Description
Delicious Christmas Mini Caprese Salad Cups are a festive and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday parties. These bite-sized treats feature juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze, all nestled in crispy mini phyllo pastry cups for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Cups
- 12 small phyllo pastry cups or mini tart shells
Salad Filling
- 24 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 12 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Small fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cups: Bake the phyllo pastry cups or mini tart shells according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before filling.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Carefully halve each cherry tomato from top to bottom to ensure a clean, attractive presentation.
- Assemble the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls. Add torn fresh basil leaves, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Gently toss everything together to mix.
- Fill the Cups: Spoon the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture generously into each cooled phyllo cup or tart shell, filling them to create a beautiful, inviting appetizer.
- Add Balsamic Glaze: Just before serving, drizzle each filled cup with balsamic glaze to add a glossy finish and enhance the flavor with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Garnish: Place a small fresh basil leaf atop each salad cup for an extra pop of color and aroma, making the presentation even more festive and appealing.
Notes
- You can substitute mini tart shells with wonton wrappers shaped into cups if phyllo pastry cups are unavailable.
- For a balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar until thickened or purchase a ready-made version.
- Prepare the salad mixture shortly before assembling to keep the tomatoes and basil fresh and vibrant.
- These cups are best enjoyed the same day to maintain crispiness of the pastry cups.
- To make it vegetarian-friendly, ensure the mozzarella is made without animal rennet.
