Description

Have you ever wondered how to make a Halloween snack that’s both creepy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen? Imagine cute little mozzarella ghosts floating on crispy toasts, topped with juicy tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Sounds like a treat that’s too good to be true, right? These Caprese Crostini Ghosts are quick, healthy, and packed with fresh flavors, making them the perfect appetizer for your spooky celebration.

Ingredients

This recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients to create its vibrant flavors and spooky look. Here’s what you’ll need, why each one matters, and some substitutions:

Fresh Whole-Milk Mozzarella (16 ounces): Provides a creamy, mild flavor and cuts easily into ghost shapes when chilled.
- Substitution: Use part-skim mozzarella or vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Baguette (1): The crispy base for the crostini, perfect for holding toppings.
- Substitution: Use ciabatta, sourdough, or gluten-free bread for dietary needs.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used to toast the baguette and add a rich, fruity flavor.
- Substitution: Avocado oil or melted butter for a different taste.
Pesto (1/2 cup): Adds a burst of basil, garlic, and nutty flavor to tie the caprese elements together.
- Substitution: Make your own pesto or use store-bought basil sauce; try arugula or sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.
Campari Tomatoes (12 ounces): Juicy, sweet tomatoes that balance the creamy mozzarella.
- Substitution: Use cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or heirloom varieties, thinly sliced.
Balsamic Glaze (1 teaspoon, plus more for drizzling): Adds a sweet-tangy finish and helps create the ghosts’ faces.
- Substitution: Use capers (as noted in the recipe) or a balsamic vinegar reduction for the face details.

Why These Ingredients Matter

The mozzarella and tomatoes provide a healthy dose of protein, calcium, and vitamins, while the pesto adds heart-healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. The baguette offers a satisfying crunch, and the balsamic glaze brings a touch of sweetness. These ingredients are fresh, widely available, and easy to swap for dietary preferences, making this recipe both nutritious and versatile.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Mozzarella

Place the 16-ounce block of mozzarella in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up. This makes it easier to cut into ghost shapes.
Slice the mozzarella lengthwise into six 1/4-inch-thick planks.
Use a 2-inch-tall ghost cookie cutter to cut ghost shapes from the planks. Save all mozzarella scraps and roughly chop them for the non-ghost crostini.

Tip: Bring your ghost cookie cutter to the store to ensure your mozzarella block is large enough for clean cuts.

Step 2: Toast the Baguette

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices (aim for at least 12 slices).
Spread the slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
Bake for 8-9 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.

Tip: Watch the bread closely to avoid burning—ovens vary, so check at 7 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

Thinly slice the Campari tomatoes into rounds (about 2-3 slices per crostini).
Measure out 1/2 cup of pesto and 1 teaspoon of balsamic glaze. If using capers for the ghost faces, drain them now.

Tip: Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel to prevent soggy crostini.

Step 4: Assemble the Crostini

Spread about 1 teaspoon of pesto on each cooled crostini.
For 6 ghost crostini: Top with 2-3 tomato slices, then place a mozzarella ghost on each.
For the remaining crostini: Top with 1 tomato slice and a tablespoon of chopped mozzarella scraps.

Tip: Spread the pesto evenly to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Add the Ghost Faces

Pour the balsamic glaze into a small bowl. Use a chopstick or the flat end of a wooden skewer to dot eyes and mouths on the mozzarella ghosts.
If using capers, place two small capers for eyes and one for a mouth on each ghost.

Tip: Use a thick balsamic glaze to ensure the face details stay in place. Practice on a plate first if you’re nervous!

Step 6: Serve

Arrange the 6 ghost crostini on a small plate to highlight their spooky design.
Place the remaining non-ghost crostini on a larger platter, drizzling with extra balsamic glaze for flair.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Tip: Serve on a Halloween-themed platter to make the ghosts pop!