uschetta with Whipped Mascarpone & Basil Recipe
A delightful and fresh appetizer combining toasted baguette slices topped with creamy whipped mascarpone, sweet balsamic-glazed strawberries, and fragrant basil. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this Balsamic Strawberry Bruschetta offers a balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors that is both elegant and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Toasting and assembling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced and toasted
Strawberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze or reduction
- 2–3 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
Whipped Mascarpone
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
- 1–2 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Whipped Mascarpone: In a small bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese together with honey (if using) until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring easy spreading.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the sliced baguette until each piece is golden brown and crisp, providing a sturdy base for the toppings.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Spread a generous layer of the whipped mascarpone on each toasted bread slice, then top with the sliced fresh strawberries for a burst of sweet flavor.
- Add Flavor: Drizzle balsamic glaze evenly over the strawberries, then sprinkle thinly sliced basil leaves and a pinch of salt on top to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a fresh, sweet, and savory appetizer or snack, perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Use day-old baguette or crusty bread for better toasting and texture.
- Adjust honey amount to suit your preferred sweetness level or omit for less sugar.
- Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese.
- Serve immediately to maintain bread crispness and freshness of strawberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: balsamic strawberry bruschetta, whipped mascarpone, basil appetizer, summer appetizer, easy bruschetta recipe, fresh strawberry snack, Italian appetizer