This Caprese Appetizer is a must-make for any gathering. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, Sunday brunch, or holiday party, this classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant tomatoes and basil paired with the milky white mozzarella create a stunning, eye-catching dish.
- Easy to Prepare: This tomato-basil-mozzarella appetizer comes together easily in minutes. The best part is that there’s no cooking required; simply slice, layer, drizzle, and serve!
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make a classic caprese - tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt.
If you love fresh mozzarella as much as I do, check out this pesto chicken sandwich and these pesto zucchini noodles next.
Caprese Appetizer Ingredients
- Tomatoes: I recommend using fresh tomatoes from your home garden or local farmer’s market if possible, but feel free to use grocery store tomatoes in a pinch. I used heirloom tomatoes, but vine-ripened and beefsteak work well too.
- Fresh Mozzarella: This is sold as a log (often pre-sliced) and usually found in the deli section of the grocery store or near other Italian cheeses like burrata, ricotta, or Parmesan. It’s not the same as the firm blocks found in the dairy aisle near the shredded cheeses, which are not recommended for this recipe.
- Basil: Use whole, fresh basil leaves or thinly slice (chiffonade) them and sprinkle on top of the salad. If you’ve got an abundance of basil growing in your garden or bought a large bunch for this recipe, try using some for this pesto hummus.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor for drizzling onto this tomato with mozzarella appetizer.
- Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is the key to making the best caprese. It has a better flavor than regular table salt and the crunchy texture adds a nice touch. A little freshly ground black pepper also enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Balsamic Glaze: This is balsamic vinegar that has been reduced into a thicker syrup. It’s optional but adds a sweet and tangy flavor. It is usually located near the vinegar or salad dressings in the grocery store.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Caprese skewers: Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto toothpicks for a mini version.
- Over greens: Serve the caprese on a bed of greens like arugula or spinach and top with this basil vinaigrette.
- Sandwiches: Layer the sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, oil, and balsamic glaze on mini ciabatta rolls and serve on a platter.
- Caprese crostini: Slice a baguette and lightly toast the pieces with a little olive oil. Then, top with a slice of mozzarella and a tomato slice. Sprinkle with chopped basil, salt, and pepper, and drizzle on some balsamic glaze..
How to Make This Caprese Appetizer
To get started making this tomato and mozzarella appetizer, grab all of your ingredients and a large serving plate.
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients. Wash the tomatoes and basil and pat them dry. Then, slice the tomatoes into rounds. You’ll also need to slice the cheese if yours isn’t pre-sliced.
- Step 2: Layer and drizzle. Layer the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on the plate. Then, drizzle on the olive oil.
- Step 3: Season. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on top of everything.
- Step 4: Add glaze. If using, drizzle on the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately as an appetizer for dishes like this lamb cacciatore.
Expert Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes: Choose tomatoes with a deep, even color all around that yield slightly when pressed. Tomatoes that are too light in color and too firm when squeezed are underripe which will result in a bitter, rather than sweet, flavor. Tomatoes that are too soft or have wrinkles are overripe and will become mushy and runny when sliced.
- Slice evenly: Cut the tomatoes and cheese into uniform slices. If you’re using pre-sliced cheese, ensure the tomatoes are the same thickness as the cheese.
- Storing: This dish is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy this caprese appetizer as part of an Italian-inspired dinner with this spaghetti squash and meatballs.
- Make it for your next party along with these spinach balls and this berry and ricotta bruschetta.
- Serve it on a hot summer day along with this refreshing Italian soda.
Caprese Appetizer Recipe FAQs
You can prep some of this caprese salad appetizer in advance, but I don’t recommend putting it together until right before serving. Slice the tomatoes and cheese (if not using pre-sliced) and store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble everything.
Tomatoes naturally release moisture when cut. To reduce the moisture, sprinkle the tomato slices with a little salt and let them sit for a few minutes. Then, pat them dry with paper towels before assembling the salad. Likewise, if the mozzarella is too wet, this can also make the salad watery. Be sure to drain any excess water from the package and pat the sliced cheese dry with paper towels if needed.
For food safety, caprese should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. According to the USDA, this time is reduced to 1 hour if the temperature exceeds 90°F.
More Delicious Caprese Recipes
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Caprese Appetizer with Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella
Ingredients
- 3-4 Ripe tomatoes garden tomatoes or farm stand are best!
- 16 oz Fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
- Good quality olive oil
- Flakey sea salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- Optional: Balsamic Glaze
Instructions
- Wash tomatoes and basil. Slice tomatoes the same thickness as the cheese. Layer tomatoes, basil, and cheese.
- Drizzle with fresh olive oil and generously sprinkle with flaky sea salt (this is the secret ingredient for the best caprese salad).
- If desired drizzle balsamic glaze.
Video
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for best results. Underripe tomatoes will have a bitter flavor, while overripe ones will be mushy and watery.
- Slicing the tomatoes and cheese evenly allows for a uniform presentation when layering and balanced proportions for serving.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
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Carol says
So easy and delicious
DEBBIE SHEEGOG says
Awesome way to make caprise salad! This is also a great approach to creating bruschetta, both of which to my family and me are best in the most simple form, as you so well describe here. Either one could easily be the appetizer or main course on hot summer days. There are no additional ingredients needed, as using slices of mozzarella topped with a garden’s sliced heirloom tomatoes and basil leaves, with salt and pepper, stacked atop the slices of crusty bread grilled with a little olive oil in a cast iron skillet, (to which some like to add a bit of finely chopped garlic), brings all of the beautiful fresh flavors together.
I look forward to trying the dressing you recommend, as it will surely further enhance a classic recipe.
Hoping all may enjoy their backyard or farmers’ market summer bounty, and stay safe and well!
Erin V says
looks so elegant- great idea for a party or somethin!
Meg says
Caprese salad is SO good, and to make it bite size is brilliant! Yum!