Prosciutto Garlic Toasts with Mozzarella, Basil and Balsamic Glaze
This is a simple to put together appetizer that everyone will love. The ingredients are inexpensive and you can easily use a left over baguette from dinner the night before.
1 Skinny Baguette
2 Cloves of Garlic, peeled
Olive Oil
8 oz of Fresh Mozzarella
6 oz of Thinly Sliced Prosciutto
Fresh Basil
Premade Balsamic Glaze
Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper
Yield: 24 Pieces
Turn the oven onto broil and arrange rack slightly towards the top. Slice baguette thinly, about ½ inch thick, and arrange on baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over baguette slices and season with salt and pepper. Toast the baguette slices in the oven for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. In the meantime thinly slice the fresh mozzarella appropriately to fit on toasts and season with sea salt and pepper. Tear prosciutto slices into bite sized pieces. Tear basil leaves off of stems to suit the toasts. Once toasts are cooled enough to handle, rub the garlic cloves onto the toasts. Assemble as follows: Garlic toasts, fresh basil, and sliced mozzarella. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. This is best served right away while the garlic toasts are still warm, but mozzarella, prosciutto and basil can be prepped earlier.
Leftover Tip: Fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and basil can be used to make a fancy grilled cheese. Use grilled cheese appropriate bread and brush with olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper. Assemble the sandwich and place on skillet on low-medium heat. Once the first side is toasted, flip the sandwich to toast the other side. When the cheese is gooey and both sides are golden brown remove from heat. If the cheese is not melted and the bread is beginning to burn remove it from heat and microwave it for 15-20 seconds. Allow the sandwich to rest for several minutes and rub a garlic clove on both sides if desired. Cut sandwich and enjoy.
Chef Tip: To easily peel the skin off the garlic clove use the side of a large chef’s knife and carefully apply pressure. Be sure to not press too hard or the clove will smash.