These Caprese bites are just the appetizer you’re looking for! Caprese bites are a great way to serve the traditional Caprese salad in a fun and different way. These bite-sized appetizers require no cooking and are served on a toothpick making them the perfect crowd pleaser.
Caprese bites are not only delicious they are gluten free, low-carb, and keto friendly so they will make all of your party guests happy.
What is Balsamic Reduction?
Balsamic reduction is simply balsamic vinegar that has been cooked on the stove for a while until it reduces a bit. It eventually turns into a delightful syrupy glaze that is perfect for drizzling over your salad, your dinner, your dessert, and tons of stuff in between. It is one of my favorite condiments to have on hand in my fridge! It’s so good.
How to make balsamic reduction:
- Simmer – Add one cup of Balsamic vinegar to a sauce pan on medium heat and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. It will start to thicken and reduce in size by about 1/2.
- Cool – Remove it from the heat to let it cool before serving. If it is too thick or it starts to harden then add a little water to it and reheat it to thin it out. To store it, put it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last in the fridge for several weeks
Ingredients for Caprese Bites
Cherry Tomatoes – You can either use cherry or grape tomatoes.
Balsamic Glaze/Reduction – It’s so quick and easy to make your own balsamic glaze. See instructions above.
Mozzarella Balls – I prefer to spend a little extra money on the mozzarella balls rather than buying a block of mozzarella and cutting it into small pieces.
Basil Leaves – I’ve been keeping a basil plant alive for a few months now and I’m pretty proud of myself! Fresh basil leaves add color, freshness and taste to each bite.
How to Make Caprese Bites
These Caprese bites are the ultimate in no-cook appetizer! This finger-food dish needs just 10 minutes of prep-work and then your work is done.
- Gather the ingredients – Line all ingredients up on the counter in order as you place to place them on the toothpick (mozzarella ball, basil, tomato). Like an assembly line. This makes prepping run smoothly.
- Tread the Ingredients – Thread a mozzarella ball, a piece of fresh basil, and a tomato on a toothpick. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Arrange and Drizzle – Arrange the Caprese bites on a platter drizzle with balsamic glaze/reduction right before serving.
Recipe Tip
Caprese bites are best served cold. If making them ahead of time, store them in the fridge. If made the day before you need them do not add the balsamic ahead of time. Drizzle the balsamic glaze/reduction just before serving. This will prevent the cheese from absorbing the balsamic.
Equipment
- toothpicks
Ingredients
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese fresh mozzarella balls
- 18 cherry tomatoes
- 18 fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 18 toothpicks
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients – Line all ingredients up on the counter in order as you place to place them on the toothpick (mozzarella ball, basil, tomato). Like an assembly line. This makes prepping run smoothly.
- Tread the Ingredients – Thread a mozzarella ball, a piece of fresh basil, and a tomato on a toothpick. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Arrange and Drizzle – Arrange the Caprese bites on a platter drizzle with balsamic glaze/reduction right before serving.
Balsamic Glaze/Reduction
- Simmer – Add one cup of Balsamic vinegar to a sauce pan on medium heat and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. It will start to thicken and reduce in size by about 1/2.
- Cool – Remove it from the heat to let it cool before serving. If it is too thick or it starts to harden then add a little water to it and reheat it to thin it out. To store it, put it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last in the fridge for several weeks.
