Description
Baked Caprese Bites are a warm, melty twist on the classic Caprese salad—featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil, all baked on toothpicks for a quick and elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
- 20 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- 20 toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble each bite by skewering a cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, and mozzarella ball onto a toothpick.
- Place assembled bites on the baking sheet and brush or drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the mozzarella is warm and slightly melted.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor variation.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If basil isn’t available, a pinch of dried Italian herbs can substitute.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
