Easy Christmas Tree Caprese

Festive, fresh, and vibrant skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, styled in a charming Christmas tree shape — the perfect holiday appetizer.

Ingredients

• Vegetables & Herbs: 24 cherry tomatoes, 24 fresh basil leaves, large
• Dairy: 24 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
• Pantry: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for the tree trunk and decoration)

Instructions

Step 1:

Wash and pat dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

Step 2:

Drain the mozzarella balls and gently pat them dry.

Step 3:

On each wooden skewer, thread ingredients in the following order to mimic a tree: 1 cherry tomato, 1 basil leaf (folded if large), 1 mozzarella ball, 1 basil leaf, 1 cherry tomato, 1 basil leaf, 1 mozzarella ball.

Step 4:

Arrange the skewers on a large platter in a triangular (tree) shape.

Step 5:

Place rosemary sprigs at the base to resemble the tree trunk and tuck a few extra sprigs among the skewers for a festive look.

Step 6:

Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the skewers.

Step 7:

Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.

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Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, mixing red and yellow cherry tomatoes adds extra color and sweetness to the skewers.

→ What alternatives can replace balsamic glaze?

Pesto or a light herb vinaigrette work well as flavorful alternatives to balsamic glaze.

→ How should the skewers be stored if prepared in advance?

Assemble the skewers without dressing and refrigerate. Add olive oil and glaze right before serving to keep them fresh.

→ Are wooden skewers necessary?

Wooden skewers are ideal for ease of handling and presentation, but food-safe metal skewers can be used as a substitute.

→ What wine pairs well with these skewers?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the fresh flavors and creamy texture perfectly.