Description
Mini Caprese Mozzarella Bites are a delightful and fresh appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. These bite-sized treats combine the classic flavors of Caprese salad in an easy-to-eat skewer form, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bites
- 24 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 24 mini mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 24 short wooden skewers or toothpicks
For the Balsamic Glaze
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (30 ml)
- Pinch of sea salt
For Serving
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil, optional drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze. Combine balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until reduced by half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in a pinch of sea salt, then remove from heat and allow to cool to thicken further.
- Prepare skewers for assembly. Lay wooden skewers or toothpicks flat on a clean, dry surface to streamline assembly and ensure uniform size.
- Assemble the base tomato. Place one halved cherry tomato, cut side down, onto the tip of each skewer for stability.
- Add the mozzarella pearl. Gently press a mozzarella pearl onto each tomato, ensuring it sits snugly against the tomato’s interior.
- Wrap with basil leaf. Wrap a fresh basil leaf around the mozzarella and tomato, tucking the stem underneath the skewer for a neat presentation.
- Arrange and serve. Arrange assembled bites on a serving platter. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over each bite. Optionally, add a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- The balsamic glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a vegan option, substitute mozzarella pearls with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Use fresh and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If wooden skewers are not available, toothpicks work equally well for assembly.
- The glaze should be thick but pourable; cook longer if it is too thin.
