Remove and let cool.
- Slice tomato into strips.
Flavor the Oil:
- Over medium heat, add oil and garlic to a saucepan.
- Cook just long enough to warm the oil.
- Remove from the heat.
- Let the garlic sit and steep in the heated oil.
Make the Tomato Mixture:
- Mix olives, tomato, garlic, and flavored oil in a medium bowl.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes so all the flavors come together.
Prepare the Crostini:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Put sliced bread on a baking sheet and bake until lightly brown.
- Remove and lightly brush each slice of bread with some oil from the tomato mixture.
Assemble the Crostini:
- Set the oven to broil.
- Place a mozzarella slice on the bread.
- Broil to melt the cheese.
- Add a spoonful of the tomato mixture to each slice of bread.
Tomato Crostini Recipe Tips
Tomato Crostini with Olive and Mozzarella is a great appetizer. This irresistible appetizer is easy to make and packs a punch of flavor. Of course, there are tips and tricks to help you make the most delicious crostini.
Tomatoes:
The tomatoes are the star of this recipe. Make sure you choose good quality ones. Store-bought varieties come packed in oil for the best flavor. But get adventurous and make them at home. This recipe has instructions for making dried tomatoes in the oven.
Olives:
There are many varieties of olives. Use your favorite. I love Kalamata olives or Castelvetrano for this recipe. Make sure they are pitted and sliced.
Cheese:
For the cheese, use fresh, high-quality buffalo mozzarella. Slice it thin or shred it so it melts well.
Crostini:
Now, for the crostini. French bread or a baguette is a perfect choice. These are hearty and crispy. Brush thin slices with olive oil. Toast the bread until golden brown. Rub a garlic clove on the surface for extra flavor.
Seasoning:
For the seasonings, select herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. Drizzle them with good balsamic vinegar or a glaze.
Serving:
You can serve this crostini cold. But, if you want to take it to the next level, place them under the broiler. A minute or two will melt the cheese, warm the toppings, and bring it all together.
No matter the occasion, these bites of heaven will not disappoint. They are great for hosting a party, having a picnic, or looking for a quick and easy snack. Gather your ingredients and prepare to be amazed. Tomato Crostini with Olive and Mozzarella will become your new best friend.
Tomato Crostini Alternatives
Crostini has gained immense popularity in recent times. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and taste make them the most sought-after appetizer. Three ingredients, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella, have great flavors, textures, and aromas. They are sure to please your taste buds.
But what if I told you that there are other delicious crostini that you can make with these ingredients? Experiment with these unique crostini using tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella.
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini:
Spread a generous amount of pesto on the baguette slices. Top it with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives. Add a few cubes of mozzarella cheese and allow it to melt in the oven. The combination will transport your taste buds to Italian heaven.
Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta:
Mix chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and seasoning. Spread the mixture on a mozzarella-topped crostini for a delicious and healthy snack. The marinated flavors of the olives and tomatoes complement each other perfectly.
Mozzarella, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Basil Crostini:
This alternative is perfect for freshness to appetizer platter. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese and a fresh basil leaf on crusty bread. Then, add a mixture of sun-dried tomatoes and olives. These ingredients combine to create flavors and textures that are irresistible.
Mediterranean Crostini:
This recipe incorporates Mediterranean flavors that come together in a delicious bite. Spread goat cheese on the crostini. Then layer roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Maybe add a touch of honey, depending on your taste preferences.
Anchovy Tapenade with Sun-dried Tomatoes:
Sun-dried tomatoes brighten a mix of anchovy, olives, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Combined with a crostini and melted cheese, it results in a flavorful snack. This appetizer is another example of how versatile this appetizer can be.
Here are five clever crostini using sun-dried tomatoes with olives and mozzarella. These crostini are perfect for any party or cozy night at home. Try out these easy-to-make alternatives. Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below.
Other Crostini Recipes
There are many ways to serve crostini. Serve them as an appetizer or snack. They are also a great accompaniment to salad or soup dishes. Here are five other scrumptious crostini you should try soon!
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