MOZZARELLA BAR

Mozzarella Bar image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 32

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One 9.8-ounce jar piquillo peppers, drained well
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/3 cup toasted walnuts
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon Calabrian chile paste
1 small clove garlic, smashed and peeled
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
4 sprigs fresh basil, torn
3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, chopped
10 ounces mixed mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
1 pound smoked mozzarella, sliced
Two 4-ounce balls burrata
Grilled thick-sliced bread
Crostini
Baby arugula
Fresh basil leaves
Extra-virgin olive oil
Good balsamic vinegar
Flaky salt
Red pepper flakes

Steps:

For the piquillo pesto: Combine the peppers, Parmesan, walnuts, olive oil, salt, chile paste and garlic in a food processor. Puree until smooth and evenly combined. Set aside.
For the roasted tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Toss the tomatoes with the basil, garlic, olive oil and salt on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast until softened and beginning to blister, 30 minutes.
For the mushroom tapenade: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the shallots and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and season with the salt. Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms have lost all their liquid and are turning golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with the basil, oregano, rosemary and lemon zest. Stir in the pine nuts and remaining tablespoon olive oil. Cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
For the bar: Display all the different types of mozzarella and burrata on platters and plates. Set up a buffet around the cheese options with the 3 homemade toppings, along with the grilled bread and crostini, arugula, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, flaky salt and red pepper flakes. Invite guests to assemble their own bruschetta or salads.