Description
Boo-Schetta is a festive and spooky twist on classic Caprese bruschetta, featuring ghost-shaped fresh mozzarella cheese baked to perfection and served atop toasted French bread slices. This appetizer combines juicy grape tomatoes, fresh basil strips, and a zesty balsamic olive oil dressing for a flavorful, fun treat perfect for Halloween or any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 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
Toppings
- 1 pint (10 ounces) grape tomatoes, diced
- 10 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
Instructions
- Soften Mozzarella: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese into each cavity of a ghost-shaped silicone mold on a baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes to soften. Remove from oven and press cheese firmly into the mold with a tamper, spoon, or paper towel to shape and remove excess liquid. Let cool to room temperature, then carefully remove ghost-shaped mozzarella. Repeat with remaining slices.
- Toast Bread: Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Line a half-sheet pan with nonstick foil. Slice French bread diagonally into ½-inch slices. Arrange on the pan, brush one side with olive oil, and bake for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip slices, brush the other side with olive oil, and bake another 5-6 minutes until toasted and golden.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small jar with a lid, combine remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Secure lid and shake well to emulsify.
- Combine Toppings: In a medium bowl, toss the diced grape tomatoes and basil strips with the prepared dressing until evenly coated.
- Assemble Boo-Schetta: Arrange toasted French bread slices on a serving platter. Using a slotted spoon, top each slice with the tomato and basil mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, then carefully place one ghost-shaped mozzarella slice on top. Use additional balsamic glaze to fill in the eyes and mouth of the ghost mozzarella for a spooky effect. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Boo-Schetta offers a ghostly makeover of traditional Caprese bruschetta, perfect for Halloween celebrations.
- Using a ghost-shape silicone mold adds a fun and festive twist with shaped mozzarella cheese instead of plain slices or pearls.
- The balsamic glaze enhances the presentation and adds a tangy sweetness.
- Ensure mozzarella is well pressed in the mold to maintain ghost shape and reduce excess moisture.
- French bread can be substituted with a crusty baguette if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Boo-Schetta (1 piece)
- 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
