Bread baskets with mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes and black olives

Name: Bread baskets with mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes and black olives
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 8 slices of sandwich bread; 100 g mozzarella (or scamorza); About 10 cherry tomatoes; About 12 pitted black olives; Extra-virgin olive oil to taste; Salt to taste; Fresh basil leaves to taste

Starter

Very Easy

18 min

279 Kcal

It takes very little to turn simple ingredients into an appetizer that immediately catches the eye. These baskets are practical, versatile, and perfect when you want to serve something delicious without complicating things. Ideal as a vegetarian appetizer or for adding to a buffet, they stand out for their inviting appearance and enticing aroma. Their appeal lies in the contrast of textures: the crispy base of the bread holds a soft, gooey filling that melts gently. Fresh cherry tomatoes add a juicy, slightly sweet note, while black olives add character and round out the flavor with a bold yet balanced touch. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil brings all the ingredients together, while the aroma of fresh basil evokes the most authentic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, making every bite even more enjoyable. Small, tasty, and ready to win you over at the first bite, these bread baskets are the perfect solution for anyone looking for a simple idea that will be remembered.

Ingredients

8 slices of sandwich bread
100 g mozzarella (or scamorza)
About 10 cherry tomatoes
About 12 pitted black olives
Extra-virgin olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
Fresh basil leaves to taste

Materials

Kitchen brush
Knife
Cutting board
Muffin mold

Preparation

Preparation5 min

Cook time13 min

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on a baking sheet. Season with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Flatten the bread slices with a rolling pin until thin and even.
Cut out circles of bread using a cookie cutter.
Gently arrange the circles in muffin molds and brush the inside with extra virgin olive oil.
Bake the baskets and cherry tomatoes together, placing the baking sheets in the preheated oven.
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 7 minutes.
Fill the baskets with cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, and sliced olives. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for another 6 minutes, until the mozzarella is fully melted and the baskets are crispy.
Remove from the oven, finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves, and serve warm or lukewarm.

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FAQ ❓

What are the secrets to making crispy bread baskets?

To make perfect crispy bread baskets, it’s important to flatten the sandwich bread well to create a thin, even base. Brushing it with extra-virgin olive oil helps the bread brown evenly, while baking in a convection oven at the right temperature ensures it turns golden and crisp without burning.

Can I substitute another cheese for the mozzarella?

Yes, you can replace the mozzarella with alternatives such as scamorza, provola, or goat cheese. Scamorza makes the baskets more flavorful, while goat cheese adds a more intense, slightly tangy note, perfect for varying the flavor of this vegetarian appetizer.

How can I customize the filling of the baskets?

You can enrich the bread baskets with ingredients such as grilled zucchini, eggplant, roasted peppers, or even green olives. For a richer version, you can add nuts or aromatic herbs to enhance the Mediterranean flavors even more.

Can I prepare the baskets in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the baskets a few hours ahead of time. For best results, however, it’s best to bake them just before serving to maintain the contrast between the crispness of the bread and the softness of the filling.

How should I store the crispy bread baskets?

The bread baskets can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 days in an airtight container. Before serving, it’s best to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the base again and bring out the flavors.

Nutrition

for 1 serving / for 100 g

Calories: 279Kcal

Carbs: 25.8g
Total fat: 13.3g
Saturated fat: 4.4g
Proteins: 10.3g
Fibers: 5.4g
Sugar: 3.7g
ProPoints: 7
SmartPoints: 9

Nutritional information for 1 serving (122g)

Cookware

oven

Attributes

Keep refrigerated

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Daniele Mainieri

Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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