Caprese Bites

Appetizers

Aug 1

Makes: 18 bites | Prep: 10 min

INGREDIENTS

8 oz mozzarella cheese fresh mozzarella balls
18 cherry tomatoes
18 fresh basil leaves
1 cup balsamic vinegar
18 toothpicks

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 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.
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.

DIRECTIONS

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.