Candy Cane Caprese

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Candy Cane Caprese makes a fun and easy Christmas appetizer. Made with slices of fresh mozzarella and juicy tomatoes in the shape of a candy cane!

PIN Candy Cane Caprese Board to try later!

CHRISTMAS CANDY CANE CAPRESE SALAD

Everyone needs this Candy Cane Caprese during the holiday season! Made with fresh ingredients of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, a garnish of fresh basil and served with balsamic glaze, extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper and baguette slices.

I love being extra festive during Christmas season and this Candy Cane Caprese is so easy and fun to make. Serve it as a healthy appetizer or enjoy it for dinner with your favorite protein and simple Italian salad for the ultimate meal. It’s the perfect appetizer to bring to parties and holiday gatherings!

Make caprese any time of year with my Tomato Caprese, Tomato Prosciutto Caprese, Antipasto Skewers, and this Caprese Pasta Salad.

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INGREDIENTS

• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is used to the best Caprese flavors. Slice the mozzarella prior to assembling the candy cane to make it easier or you can use the pre-sliced mozzarella.
• Tomatoes: You will need two to three large fresh tomatoes for this recipe. You can also use cherry tomatoes, but the candy cane will be smaller. Make sure the tomatoes are ripe to maximized the flavor.
• Fresh basil: Fresh basil makes this caprese appetizer extra festive and goes well with the tomato and mozzarella.
• Balsamic glaze: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought glaze or you can even use balsamic vinegar in place of the glaze. 
• Olive oil: I like to use high-quality olive oil for fresh salads because of the rich flavors it brings.
• Sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt gives this recipe just enough seasoning.
• Bread: Any kind of toasted French bread or bread such as baguettes, ciabatta, toasted sourdough, etc. You can also serve this recipe with your favorite crackers. 

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HOW TO MAKE CANDY CANE CAPRESE 

Assemble into large candy cane: First, imagine your candy cane shape on an appetizer board, rectangular display board, or large plate and start at the top. First with slices of fresh tomato, then the cream mozzarella cheese in an alternating pattern until you have created a big candy cane shape.

Add extras: Next, place fresh basil leaves around the candy cane on the board and pour some balsamic glaze or vinegar in a small serving bowl. 

Serve and enjoy! Just before serving, drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella and sprinkle them with sea salt. Serve the Caprese with more olive oil and sea salt if preferred along with crackers or toasted bread.  Enjoy the candy cane with skewers or toothpicks and dip it into the sweet balsamic just before eating,

TOMATO CAPRESE VARIATIONS

• Serve the tomatoes and mozzarella with other antipasto ingredients like olives, salami, peppers, other cheeses, and nuts for the ultimate cheese plate.
• Arrange a Christmas wreath instead of a candy cane by grouping the tomatoes in a circle and decorating with mozzarella slices or pearls. 
• Drizzle an olive oil blend of fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme over the Caprese. 

TIPS FOR CAPRESE CANDY CANE

• Use any kind of variety of tomatoes such as heirlooms, Roma, or other vine tomatoes. 
• Pat down the mozzarella cheese slices and tomatoes slices with a paper towel before assembling to prevent excess moisture.
• Evenly slice the tomatoes and mozzarella for a nice presentation and balance. 

how to make crositini

Perfectly crisp and buttery Crostini is our favorite to serve on the side of any caprese. Make it by slicing a fresh bread or baguette into slices and placing them on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the slices with melted butter or olive oil and bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

STORING LEFTOVERS

Store the leftover candy cane Caprese salad in an airtight container or covering the board with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I do not recommend freezing caprese as it will change the consistency completely.

This recipe was last updated September 25, 2024 to include additional photos and information. Originally posted December 8, 2021 By Kathryn Donangelo.