Candy Cane Caprese

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This Candy Cane Caprese is a delicious appetizer board idea or snack during the festive holidays! Enjoy this recipe made with fresh mozzarella, ripened tomatoes, bright basil, and sweet balsamic glaze on your Christmas Eve menu filled with all types of other party food ideas. Delicious with crackers, toasted baguette slices, bread, and more! 

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CHRISTMAS CANDY CANE CAPRESE SALAD

If you have a thing for Tomato Caprese, then you will love this candy cane-shaped appetizer recipe! All of the classic delicious flavors you love from fresh tomatoes and basil with creamy mozzarella are in this easy Christmas party food idea. Serve this easy Caprese as an appetizer or snack while you’re visiting with loved ones and awaiting for main courses to be ready. 

This recipe is yummy and fits with other Christmas appetizer recipes such Antipasto Skewers, Melon Caprese Salad, Tomato Prosciutto Caprese, and many more. There are so many festive options to serve at the next holiday party or brunch! 

Serve this Candy Cane Caprese on your favorite serving platter or board for a beautiful display and presentation. After all, you are making a candy cane! Brighten up your Christmas Eve with this holiday-inspired snack recipe. 

The balsamic glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the fresh recipe. Everything you love about the classic combination of tomato and mozzarella is packed into this simple candy cane salad! 

INGREDIENTS

MOZZARELLA: Fresh mozzarella is used to the best Caprese flavors. Slice the mozzarella prior to assembling the candy cane to make it easier. You can find fresh mozzarella in most cheese sections at well-stocked grocery stores. 

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 and filled with flavor! 

FRESH BASIL: Fresh basil allows this tomato and mozzarella salad to be filled with bright and yummy flavors. Dried basil will not work in place of fresh basil for this recipe!

BALSAMIC GLAZE: Use your favorite homemade or storebought 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. Olive oil just has such nice aromatic flavors and notes!

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. 

HOW TO MAKE CANDY CANE CAPRESE 

STEP ONE: First, imagine your candy cane shape on an appetizer board or plate and start at the top. With the fresh mozzarella slices, alternate the cheese with the tomato slices until you have created a big candy cane shape. If you are using cherry tomatoes, then your candy cane may not be as big. 

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

Just before serving, drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella and sprinkle them with sea salt. 

STEP THREE: 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 and sticky balsamic just before eating!

TOMATO CAPRESE VARIATIONS

• Serve the tomatoes and mozzarella with other antipasto ingredients like charcuterie, peppers, etc. 
• 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. 
• If you do not have olive oil, then any other kind of neutral vegetable oil will work.

TIPS FOR CAPRESE CANDY CANE

• Use any kind of variety of tomatoes such as heirlooms, Roma, or other vine tomatoes. 
• Prepare this Caprese ahead of time by covering it with plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator up to two days before serving. 
• Be sure to evenly slice the tomatoes and mozzarella for a nice presentation and balance. 
• Serve with other Christmas Eve appetizer ideas such as different meats, veggies, cheeses, salads, and more. 
• Be sure to pick the juiciest and most robust tomatoes because it truly makes a difference. The more flavorful the tomato, then the tastier this Caprese with balsamic is! 

STORING LEFTOVERS

Store the leftover candy cane Caprese salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. 

OTHER APPETIZER RECIPES YOU WILL ENJOY!

• Pizza Dip
• Italian Pinwheels
• Bruschetta Cheese Ball
• Smoked Salmon Flatbread
• Spicy Artichoke Dip
• Cranberry Baked Brie
• Clam Dip
• Corn Fritters
• French Onion Dip (Healthy Version)
• Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
• Italian Roasted Peppers

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