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Mozzarella Tomato Basil Caprese Wreath Appetizer
Craft a Caprese Christmas wreath appetizer with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze—an eye-catching bite for any holiday gathering.
The Festive Caprese Christmas Wreath Appetizer is a holiday variation of the traditional Italian Caprese salad, arranged in a circular, wreath-like formation for seasonal presentation at December gatherings and winter parties. Bite-sized mozzarella balls, cherry or grape tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves form the primary components, often threaded onto skewers or assembled directly on a platter, then accented with rosemary sprigs to mimic evergreen foliage. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a touch of balsamic reduction or glaze, and a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper provide classic flavor balance while enhancing visual contrast. Typically served as a starter or finger food, this dish offers a fresh, colorful option that complements richer holiday fare and requires minimal cooking, making it a convenient yet eye-catching addition to Christmas buffets, potlucks, and festive family dinners.
Mozzarella Tomato Basil Caprese Wreath Appetizer
Ready in under 20 minutes, this centerpiece doubles as an edible décor piece guests can pull apart while they mingle. You can tailor the wreath with marinated mozzarella pearls or swap in vegan cheese bites, making it a flexible option for diverse dietary preferences without adding extra prep time.
Prep Time
20 minutes
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
20 minutes
Ingredients
Fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine / mini-bocconcini) 8 oz │ 225 g
- Cherry or grape tomatoes 10 oz │ 280 g
- Fresh basil leaves 1 loosely packed cup (≈30 g)
- Extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
- Thick balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar reduction) 1–2 tbsp
- Kosher salt ¼ tsp, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp, or to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for wreath garnish 6–8 small sprigs (optional)
- Prepared basil pesto 2 tbsp (optional)
- Pitted Kalamata or mixed olives ¼ cup (optional)
- Crushed red-pepper flakes pinch (optional)
- Toothpicks or short bamboo skewers for assembly 12–16 pieces (optional but useful)
Method
Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water
- Pat the cherry tomatoes dry with a clean towel
- Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water
- Dry the basil leaves gently with a towel
- Drain the mozzarella balls in a colander
- Pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels
- Mince the garlic cloves finely
- Pour the olive oil into a medium mixing bowl
- Add the balsamic vinegar to the olive oil
- Sprinkle salt into the bowl
- Grind black pepper into the bowl
- Add the minced garlic to the bowl
- Stir the contents of the bowl until combined
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the bowl
- Scatter chopped parsley over the tomatoes
- Toss the tomatoes until they are evenly coated
- Place an empty glass in the centre of a large round serving platter
- Spoon the dressed tomatoes in a ring around the glass
- Nestle the mozzarella balls evenly among the tomatoes
- Slide whole basil leaves into the spaces between the tomatoes and cheese
- Drizzle any remaining dressing over the wreath
- Taste the wreath for seasoning
- Add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed
- Lift the glass from the centre of the platter
- Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs around the outside edge of the circle for decoration
- Serve the Caprese Christmas wreath immediately or cover and refrigerate until needed
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
909 kcal Protein
43 g Fat
69 g Carbs
32 g Fiber
4 g Sugar
25 g
909 kcal Protein
43 g Fat
69 g Carbs
32 g Fiber
4 g Sugar
25 g
Notes
Pat the mozzarella dry and let all ingredients come to room temperature—warm cheese + basil releases more aroma and prevents watery puddles on the platter. Slip a few pomegranate arils or roasted red-pepper strips between tomatoes for jewel-like “ornaments” and a hint of sweetness. If assembling early, cover the undressed wreath with a damp paper towel and refrigerate; drizzle oil and balsamic only at serving time for maximum sheen and freshness.
why this recipe
The caprese Christmas wreath appetizer is a celebration of simplicity and elegance, transforming humble cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil into a show-stopping centerpiece that instantly evokes holiday cheer. Beyond its vibrant, edible wreath shape that doubles as table décor, this recipe shines through its balance of flavors—creamy cheese, sweet-tangy tomatoes, and herbaceous basil—unified by a drizzle of peppery extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. It requires only minutes of hands-on time, yet delivers restaurant-quality presentation, making it the perfect stress-free dish for hosts who want to impress without fuss.
FAQs
FAQ acf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the Caprese Christmas Wreath ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess?
Yes—assemble the wreath (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, rosemary) up to 4–6 hours in advance, patting everything very dry, then cover it first with a barely damp paper towel and second with plastic wrap to keep moisture in check. Refrigerate, bring to room temperature about 15 minutes before guests arrive, and only then drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze so the basil stays bright and the cheese/tomatoes don’t weep.
How can I make a vegan-friendly version of the Caprese Christmas Wreath without compromising on flavor or appearance?
Swap the dairy mozzarella pearls for small, store-bought vegan mozzarella balls—or cubes of firm tofu or cashew “cheese”—marinated in olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt to mimic the creamy, savory notes of traditional bocconcini. Assemble the wreath exactly as directed with tomatoes, basil, and rosemary, then finish with extra-virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze (ensure it’s honey-free) or a dairy-free pesto drizzle, so the presentation and bright Caprese flavors stay intact.
What’s the best way to transport the Caprese Christmas Wreath to a party without it shifting or drying out?
Build the wreath on a rimmed, flat platter or pizza pan, lightly skewer a few tomato-mozzarella pairs to anchor the shape, then cover the entire platter snugly with plastic wrap so the ingredients stay moist and can’t roll. Slip the wrapped platter into a shallow cardboard box or casserole carrier lined with a non-skid kitchen towel and keep it level (optional ice pack underneath for longer trips); unwrap and drizzle with oil and balsamic just before serving.