Strawberry Bruschetta

This Strawberry Bruschetta is a fun twist on the ever-so-popular tomato version that we’re all used to snacking on. This simple appetizer features a nice toasty baguette smothered with sweet mascarpone cheese and topped with marinated strawberries. A little drizzle of strawberry balsamic glaze takes this finger food to the next level!

Last Wednesday, Patrick and I had some time to kill before we had to pick up Zach from Band Camp. It was too late for lunch and too early for dinner so we opted to go out for a quick drink and some appetizers.

In our quest to try a new place we’ve never been before, we headed to a quaint downtown area not too far from our house. Although tiny, this area is filled with Mom and Pop owned restaurants and shops. It’s such a pleasant change from the chain restaurants and stores that you see everywhere else in our area. I feel like I’m in another world every time I head out that way.

After driving up and down the one little main road of the town, we decided to try the new Mexican restaurant that opened just a few months ago. We found a parking spot and headed in the direction of the margaritas, quesadillas, and guacamole.

We were almost to the restaurant when one of the stores stopped me dead in my tracks. The place is called The Sacred Olive and they specialize in infused olive oil and balsamic vinegars. I’ve passed it before but never went inside. One of the fellow band moms was just raving about it a few days prior so I knew today was the day for me to venture inside.

All I can say after going into this store is, HOLY COW! For someone who likes to cook, this place was heaven. The entire right side of the store was lined with all different infused olive oils while the left side was dedicated to the balsamic vinegars. They provide little tasting cups and pieces of bread and you literally just walk around and sample whatever tweaks your interest. It was amazing!

As hard as it was to pick, I decided on the garlic-infused olive oil and strawberry balsamic vinegar to take home with me. The olive oil seemed like something I could use often in my everyday cooking. The strawberry balsamic vinegar was so sweet and I just knew I could figure out something to make with it!

Fast forward a few days later and the idea for this Strawberry Bruschetta was born. I am a Pinterest addict (here’s my page!) and love searching there for blog inspiration. After looking up ideas for strawberries and balsamic vinegar, I came up with this perfect sweet appetizer. Success!

If I’m being honest, we actually ate this for dinner last night. In addition to the Strawberry Bruschetta, I cut up some cheese and salami and we ate it ALL while watching a movie. It totally hit the spot and was definitely filling enough for the main course.

So what do I need to make this Strawberry Bruschetta?

1 French baguette, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 cup of strawberries (chopped), 3 basil leaves (chopped), 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 8 oz. container mascarpone cheese (softened), ½ cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ cup strawberry balsamic vinegar  

For the balsamic glaze:

Pour ½ cup of strawberry balsamic vinegar into a saucepan and cook it over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Lower the heat down to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes or until the vinegar has decreased to half the amount.

The balsamic vinegar will thicken up once reduced. I ran my finger down the center of the spatula and the vinegar stayed in place. That’s how I knew it was done.

Let the glaze cool while you prepare the other ingredients.

For the strawberries:

Begin by chopping up one cup of strawberries.

Next, take your three basil leaves, lay them on top of one another, and roll them up like a little cigar. Chop the basil like so, and you’ll end up with these cute little ribbons.

Add the strawberries and basil to a bowl.

Pour 1 tablespoon of honey into the bowl.

Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the bowl as well.

Give everything a good stir and place the mixture in the refrigerator until it’s time to assemble the bruschetta.

For the bread:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Cut your baguette on an angle.

Place your bread slices on an aluminum covered baking sheet and brush the top of the bread with olive oil to help it toast nicely in the oven.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the tops are slightly brown.

For the mascarpone cheese:

Place your softened mascarpone cheese in a bowl with ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Stir all the ingredients together.

Time to assemble:

Take a toasted piece of baguette and smear the mascarpone mixture on top.

Add a heaping spoonful of the strawberry mixture on top.

Lastly, drizzle on some strawberry balsamic glaze over the strawberries and your masterpiece is done!

Place this Strawberry Bruschetta on a cutting board or serving platter and watch them disappear before your eyes. I know we devoured them ALL with no problem! 

Want to remember this? Post this Strawberry Bruschetta recipe to your favorite Pinterest board!