These Mini Caprese Bites are a fun, elegant twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and finished with olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, each bite is a burst of flavor. They’re light, healthy, and perfect for serving at any kind of gathering—from backyard BBQs to formal dinner parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortless these Mini Caprese Bites are to make. They require no cooking if served fresh, or just a brief roast for an extra layer of flavor. Their vibrant colors and fresh taste make them an instant crowd-pleaser. They’re naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and versatile enough for different diets or flavor tweaks. Most importantly, I can prepare them in under 15 minutes and still impress my guests with something that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
Directions
Prep the Tomatoes: I start by washing the cherry tomatoes. If I want a deeper flavor, I cut a small X at the bottom and roast them briefly. But for a fresh, crisp bite, I leave them raw.
Prepare the Mozzarella: I drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry to prevent sogginess. If they’re larger than the tomatoes, I cut them in half to keep the size uniform.
Assemble the Bites: Using toothpicks, I thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Sometimes I mix it up by using different colored tomatoes for more visual appeal.
Season and Finish: I arrange the skewers on a platter, drizzle them with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and then lightly season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Chill (Optional): I like to chill them for 10-15 minutes to help the flavors meld before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
This recipe is perfect as a party appetizer and typically serves 4 to 6 people, depending on how many bites each guest takes.
Variations
Try flavored mozzarella: Marinated bocconcini in herbs or garlic oil adds extra depth.
Roast the tomatoes: Roasting brings out the sweetness and adds warmth, perfect for cooler months.
Add pesto drizzle: I occasionally switch the balsamic glaze for a pesto drizzle for a basil-forward twist.
Use different herbs: If I’m out of basil, mint or even arugula works nicely for a peppery kick.
Skewer combo: Sometimes I alternate red and yellow cherry tomatoes on the skewer for added color contrast.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. To serve again, I let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the flavors come back to life. I don’t recommend reheating them, but if I roasted the tomatoes, they can go into a warm salad or sandwich later.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make Mini Caprese Bites?
I usually make them up to 4 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Any longer and the basil can start to wilt, so I add fresh basil just before serving if needed.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, I use grape tomatoes when cherry tomatoes aren’t available. They’re slightly firmer and less juicy but still delicious.
What’s the best mozzarella to use?
I prefer using bocconcini or ciliegine (cherry-sized mozzarella balls). They’re creamy and mild, and their size is ideal for bite-sized skewers.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, I replace the mozzarella with plant-based mozzarella-style cheese. There are several great options that hold shape and taste quite similar.
Should I serve them cold or room temperature?
I personally enjoy them slightly chilled, but they’re great at room temperature too—especially at parties where they may sit out for a bit.
Conclusion
Mini Caprese Bites are a fresh, flavorful, and stunning appetizer that fits almost any occasion. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party or just want a quick, healthy snack, these bites come together fast and always hit the mark. I can customize them easily, and their balance of textures and flavors makes every bite satisfying. I always keep these ingredients on hand for last-minute gatherings—they never fail to impress.
These Mini Caprese Bites are a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze. Bursting with fresh flavor and vibrant colors, they’re perfect for entertaining or a healthy snack.
Total Time:10 minutes
Yield:12 bites
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
Wash cherry tomatoes. Optionally, score and roast for deeper flavor.
Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry. Cut in half if needed for uniform size.
Skewer one cherry tomato, one basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball on each toothpick.
Arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Chill for 10–15 minutes if desired before serving.
Notes
Use marinated mozzarella for extra flavor.
Substitute basil with mint or arugula for variation.
Alternate red and yellow tomatoes for visual appeal.
Pesto drizzle makes a delicious swap for balsamic glaze.
Make up to 4 hours ahead; add basil just before serving to prevent wilting.
