Description
If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s effortless, elegant, and loaded with flavor, these Mini Caprese Bites are the perfect solution.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (roughly 20–25 tomatoes)
- 1 container (8 ounces) mini mozzarella balls (also known as bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- 20–25 toothpicks or mini skewers
Instructions
Start by rinsing the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cool water and patting them dry. Drain the mini mozzarella balls and gently blot them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Take one toothpick and slide on a cherry tomato. Follow it with a basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball. Press the ingredients together gently but firmly to keep them in place. Repeat the process until all ingredients are used.
Place the finished bites on a serving tray or platter. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Just before serving, finish each skewer with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for that perfect sweet and tangy finish.
You can assemble the bites up to a few hours ahead. Simply store them covered in the refrigerator and wait to add the glaze until just before serving.
Notes
To ensure your Mini Caprese Bites turn out delicious and visually appealing, follow these expert tips:
Use only the freshest ingredients. The flavor of this appetizer depends on the quality of your tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
Dry the mozzarella thoroughly. Moisture can cause the bites to slip off the toothpicks and may dilute the seasoning.
Choose uniformly sized tomatoes and cheese. This keeps the bites looking neat and consistent.
Fold larger basil leaves neatly before skewering to maintain a tidy look and prevent overpowering the other ingredients.
Serve them chilled for the best taste and texture, especially in warmer weather.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
Keywords: Mini Caprese Bites