This holiday season, wow your guests with a unique and festive appetizer! Our Caprese candy cane appetizer is perfect for any holiday gathering. Made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, these bite-sized canapés are both delicious and beautiful. Serve them on a platter with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil for a fun and tasty starter that will have everyone coming back for more.
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From the first moment we stepped on to the Island of Capri on the Amalfi coast in Italy, we fell in love with Caprese flavors, Caprese pasta salad, Caprese pizza, Caprese skewers, and Caprese bites, so we couldn’t resist making this fun appetizer!
Why you’ll love this easy festive appetizer
- The big candy cane shape is a real crowd pleaser for young and old alike!
- Such a great appetizer if you want to offer something lighter and a little healthier.
- Serve it on Christmas Eve to get everyone into the festive spirit.
- No cooking skills are needed to recreate this and it’s great for a holiday party.
- All the ingredients are 100% vegetarian.
Ingredients you’ll need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
Appetizers don’t come much easier than this, bursting with Italian flavor, this is a must make delicious dish for the Christmas season!
How to make a Caprese candy cane board with step-by-step step instructions
Making our candy cane Caprese board is easy if you follow our simple instructions.
A full printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
On a large serving board, cheese board, or serving platter, alternate slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, and place fresh basil leaves in the shape of a large candy cane shape.
Serve with toasted baguette slices or toasted French bread.
Simply cut the bread into slices, brush with extra virgin olive oil, add a little sea salt and Italian seasoning and broil until lightly toasted.
Once you are ready to serve your candy can Caprese salad, garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and you’re ready to go!
Enjoy your fun festive appetizer!
Recipe notes and expert tips
- Balsamic glaze
We prefer to use balsamic glaze as it’s thicker and sweeter but if you can’t find it, then try a little balsamic vinegar instead.
- Storage
Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
How to store leftover a candy cane Caprese board
If you have any leftover candy cane Caprese salad, then we recommend taking the mozzarella cheese slices and tomatoes and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The fresh basil leaves will wilt and won’t keep well, so simply replace those with fresh when serving leftovers.
Why is it called Caprese salad?
It’s called Caprese salad as it originates from the Island of Capri, which is a beautiful island off the Amalfi coast.
More easy appetizers for you to try at home
If you love our candy cane Caprese board then you should try these easy recipes!
- Baked Brie – dip your bread in gooey, oozy cheese which is divine!
- Brussels sprouts sliders – a vegetarian take on sliders, you’ll be amazed at how tasty they are!
- Pineapple cheese ball – who can resist this fresh tasting cheese ball which is perfect for Christmas gatherings!
- Air fried potato skins – no need for the oven, we show you how easy it is to make these in your air fryer!
- Mini goat cheese balls – these stunning mini cheese balls scream out Christmas with their festive colors!
Candy cane Caprese salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz Fresh mozzarella sliced into ½ inch slices
- 3 Beefsteak tomatoes sliced into ½ inch slices
- Basil leaves
- ½ cup Balsamic glaze
Toasted baguette – optional
- 1 x French baguette sliced into ¾ inch slices
- 2 x tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- On a large serving platter, alternate slices of mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves in the shape of a large candy cane16 oz Fresh mozzarella, 3 Beefsteak tomatoes, Basil leaves
- Either drizzle balsamic glaze over the candy cane or let guests drizzle their own glaze to taste. Serve with optional baguette slices or crackers½ cup Balsamic glaze
Toasting the baguette (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/175 °C
- Arrange the baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the slices evenly with olive oil, and sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over them. Bake for approximately 10 – 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave to cool1 x French baguette, 2 x tbsp Olive oil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Place the mozzarella, basil leaves, and tomato on top of the baguette slices
Notes
We prefer to use balsamic glaze as it’s thicker and sweeter but if you can’t find it, then try a little balsamic vinegar instead. Storage
Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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