Description
Boo-Schetta is a spooky, fun twist on the classic Caprese bruschetta, featuring ghost-shaped fresh mozzarella, toasted French bread, and a zesty balsamic dressing tossed with grape tomatoes and fresh basil. Perfect for Halloween parties or festive gatherings, these ghostly Caprese bites combine creamy cheese and vibrant flavors for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 ounce package sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
Bread
- 1 loaf 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
Salad
- 1 pint (10 ounces) grape tomatoes, diced
- 10 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
Instructions
- Soften and mold the mozzarella: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese into each cavity of a ghost silicone mold set on a baking sheet. Bake for six minutes to soften the cheese. Remove from the oven and press the softened cheese firmly into the mold using a tart tamper, paper towel, or spoon. Use a paper towel to blot any excess liquid, then allow to cool to room temperature before carefully removing the shaped ghost mozzarella. Repeat with all slices.
- Toast the bread: Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a half-sheet pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Slice the French bread diagonally into half-inch thick pieces and arrange them on the prepared pan. Brush the tops with half of the olive oil, then bake for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove, flip the slices, brush the other side with remaining olive oil, and bake another 5 to 6 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small jar with a lid, combine the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake well until all ingredients are fully blended.
- Mix the Caprese topping: In a medium bowl, combine the diced grape tomatoes and basil strips. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Assemble the Boo-Schetta: Arrange the toasted bread slices on a serving plate. Using a slotted spoon, top each slice with the Caprese tomato and basil mixture. Place one ghost-shaped mozzarella slice on top of each. For added spooky effect, fill the eyes and mouths of the mozzarella ghosts with additional balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- Boo-Schetta offers a creative and festive twist on traditional Caprese bruschetta by using ghost-shaped fresh mozzarella for a fun presentation.
- The dressing perfectly balances the sweetness of grape tomatoes and the sweetness of balsamic vinegar with savory Italian seasoning.
- Using a silicone mold helps create adorable ghost shapes that are fun and eye-catching for parties, especially around Halloween.
- Be sure to toast the bread slices thoroughly to give a satisfying crunch that holds up under the juicy tomato topping.
- For best flavor, allow the shaped mozzarella ghosts to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting and sogginess.
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
