This Balsamic Strawberry Croissant Bruschetta is one of my absolute favorite appetizers, especially when strawberries are at their peak! It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, all on top of a buttery, flaky croissant.
It is something a little different to bring to a summer barbecue or a casual get-together with friends. It looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Recipe Overview: Balsamic Strawberry Croissant Bruschetta
This appetizer is a twist on classic Italian bruschetta. Instead of toasted bread, we’re using buttery croissant pieces as the base.
They get topped with a sweet and tangy mixture of fresh strawberries, balsamic glaze, and a hint of fresh basil. It’s a flavor explosion!
This dish is perfect as an appetizer for parties, a light snack, or even a fun addition to brunch.
It’s best served fresh, so the croissants stay crisp and the strawberries are at their juiciest.
You can easily adapt it to your liking, too – add different herbs, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for extra creaminess.
Detailed Ingredients for Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious appetizer:
- Croissants: 4 large, day-old croissants are ideal. Day-old croissants are a little drier, which helps them crisp up better in the oven. You can use fresh ones, but keep a close eye on them while baking to avoid burning.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 pound, hulled and sliced. Look for ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: 1/4 cup. You can find this in most grocery stores near the vinegar. It’s thicker and sweeter than regular balsamic vinegar. If you only have regular balsamic vinegar, you can simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.
- Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Fresh basil adds a lovely, aromatic touch. If you don’t have fresh basil, you could use a teaspoon of dried basil, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin. This is for brushing the croissants before baking.
- Sugar: 1 Tablespoon.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Bruschetta
- Prepare the Croissants: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the croissants in half horizontally, then cut each half into 2-3 smaller pieces, depending on the size of your croissants. You want bite-sized pieces.
- Toast the Croissants: Arrange the croissant pieces on a baking sheet. Brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close watch, as croissants can burn easily.
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: While the croissants are toasting, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar in a medium bowl. Gently toss to combine. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the strawberries to release some of their juices.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Once the croissants are out of the oven and slightly cooled, top each piece with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Drizzle each bruschetta with a little balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh basil.
- Serve Immediately: It’s best to enjoy these right away, while the croissants are still warm and crispy.
Variations & Tips for Balsamic Strawberry Croissant Bruschetta
- Add Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or a dollop of ricotta cheese on each bruschetta adds a creamy element that pairs beautifully with the strawberries and balsamic.
- Try Different Herbs: Mint or thyme can be used instead of, or in addition to, basil.
- Make-Ahead: You can toast the croissants a few hours ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The strawberry mixture can also be prepared a few hours in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving.
- Storage: This appetizer is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers, while still tasty, will have a softer croissant texture. Store any leftover assembled bruschetta in the refrigerator for up to a day.
- Reheating: If you do have leftovers, you can try to re-crisp the croissants in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes, but be careful not to burn them.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these as an appetizer at your next party, as part of a brunch spread, or even as a light dessert.
Key Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: About 12-16 pieces
- Equipment you’ll need: Baking sheet, Medium Bowl, Knife, Cutting board.
Balsamic Strawberry Croissant Bruschetta
Buttery croissant pieces topped with a sweet and tangy mixture of fresh strawberries, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil. A perfect appetizer for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants
- 1 pound fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice croissants in half horizontally, then cut each half into 2-3 bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange croissant pieces on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Combine sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Let sit for a few minutes.
- Top each toasted croissant piece with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
- Serve immediately.