Description
These fresh mini Caprese bites combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing party finger food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 cherry or grape tomatoes, washed and halved
- 24 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: small wooden skewers or toothpicks for assembling
Instructions
- Rinse about 24 cherry or grape tomatoes under cool water. Pat dry and slice each tomato in half lengthwise.
- Drain the mozzarella balls by placing them in a fine sieve or on paper towels for about 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Gently wash 24 fresh basil leaves and pat dry carefully to avoid bruising.
- Assemble the bites by threading a tomato half (cut side down), a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto a skewer or toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange the assembled bites on a serving platter. Lightly sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze lightly over the bites.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. If chilled, bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use ripe but firm tomatoes to avoid sogginess. Drain mozzarella well to prevent watery bites. Assemble close to serving time for best freshness. Let mozzarella sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before assembling to enhance flavor. If balsamic glaze is not available, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar with sugar until thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Caprese, appetizer, party food, finger food, Italian, mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic glaze, easy recipe