Our Caprese Candy Cane Salad is not just a treat for the eyes but also a burst of fresh Italian flavors in every bite. Quick to assemble and irresistibly delicious, this delicious dish is the perfect Christmas appetizer for your holiday celebrations, marrying the beloved Caprese salad with a playful seasonal twist.
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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 Will Love Making This Caprese Candy Cane
- The Caprese Candy Cane is a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant red tomatoes, white mozzarella slices, and green fresh basil leaves, all arranged in a whimsical candy cane shape. It’s not just an appetizer; it’s a centerpiece for any holiday gathering that will undoubtedly draw your guests’ eyes and appetites.
- The classic trio of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil leaves never fails to impress. These simple, fresh ingredients not only embody the essence of Italian cuisine but also ensure that your caprese candy cane is as delicious as it is beautiful. The addition of a balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy element that perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella and ripe tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Time is of the essence, especially during the busy holiday party season. The Candy Cane Caprese Salad doesn’t require any cooking or complicated preparation, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu. Simply slice, arrange, and drizzle, and voila! You have a show-stopping appetizer ready in no time.
- While the candy cane shape is perfect for Christmas, you can easily adapt this recipe for other occasions. Think heart shapes for Valentine’s Day or circles for a birthday celebration – the possibilities are endless! Plus, you can easily adjust the quantity to cater to small gatherings or large parties, ensuring that no one misses out on this delightful dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make A Candy Cane Caprese Board with Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Slicing Perfection
Begin by preparing your fresh ingredients. Slice your beefsteak tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into approximately ½-inch thick slices.
Ensure that the slices are uniform in thickness to create a visually appealing and well-structured caprese candy cane. The fresh basil leaves will be placed in between, so there is no need to chop or slice them; just make sure they are fresh and vibrant!
Step 2: Artistic Arrangement
On a large platter (or you can use a cheese board), start arranging the tomato slices, fresh mozzarella slices, and basil leaves in an alternating pattern to form the shape of a candy cane.
Begin with a slice of tomato, then place fresh basil leaves, and then a slice of mozzarella. Continue this alternating pattern, curving the line of ingredients gently as you create a big candy cane shape.
Step 3: Drizzling Delight
Once your caprese is beautifully arranged, it’s time to add that extra pop of flavor with a balsamic glaze. You can either drizzle this over your caprese candy cane just before serving or place it in a small serving bowl on the side, allowing your guests to drizzle to their own liking.
The balsamic glaze adds a wonderful sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy mozzarella and fresh tomatoes, elevating the overall taste of the appetizer.
If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, then take a look at this easy balsamic glaze recipe, made with balsamic vinegar.
Optional Step: Toasted Baguette Slices
If you’d like to add a crunchy element to your appetizer, try serving it with toasted baguette slices.
Preheat your oven to 350°F/175 °C, arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning, and toast them for about 10-15 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
Step 4: Final Touches
For an extra dash of flavor and a gourmet touch, drizzle a little high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of the arranged caprese.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: When it comes to a simple dish like the Candy Cane Caprese Salad, the quality of your ingredients is paramount. Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant, aromatic basil. The balsamic glaze should be thick and rich, and if you’re adding the optional olive oil drizzle, ensure it’s of high quality – extra virgin olive oil will provide a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched.
- Mind the Thickness: Pay attention to the thickness of your tomato and sliced mozzarella. Consistency is key to creating a visually appealing and well-balanced bite. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniformly thick slices so that every bite has the perfect ratio of tomato to mozzarella (f you can find fresh mozzarella, sliced, then even better).
- Different Types of Tomatoes: Feel free to use any variety of tomato that you prefer or have available. Cherry tomatoes can be halved and used for a smaller, bite-sized version along with mini mozzarella balls, while heirloom tomatoes can add a beautiful array of colors to your Caprese.
- Other Cheeses To Try: While mozzarella is traditional in caprese, feel free to experiment with other soft cheeses. Burrata would be a luxurious alternative, while slices of fresh goat cheese could add a tangy twist.
- Is There a Vegan Alternative to Mozzarella? Yes, you can substitute traditional mozzarella with a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are many brands available like MozzaRisella that offer a similar texture and flavor to dairy mozzarella.
- Get Creative with Shapes: While the candy cane shape is festive and fun, don’t be afraid to get creative with different shapes and arrangements, especially if you’re making this appetizer for various occasions. Circles, hearts, or even simple straight lines can be equally as beautiful and delicious.
- Serving and Presentation: What will the backdrop be? A white or light-colored serving platter can make the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil pop, while a wooden board can add a rustic, cozy feel. Additionally, think about the overall layout of your appetizer board. If you’re including baguette slices or crackers, arrange them neatly around the Caprese on a large platter or in a separate basket or bowl.
- Adjust to Your Guest List: The Caprese Candy Cane is wonderfully adaptable to the size of your gathering. For smaller, intimate gatherings, a smaller candy cane with fewer ingredients works perfectly. For larger parties, go big and bold!
