Caprese Wreath

Caprese Christmas Wreath – simple to make, festive flavor fusion appetizer platter perfect for the holidays.

Each holiday season I like to share at least 3 new appetizers here on the blog, so you can plan your menu, shop the necessary products and impress your guests. All you need is 3 main ingredients: cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls and fresh basil.

If you are looking for a way to add a touch of elegance to your holiday table, you have come to the right place. This is the perfect holiday centerpiece. 

I also have some more holiday appetizers, you can check out here.

This delicious dish not only captures the spirit of the holiday season, but also combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with a creative and visually stunning wreath presentation.

How to make Christmas Caprese Wreath Holiday Appetizer?

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of fresh Basil (or 20 leaves)
• bocconcini – small fresh mozzarella balls
• cherry tomatoes or any other smal/mini tomato variety
• baby spinach (optional as a canape for the wreath)
• olive oil
• chopped basil
• salt (or more to taste)
• black pepper (optional)
• dried oregano
• hot red pepper/chili  flakes (optional)
• Optional: Balsamic glaze or Balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. On a small bowl combine the olive oil, chopped basil, salt, pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

2. Place the spinach at the the rim of a large white platter. Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Garnish with basil.

3. Drizzle the olive oil mixture on top. Serve or refrigerate for up to 6 hours.

Recipe Tips

1. Look for good quality ingredients. Look for ripe, vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh and aromatic basil leaves, and top-notch mozzarella balls. Quality ingredients make the overall taste much better and improve the visual appeal of the dish.
2. Add color – Use  a mix of different-colored cherry tomatoes for festive touch to your holiday wreath. The combination of red, yellow, and orange tomatoes creates an eye-catching presentation and if this is what you are looking to create – go for it!
3. Size – look for consistency in the size of your mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. This adds a balanced look also allows for consistent bites when your guests enjoy this holiday appetizer.
4. Fresh Basil – this is the best choice, because it adds an amazing flavor and fresh look. If you don’t have any, you can omit it or use fresh spinach for adding color.
5. Drizzle – I’ve already given you an option for an olive oil drizzle in the recipe card, but you can make your own. Italian salad dressing or vinaigrette or just a balsamic glaze are good options. Add your favorite fresh and dried herbs and dig into it!

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Preserving the freshness of this beautiful appetizer is essential, so I suggest making it just before or within 1 hour of serving it and keeping it in a cooler place or in the fridge.

You can still try to store leftovers in an airtight container, or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To Avoid Dampness from the mozzarella when storing : To prevent moisture buildup, place a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth in the container with the wreath. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the ingredients fresh.

Before serving, inspect the ingredients for freshness. Discard any items that appear wilted, discolored, or have an off smell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could you slice the tomatoes? If you are serving the appetizer within a couple hours after making it, you can definitely cut the cherry tomatoes in half or in quarters, if they are too big. Of using any large variety of tomatoes, you should slice them into bite sized pieces. Keep in mind, that the juice may run out of them and they may become soggy, if sitting around for too long, after they are cup.

Can this be made with larger tomatoes and mozzarella balls? If you don’t have access to cherry/grape tomatoes and bocconcini, you can use larger tomatoes, sliced into rounds and mozzarella cut into circles of the same thickness. Arrange them around the outer edge of the platter, forming a wreath.Could you add pesto ? Pesto can be added on top of the tomatoes and mozzarella balls, or in a small bowl and placed in the middle of the platter.

What are some variations of the recipe? Variations: You can use wooden skewers and thread 2 mozzarella balls and 2 cherry tomatoes with some basil in between, then arrange them on the platter in a circle, forming a wreath.

Can you add meat? Adding salami or prosciutto in between the tomatoes and mozzarella bowls is a way to make this appetizer even more fun.

Dipping sauce: Adding a small bowl in the middle, filled with Balsamic glaze or olive oil mixed with herbs is also a nice touch. You can also make your own Balsamic Glaze.

More Christmas Recipes

• 30 Unique Christmas Cookie Recipes
• Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Appetizer
• Easy Homemade Italian Christmas Bread Panettone

If you’re hosting a Holiday party or looking for a fun contribution to a potluck, this Caprese Christmas Wreath going to impress and spread the holiday cheer.

Try it this Christmas season and delight in the joy of combining traditional recipe with a creative culinary twist!

Caprese Recipe Ideas

• Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze
• Baked Caprese Chicken Thighs
• Grilled Veggie Caprese Sandwich