Gourmet Caprese Tomatoes with Basil & Mozzarella
Elevate your appetizer game with these Gourmet Caprese Tomatoes, where each bite delivers the fresh and vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad in a charming, bite-sized form. Using ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and high-quality mozzarella, drizzled with rich olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar, these treats not only look stunning but also impress your palate. Perfect for parties or as a refreshing snack, they are quick to assemble and guarantee you'll be the star host at any gathering. Don’t be surprised if your guests keep coming back for more!
8-10
Servings
25
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cherry tomatoes
1 pint (stems removed and hollowed out)
fresh basil
1 bunch (leaves separated)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (cut into small cubes)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for drizzling)
balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon (for drizzling)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the cherry tomatoes: Cut the stem ends off and carefully hollow them out using a small spoon or melon baller, ensuring not to break the tomato skin.
2
Next, take your fresh mozzarella cheese and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes, roughly the size of your hollowed tomatoes.
3
Take a fresh basil leaf and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Wrap the basil leaf around the cheese to create a little 'parcel'.
4
Stuff each basil-wrapped mozzarella cube into the hollowed tomatoes, filling them generously.
5
Once all tomatoes are stuffed, arrange them on a serving platter.
6
Drizzle the assembled tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, adjusting to your taste preference.
7
Finish by sprinkling a light dusting of salt and freshly cracked pepper over each tomato for seasoning.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors, but try to resist eating the entire tray before your guests arrive!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
1.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Caprese Tomatoes?
Gourmet Caprese Tomatoes are a bite-sized appetizer featuring hollowed cherry tomatoes stuffed with basil-wrapped mozzarella cubes, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 to 10 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 25 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it consists of vegetables, cheese, and plant-based oils.
How do I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
Cut the stem ends off and carefully hollow them out using a small spoon or melon baller without breaking the skin.
Can I make these in advance?
While best served immediately, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but it is recommended to assemble and drizzle just before serving to keep the basil fresh.
What kind of mozzarella should I use?
High-quality fresh mozzarella cheese is recommended, cut into small cubes that fit inside the cherry tomatoes.
How do I assemble the stuffing?
Take a fresh basil leaf, place a mozzarella cube in the center, wrap the leaf around the cheese to create a parcel, and stuff it into the hollowed tomato.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 2 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these Caprese tomatoes?
There are approximately 1.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides about 1.2 grams of protein.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes can be used, though their oval shape may make hollowing and standing them upright slightly different.
What type of olive oil is best?
A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is best for drizzling to provide the richest flavor.
Is there a specific way to season them?
Finish the assembled tomatoes with a light dusting of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
How long does it take to assemble?
The recipe is described as quick to assemble, though hollowing the tomatoes is the most time-consuming part.
Can I use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar?
Yes, balsamic glaze can be a great alternative if you prefer a thicker, sweeter finish.
What equipment do I need to hollow the tomatoes?
A small spoon or a melon baller works best for hollowing out cherry tomatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from rolling on the platter?
If needed, you can slice a tiny sliver off the bottom of each tomato to create a flat base.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is required for this recipe as the leaf is used to wrap the cheese; dried basil will not work as a substitute.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 ingredients used in this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is categorized as an appetizer and party food.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
With only 1.5g of carbs per serving, this recipe is very keto-friendly.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The raw data indicates the sugar content is negligible or not specified, though balsamic vinegar contains small amounts of natural sugar.
What should I do if my basil leaves are too small?
If leaves are small, you can use two leaves or simply tuck them into the tomato alongside the cheese.
Can I use bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls)?
Yes, mini mozzarella balls are a perfect size for this recipe and can save time on cubing.
How many ounces of mozzarella do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
Should I serve this cold or at room temperature?
It is typically served slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
What origin is this dish?
This is an Italian-inspired dish based on the classic flavors of Capri.