- Make it Ahead (Sort Of): While the Candy Cane Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can slice your tomatoes and mozzarella ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, simply arrange, drizzle, and enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Caprese Candy Cane Salad
Got leftovers? We’ve got you covered for the best way to store them.
Keeping it Fresh
Storing leftovers (if you have any!) of your Caprese Candy Cane is a breeze. While this appetizer is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly save any unused tomato and mozzarella slices for later use.
Simply place them in an airtight container, ensuring they are well-sealed to maintain their freshness and pop them in the refrigerator. They should keep nicely for up to two days.
Reviving the Leftovers
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, consider giving them a little refresh. If you have additional fresh basil, add that to your tomato and mozzarella slices for a burst of freshness.
A new drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt can also revive the flavors. If you’re out of fresh basil, a sprinkle of dried basil or even a little pesto can add a lovely flavor boost.
A Quick Note on the Balsamic Glaze
If you have leftover balsamic glaze, store it in a separate airtight container at room temperature.
It should keep for several weeks and can be used to enhance the flavor of various dishes, from salads to grilled vegetables. Check out our Balsamic Glaze Recipe for more tips and tricks!
What to Serve with Caprese Candy Cane
You’ll want to serve your candy cane with something delicious; here are some ideas.
Complementing with Crunch
The soft and juicy textures of the Caprese Candy Cane pair wonderfully with something crisp. Consider serving it alongside a selection of crackers or those perfectly toasted baguette slices we mentioned earlier, using our French Bread recipe.
The crunch of the bread or crackers provides a delightful contrast to the soft mozzarella and juicy tomatoes, enhancing the overall eating experience.
And this easy bruschetta recipe is perfect as part of a festive spread.
Balancing with Beverages
When it comes to beverages, a light and crisp white wine, a Kir Royale, or a Champagne Cocktail can beautifully highlight the fresh flavors of the Caprese Candy Cane.
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider a Cranberry Spritzer, a light and zesty lemonade, or a sparkling water with a splash of lime to refresh the palate between bites.
Adding Sweet Notes
Introducing a sweet element to your serving board can create a delightful balance of flavors. Fresh fruits like grapes, figs, or slices of melon, a fruit salad, or a Creamy Grape Salad provide a sweet counterpoint to the savory and tangy notes of the Caprese.
If you’re celebrating the festive season, our Christmas Sugar Cookies and Christmas Tree Cookies are a must!
More Easy Appetizers for You To Try at Home
Our candy cane is such a great appetizer, and here are some more for you to make for the Christmas season.
- Baked Brie
- Brussels sprouts sliders
- Pineapple cheese ball
- Air fried potato skins
- Mini goat cheese balls
Best Candy Cane Caprese Board – So Easy
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
- Balsamic glaze: Check out our 1-Ingredient Balsamic Glaze Recipe to make your own. It’s so easy!
- Mind the Thickness: Pay attention to the thickness of your tomato and sliced mozzarella. Consistency is key to creating a visually appealing and well-balanced bite. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniformly thick slices, so that every bite has the perfect ratio of tomato to mozzarella.
- Different Types of Tomatoes: Feel free to use any variety of tomato that you prefer or have available. Cherry tomatoes can be halved and used for a smaller, bite-sized version along with mini mozzarella balls, while heirloom tomatoes can add a beautiful array of colors to your caprese.
- Other Cheeses To Try: While mozzarella is traditional in caprese, feel free to experiment with other soft cheeses. Burrata would be a luxurious alternative, while slices of fresh goat cheese could add a tangy twist.
- Is There a Vegan Alternative to Mozzarella? Yes, you can substitute traditional mozzarella with a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are many brands available like MozzaRisella that offer a similar texture and flavor to dairy mozzarella.
- Get Creative with Shapes: While the candy cane shape is festive and fun, don’t be afraid to get creative with different shapes and arrangements, especially if you’re making this appetizer for various occasions. Circles, hearts, or even simple straight lines can be equally as beautiful and delicious.
- Adjust to Your Guest List: The Caprese Candy Cane is wonderfully adaptable to the size of your gathering. For smaller, intimate gatherings, a smaller candy cane with fewer ingredients works perfectly. For larger parties, go big and bold!
- Make it Ahead (Sort Of): While the Candy Cane Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can slice your tomatoes and mozzarella ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, simply arrange, drizzle, and enjoy!
- Storage: Simply place the tomatoes and mozzarella (discarding the basil) in an airtight container, ensuring they are well-sealed to maintain their freshness and pop them in the refrigerator. They should keep nicely for up to two days.
- Reviving the Leftovers: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, consider giving them a little refresh. If you have additional fresh basil, add that to your tomato and mozzarella slices for a burst of freshness. A new drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt can also revive the flavors. If you’re out of fresh basil, a sprinkle of dried basil or even a little pesto can add a lovely flavor boost.
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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