Ingredients
1 large loaf ciabatta bread, cut in half horizontally
¼ c. unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
2/3 c. balsamic vinegar
2 large tomatoes, sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/3 c. fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Place ciabatta bread halves on a large baking sheet with the cut side up.
- In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic and spread evenly on bread halves. Place the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the bread, making sure the cheese covers the bread completely.
- Bake the bread in the pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread start to turn brown.
- Heat the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture is reduced by half, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove bread from oven. Top the bread with tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Cut into slices and serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings.
