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Even if you’re a novice cook you will find that these Caprese Bread Tartlets are very easy to prepare.
They are great for entertaining and suitable for large or small groups of people. And, best of all, the flavours are fresh, bright and totally delicious.
Using bread cases as the tartlet base is a brilliant way to make these easily prepared appetisers. The bread cases are first baked to golden, crispy perfection and filled with the Caprese Salad shortly before serving.
These bread tartlet cases are perfect for those who lack the confidence to make their own pastry or, like many of us, simply do not have the time.
I use these ingredients for the Caprese Bread Tartlets:
Sliced sandwich bread:
I make the bread cases from run-of-the-mill, supermarket, thinly sliced sandwich bread. I generally use white but you could use wholemeal if you prefer.
Olive oil:
I have used extra virgin olive oil for both the bread cases and the Caprese salad. It is the finest quality olive oil and I prefer to use it for its flavour and well-known health benefits.
Cherry tomatoes:
I have used cherry tomatoes as they generally are less acidic than larger tomatoes and therefore more reliably sweet. For the best flavour check that they are perfectly ripe. They should be a vibrant shade of red.
Bocconcini:
Bocconcini are small, round balls of fresh mozzarella that are generally made from cows’ milk. They range in size from the small, cherry-sized bocconcini that I have used here through medium and large sizes.
You can purchase bocconcini loose from delis or supermarkets or in plastic tubs which contain whey. If sold loose, I use shortly after purchase. If you purchase in a plastic tub, they are best to eat two or three days after opening the container.
Fresh basil:
Basil is a highly fragrant, popular herb which is a member of the mint family. It is an essential ingredient in many Italian dishes. It is perhaps most famous for its use in pesto, the delicious combination of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
Basil leaves bruise easily so handle it carefully.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper:
I prefer to use sea salt as it is naturally derived by the evaporation of saltwater.
For the best flavour, I freshly grind the black pepper as required.
This is how I make the Caprese Bread Tartlets:
To begin, I remove the crusts from the bread and set them aside for another use.
Using a rolling pin I flatten the bread slice and roll it as thinly as possible. Then, using a 6cm/2 ½” round cookie cutter, cut rounds from each slice. Depending on the size of the bread I generally get two bread cases per slice.
And for all the bread that’s leftover:
I place it in the food processor and whiz it to make breadcrumbs. I store the breadcrumbs in freezer appropriate containers for future use. The tartlet cases can be made a day in advance.
To make the Caprese mixture:
It really is so very simple:
- I slice each cherry tomato in four;
- Slice the basil leaves thinly;
- Cut each mini bocconcini in four;
- Drizzle a little olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper, when you are ready to serve.
In order to be organised, I prepare the filling for the tartlets an hour in advance. If preparing several hours ahead there are three important things to note.
- First, do not season the salad until ready to assemble the tarts as the salt will draw moisture from the tomatoes. This will make the tartlets soggy;
- Second, do not slice the basil in advance as the leaves will go black. It should be added at the last moment;
- Third, if refrigerating the salad be sure to bring it to room temperature for serving. Cold tomatoes have no flavour.
About the Caprese Salad:
Continuing the notion of creating an easy appetiser, I make a Caprese salad filling. There’s minimal effort involved here, there is just a little chopping and no cooking.
The Caprese salad, known in Italy as Insalata Caprese, originated on the Isle of Capri in the 1950s.
In its standard form, it is made from fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, salt and pepper. The red, white and green reflect the colours of the Italian flag and the flavours are bright and fresh.
The ingredients just seem to be made to go together. Traditionally, vinegar is not added to this salad. However, it is not uncommon these days to see it with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.
Tips for success:
You can use day-old bread, but this is not the time to use bread which has become dry as it will be difficult to roll thinly.
The salad should not be made more than an hour or so in advance. However, you can separately prepare the ingredients. The mozzarella balls can be cut and kept cool in the fridge. I suggest that you wash the tomatoes and basil and set them aside. If you cut them early, the flavour of the tomatoes will become dull by refrigeration and the basil will become black and unattractive.
Do not season it until you are ready to assemble the tarts as the salt will draw moisture from the tomatoes and make the bread cases soggy.
You can make the bread cases a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
To make a good Caprese Salad you must begin with good quality ingredients. Perhaps the most important here is the quality of the tomatoes. They must be at peak perfection ripeness and full of flavour.
Fresh basil adds vibrant flavour which can not be replicated by using dried basil.
It is essential to use fresh mozzarella; please do not use the hard, yellow variety which you may use for pizza.
Although I use very little olive oil, my preference is for extra virgin olive oil which will add a further depth of flavour.
Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using an alternative bread of choice.
