Related Recipe:
Butterbean Bruschetta

SMOKED STRAWBERRY MOZZARELLA CROSTINI

  • PREP TIME: soak + 10 minutes
  • COOK TIME: 10 minutes
  • YIELDS: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 8-ounce ball fresh mozzarella, packed in water, sliced ½-inch thick
  • 8 baguette slices, sliced ½-inch thick, toasted in oven or on grill
  • 1 15-inch cedar or alder grilling plank, soaked
  • 8 large basil leaves

Don’t be daunted by the fact that this appetizer is planked; it’s well worth the extra 10 minutes. The combination of strawberries, balsamic, and smoky cheese is amazing. If you don’t have time to plank then this can easily be prepared in the oven.

Instructions

FIRST Preheat grill to medium-low heat. In a small bowl, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar; set aside to marinate. Place soaked plank on grill, close lid, and allow to heat for 3 minutes. Using tongs, turn plank over and place baguette slices on the heated side.

NEXT Top each baguette slice with mozzarella; close the lid and grill for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese melts and edges begin to brown.

LAST Remove plank and baguette slices from grill. Add one basil leaf and marinated strawberries to each slice. Serve immediately.

NOTE For indoor preparation, place cheese-topped crostini in 400° oven 7 minutes or until the cheese melts.