Name: Mini Caprese Bites: A Delightful Appetizer Experience Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 cherry tomatoes; 12 fresh basil leaves; 12 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini); 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 toothpicks or small skewers

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Introduction

Mini Caprese Bites are a fresh and elegant appetizer that combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Easy to assemble and bursting with flavor, they make a perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering.

Eight small appetizers are placed on a wooden plate, each consisting of two layers: a bottom layer of white mozzarella balls with a slightly charred texture and black pepper specks, and a top layer of bright red cherry tomato halves. Each appetizer is topped with small pieces of green basil leaves and sprinkled with coarse salt. A thin wooden skewer pierces through the middle of each stack. The wooden plate contrasts with the appetizers, and the photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 cherry tomatoes
12 fresh basil leaves
12 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
12 toothpicks or small skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Optionally, cut a small X on the bottom of each tomato if you choose to roast them, or leave them raw for a fresh taste.
Step 2: If the mozzarella balls are larger than the cherry tomatoes, cut them in half so each bite is balanced.
Step 3: Thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each toothpick or skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
Step 4: Arrange the assembled bites on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Chill the bites in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes if desired, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky twist, roast the cherry tomatoes briefly before assembling.
Swap balsamic glaze for a splash of aged balsamic vinegar if you prefer a thinner drizzle.
Add a small piece of prosciutto to each skewer for extra savory flavor.
Use fresh homemade mozzarella for a more authentic taste.

Storage

Store assembled Mini Caprese Bites covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To keep the ingredients fresh, drizzle balsamic glaze and olive oil just before serving if you prepare the skewers ahead of time. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden board with several bite-sized snacks arranged in a neat line. Each snack has two layers: a bottom layer of white, slightly charred cheese with a soft texture, and a top layer of bright red roasted cherry tomato with visible grill marks. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on top of each tomato. Coarse salt crystals and black pepper specks are sprinkled over the snacks, and a drizzle of shiny dark balsamic glaze pools slightly around them. Each piece is held together with a thin bamboo skewer. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the skewers a few hours ahead, but for best results, add the olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.

Can I substitute the mozzarella balls?

You can use feta or halloumi cubes, but traditional bocconcini mozzarella offers the best texture and mild flavor for this dish.