Description
Bright, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together in these easy, elegant mini Caprese bites—perfect for parties and entertaining. Quick to assemble, light, and bursting with classic Italian flavors, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), ripe and sweet
- 24 mozzarella pearls (about 8 oz / 225 g), fresh mini balls
- 24 fresh basil leaves, medium size, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Pinch of dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Toothpicks or small cocktail skewers (for assembling)
Instructions
- Wash cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently under cool water, then pat dry. If tomatoes are large, halve them for easier eating.
- Drain mozzarella pearls and blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Take one toothpick or skewer. Thread a cherry tomato (or half) onto the pick, followed by a fresh basil leaf (fold if large), then a mozzarella pearl. Press gently so everything stays together.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used, arranging finished bites on your serving platter.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil with salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs.
- Drizzle the olive oil mixture lightly over the assembled bites using a spoon or brush.
- Finish with a zigzag of balsamic glaze over the platter.
- Check that all bites are secure on the picks and arrange with space between each for presentation.
- Optionally, sprinkle with extra flaky salt or cracked pepper.
- Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Notes
Use the freshest ingredients for best flavor. Assemble bites up to 4 hours ahead and keep chilled. Blot mozzarella and tomatoes dry to prevent slipping. For vegan, use plant-based cheese. Try heirloom tomatoes or flavored olive oil for variations. Don’t overdress with oil or glaze. If serving outdoors, keep platter shaded and cool.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (1 tomato, 1 mozzarella pearl, 1 basil leaf, drizzle of oil and glaze)
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 2.5
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Caprese, appetizer, party food, Italian, mozzarella, tomato, basil, finger food, gluten-free, vegetarian, easy, entertaining