More suggestions for these ingredients:
Tomato:
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Marinated Tomato Salad
- Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
- Crispy Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
- Semi-Dried Tomato Savoury Madeleines by A Baking Journey
Bocconcini:
- Piedmontese Roasted Peppers
- Caprese Christmas Wreath
- Rosemary Pineapple Mozzarella Bites by Sprinkles and Sprouts
- Marinated Mozzarella Balls by Chef Not Required
Basil:
Other easy appetiser ideas:
I absolutely love to entertain. The idea for the name of the blog actually came about one night when I had some of my dear friends over. I kept repeating, with respect to the food, that “it’s not complicated to make, honest”! And here we are today!
Here are some of the easy appetisers that I like to serve regularly (that evening included):
- Smoked Salmon Bread Tartlets
- Bacon and Onion Tarts
- Soy Roasted Almonds
- Thai Style Chicken and Noodle Meatballs
- Spinach and Feta Galettes
- Roasted Mediterranean Olives
These Caprese Bread Tartlets are very simple to put together.
Don’t be afraid to vary the recipe. You can customise the fillings to suit your taste.
Enjoy, and let me know in the comments below when you try this!
Alex xx
Caprese Bread Tartlets
Ingredients
- 6 slices white sandwich bread See Note 1 – use gluten-free bread if required
- 9 cherry tomatoes See Note 2
- 6 leaves basil See Note 3
- 1/8 cup olive oil for brushing the bread
- 1 tsp olive oil extra virgin, for the dressing
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 Degrees C (350 F)
Use a sharp knife to remove the crusts from 6 slices of bread. (See Note 1).Using a rolling pin, roll each bread slice to flatten as thinly as possible.Once flattened, use a 6cm/2 ½” round cookie cutter, cut 2 rounds from each slice.
- Brush the rounds of bread on both sides with olive oil or spray each side with olive oil.Firmly press the bread rounds into a 12-hole patty tin.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning around the pan halfway through cooking, until the cases are lightly browned.
Remove from oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely. - Prepare your filling. Slice each cherry tomato and mini bocconcini into four pieces. Thinly slice the basil.
- Combine the tomato, basil and bocconcini in a bowl, along with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill your bread cases and serve immediately.
Notes
- Depending on the size of the loaf of bread, I usually get two rounds cut out per slice.
- I slice the cherry tomatoes into four.
- Thinly slice the basil leaves.
30 Comments on “Caprese Bread Tartlets”
These look so delicious! Perfect party appetizer. I love anything with a caprese salad!
Thank you, Molly! So do we! Enjoy 🙂
With the holidays just around the corner, I’ll be looking for some easy appetizers to feed guests! Love these Alexandra. They’re so cute!
Thank you for the lovely comments Leanne, I do hope you enjoy these tartlets. 🙂
What a fun idea for a holiday appetizer! I love the simple, yet classic flavors of caprese, and I’m thinking I need to make a batch of these next time we have friends over. This would be great with a nice glass of wine! 🙂
Thank you for the lovely comments David, there are so many ways in which to savour the Caprese salad. I do hope that you enjoy this recipe. 🙂
Yum, these look great Alex. I went to a BBQ last night and these would have been a great appetiser to take, love the simplicity!
Thank you for the lovely comments Adrianne. These would be perfect to take along to a BBQ – next time. 🙂
These Mini Caprese Breads look so easy and delicious! The perfect little bites for the holidays and gatherings!
Thank you Shanika, I am delighted that you like this little appetiser. 🙂
I love caprese flavors, and this is such a great way to showcase them!
I agree Mary, I love Caprese salad and there are so many ways to enjoy the flavours. 🙂
We’re heading into party season and these would be so easy to add to it appetizer list. So delicious!
These would be perfect for the festive season Demeter. Enjoy! 🙂
What a fabulous recipe! So tasty and easy! Will definitely be making again!
Thank you for letting me know that you enjoyed the tartlets Kim, I do appreciate it. 🙂
These are so pretty! Perfect for entertaining at home. 🙂
These are just in time for the festive season Julia; such a simple appetiser. 🙂
Love this!!
I am so pleased that you do. Please let me know if you make the tartlets. 🙂
These are the perfect handheld caprese! Love it. So many great tips too
Thank you so much, Marie 🙂
What a great appetizer! I love all those flavors – tomatoes and basil are a perfect match.
I agree Kathy, tomatoes and basil were made for each other. And I love that they’re also great companions in the garden. 🙂
This is the kinda bite that I love, especially on the weekend! And who doesn’t love that combo with tomatoes, basil, cheese? Swoon! Happy Friday to ya 🙂 !!
Dawn, I agree, it’s difficult to improve on that classic Caprese salad flavour combination. Definitely one of my favourites. 🙂
Alexandra, these caprese tartlets are brilliant! Love how easy they are to make. And they must have a great crunch!
Bread tartlets are such a simple idea Kelly and filled with the flavours of Caprese salad they are a favourite of mine. 🙂
These look very pretty!
Thank you Tandy. I think they will be a great addition to the festive celebrations. 🙂