Description
Boo-Schetta offers a spooky and delightful twist on classic Caprese bruschetta by featuring ghost-shaped mozzarella cheese bites paired with juicy grape tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing, all served on crispy toasted French bread slices. This fun appetizer is perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Ghosts
- 8 ounce package sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
Bread
- 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 Mozzarella Ghosts: 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 until the cheese softens. Remove from oven and press the softened mozzarella firmly into the mold with a tart tamper, paper towel, or spoon. Use a paper towel to blot away any excess liquid. Let cool to room temperature, then carefully remove each ghost-shaped mozzarella. Repeat with all slices.
- Toast Bread Slices: Preheat oven to 450°F and line a half-sheet pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Cut the French bread loaf diagonally into half-inch thick slices. Arrange slices on the prepared pan and brush the tops with half of the olive oil. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven, flip slices over, brush the other side with remaining olive oil, and return to the oven for another 5 to 6 minutes until evenly golden and crisp.
- Mix 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 tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Caprese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the diced grape tomatoes and thinly sliced basil leaves. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Assemble Boo-Schetta: Arrange the toasted French bread slices on a serving platter. Using a slotted spoon, top each slice with a generous amount of the dressed tomato-basil mixture. Place one ghost-shaped mozzarella slice on top. Drizzle additional balsamic glaze into the mozzarella’s eyes and mouth cavities to create a spooky effect, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Boo-Schetta gives a fun and eerie spin on traditional Caprese bruschetta using ghost-shaped mozzarella instead of typical fresh mozzarella pearls.
- Ensure mozzarella slices are softened properly in the mold to achieve ghost shapes that hold their form.
- Turn the bread slices carefully while toasting to get a crisp texture on both sides.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and aroma in the Caprese mixture.
- Drizzling the balsamic glaze into the ghost features enhances the spooky presentation and adds extra tangy sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Boo-Schetta
- Calories: 157
- 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
