The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of gatherings, laughter, and of course, food. But let’s be honest, hosting can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. You want to present beautiful dishes, but you don’t want to spend the entire party in the kitchen. What if I told you there’s a way to offer something spectacular that requires zero cooking?
Enter this beautiful Caprese Wreath. It’s one of my favorite Holiday Party Appetizers because it looks so festive and tastes incredibly fresh. It brings those classic red, white, and green colors to your table, instantly adding to the holiday spirit. It’s a simple, elegant solution for any festive event.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is unbelievably easy. There is no oven, no stove, and no complicated equipment needed. If you can thread ingredients onto a skewer, you can make this. It’s a great recipe for beginners or for when you need a last minute dish.
The visual appeal is a huge plus. Arranged in a circle, these skewers truly look like a Christmas wreath. It becomes a centerpiece on your appetizer table, drawing everyone’s eye. It’s one of those Christmas Party Food Ideas that people will remember.
The flavors are classic and loved by almost everyone. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil are a timeless combination. The simple seasoning and rich balsamic glaze just bring it all together. It’s light, refreshing, and a nice balance to heavier holiday foods.
It’s also very easy to customize. You can add other ingredients or adjust the seasonings to your liking. This flexibility makes it a wonderful option for various tastes and preferences. It is one of the most adaptable Easy Christmas Appetizers For A Party you can find.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. You don’t need much to create something truly special. Here is what you will need to assemble your delicious wreath.
- 52 cherry tomatoes
- 52 mini mozzarella balls (also called ciliegine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 oz fresh basil leaves
- 4 oz balsamic glaze
- 26 wooden skewers
Step By Step Instructions
Putting together these fantastic Holiday Party Appetizers is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps and you will have a stunning dish ready for your guests in no time at all. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, gently wash your cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat them dry. Place them into a large mixing bowl. Next, drain any liquid from your mini mozzarella balls and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes. Having everything in one bowl makes the next step super easy.
Step 2: Season Everything
Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Use a large spoon or your hands to gently toss everything together until the tomatoes and mozzarella are evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid squishing the tomatoes.
Step 3: Prepare The Basil
Take about a quarter cup of your fresh basil leaves and stack them neatly on top of each other. Roll them up tightly like a small cigar. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the roll into thin ribbons. This technique is called a chiffonade, and it makes for a beautiful garnish.
Step 4: Assemble The Skewers
Now for the fun part. Grab a wooden skewer. Thread on one cherry tomato, followed by one mini mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern one more time, so you have two of each on a single skewer. Continue this process until you have used all your ingredients and have 26 completed skewers.
Step 5: Create The Wreath
Choose a large round platter or a wooden board for serving. Place a small, empty bowl right in the center. This bowl will hold your balsamic glaze later. Begin arranging the skewers around the bowl in a circular pattern, with the pointy ends facing outwards. Overlap them slightly to create a full, lush wreath shape.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
Sprinkle your beautifully sliced basil ribbons all over the skewers. Tuck the remaining whole basil leaves around the edges of the wreath to add more greenery and texture. Finally, pour the balsamic glaze into the small bowl in the center. Your masterpiece is ready to be served as one of the best Christmas Dinner Appetizers.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Carefully remove the skewers from the serving platter and place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the basil may wilt a bit, and the tomatoes will soften. For best results, enjoy them fresh.
I would not recommend freezing these skewers. The texture of the tomatoes and mozzarella will change significantly upon thawing, and they will become watery and unpleasant. This is definitely a dish best made and eaten fresh.
Tips
Want to add a little something extra? Here are a few ideas to make these Holiday Party Appetizers even more special. Following these suggestions can add more flavor and visual variety to your dish.
- Use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes to add more color to your wreath.
- For a salty kick, you can thread a folded piece of prosciutto or a small slice of salami onto each skewer.
- You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Just wait to garnish with the fresh basil and set out the glaze until you are ready to serve.
- If you buy a high quality balsamic glaze, it will have a thicker consistency and richer flavor, which is great for dipping.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple, beautiful, and delicious appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. This Caprese Wreath proves that impressive Holiday Party Appetizers do not have to be complicated or time consuming. It’s a fresh, flavorful, and festive addition to any holiday menu.
So next time you need great Christmas Party Food Ideas, remember this easy recipe. It lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Happy holidays and happy hosting!
FAQ
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. The skewers can be assembled up to four hours in advance. Arrange them on your platter, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. Wait to add the fresh basil garnish and the balsamic glaze until just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting fresh.
What Kind Of Mozzarella Should I Use?
The best choice is mini mozzarella balls, which are often sold in a container with water or whey. They are sometimes labeled as ‘ciliegine’. Their small, round shape is perfectly sized for skewers and provides a creamy bite. If you can’t find them, you can buy a larger ball of fresh mozzarella and cut it into small, bite sized cubes.
I Can’t Find Balsamic Glaze. What Can I Use Instead?
If you cannot find a premade balsamic glaze, you can easily make your own. Simply pour about one cup of regular balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it has reduced by half and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Let it cool completely before serving.
How Many People Does This Recipe Serve?
This recipe makes 26 skewers. As an appetizer, you can plan on about two to three skewers per person. This means the wreath should comfortably serve about 10 to 13 people. It’s a great option for a medium sized crowd and can easily be scaled up or down depending on the size of your party. These are some of the most versatile Christmas Dinner Appetizers for any guest count.
Caprese Wreath
This beautiful Caprese Wreath is a festive and fresh appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings. It brings classic red, white, and green colors to your table, offering a simple and elegant solution for any festive event.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, gently wash your cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat them dry. Place them into a large mixing bowl. Next, drain any liquid from your mini mozzarella balls and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes. Having everything in one bowl makes the next step super easy.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Use a large spoon or your hands to gently toss everything together until the tomatoes and mozzarella are evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid squishing the tomatoes.
- Take about a quarter cup of your fresh basil leaves and stack them neatly on top of each other. Roll them up tightly like a small cigar. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the roll into thin ribbons. This technique is called a chiffonade, and it makes for a beautiful garnish.
- Now for the fun part. Grab a wooden skewer. Thread on one cherry tomato, followed by one mini mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern one more time, so you have two of each on a single skewer. Continue this process until you have used all your ingredients and have 26 completed skewers.
- Choose a large round platter or a wooden board for serving. Place a small, empty bowl right in the center. This bowl will hold your balsamic glaze later. Begin arranging the skewers around the bowl in a circular pattern, with the pointy ends facing outwards. Overlap them slightly to create a full, lush wreath shape.
- Sprinkle your beautifully sliced basil ribbons all over the skewers. Tuck the remaining whole basil leaves around the edges of the wreath to add more greenery and texture. Finally, pour the balsamic glaze into the small bowl in the center. Your masterpiece is ready to be served as one of the best Christmas Dinner Appetizers.
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Carefully remove the skewers from the serving platter and place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the basil may wilt a bit, and the tomatoes will soften. For best results, enjoy them fresh.
I would not recommend freezing these skewers. The texture of the tomatoes and mozzarella will change significantly upon thawing, and they will become watery and unpleasant. This is definitely a dish best made and eaten fresh.
Use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes to add more color to your wreath.
For a salty kick, you can thread a folded piece of prosciutto or a small slice of salami onto each skewer.
You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Just wait to garnish with the fresh basil and set out the glaze until you are ready to serve.
If you buy a high quality balsamic glaze, it will have a thicker consistency and richer flavor, which is great for dipping.
Nutrition
Calories
Fat
Saturated Fat
Carbs
Sugar
Fiber
Protein
Sodium
