These crisp and crunchy bread cases are the perfect base for an easily prepared, full of flavour appetiser. These are perfect for entertaining yet simple enough for your pre-dinner drinks.
6sliceswhite sandwich breadSee Note 1 - use gluten-free bread if required
9cherry tomatoesSee Note 2
6leavesbasilSee Note 3
10cherry bocconcini See Note 4
⅛cupolive oilfor brushing the bread
1teaspoonolive oilextra virgin, for the dressing
sea salt and black pepperto 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.
I have used cherry bocconcini - sliced into 4. You can certainly use a larger bocconcini - you may find one would be suitable for the 12 tartlets.