Balsamic Strawberry Bruschetta with Whipped Mascarpone & Basil
This balsamic strawberry bruschetta features toasted bread topped with whipped mascarpone, marinated strawberries, and fresh basil. A beautiful blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy, it makes a refined appetizer or light dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or rustic bread, sliced ½-inch thick
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup (120 g) mascarpone cheese
- 2 tbsp (16 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush bread slices with olive oil and toast on a baking tray for 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
- In a bowl, toss sliced strawberries with balsamic vinegar, sugar or honey, and a pinch of salt. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whip mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Spread mascarpone mixture over toasted bread slices.
- Top with balsamic-marinated strawberries and a bit of their juices.
- Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add lemon zest to mascarpone for brightness.
- Use mixed berries or raspberries as seasonal alternatives.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts for crunch.
- Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance flavor complexity.
- Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bruschetta
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
