Name: Caprese Salad Christmas Wreath
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup honey; 2-3 handfuls of fresh basil; 12 oz grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes); 10 oz. fresh small mozzarella balls (sometimes called ciliegine or brocconcini); 3 Tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped*); 1/2 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tsp fresh, finely chopped*); 1/2 tsp dried basil (or 1 tsp fresh, finely chopped*); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; pinch of garlic powder; course ground salt & pepper (to taste); additional fresh basil and/or rosemary sprigs for garnish; Toothpicks/cocktail picks for serving

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Caprese Salad Appetizer Wreath- A festive presentation of the popular Italian caprese appetizer! Ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella get a punch of flavor from olive oil, herbs, red pepper flakes and are garnished with fresh basil . A balsamic reduction dipping sauce gives this appetizer the WOW factor. Ready in 15 mins.

Are you looking for a super easy appetizer to serve this Christmas holiday season ? here you go! A fun and festive Caprese Salad Christmas Wreath. You really can have this ready in 15 mins.

Caprese Salad Appetizer Wreath Ingredients:

Cherry/Grape Tomatoes
Small Mozzarella Balls (sometimes called "Ciligine")
Basil
Balsamic Vinegar
Honey
Olive Oil
Spices ( Italian Spice Mix or parsley, oregano, dried basil) red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt & pepper

How to Make:

Make the Balsamic Reductions Sauce :. You'll want to add the balsamic vinegar and honey to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce has reduced to about one-third and thickened like syrup ( approx. 8-10 minutes). While the balsamic is reducing you can put together the rest of the appetizer.

Make the "wreath": use a dinner plate or serving platter. ( 8-10 inches in diameter or adjust to fit the size of your gathering).

Lay fresh basil on the bottom of the plate. I put the pointed end of the basil leaves toward the outside of the plate so they would look more like a wreath.
In the center you'll want to place a small round bowl or ramekin for the balsamic reduction sauce to be poured into ( and to form the center of the wreath) .
Place the washed tomatoes and drained mozzarella balls in a medium bowl. Mix olive oil, herbs, garlic and red pepper flakes a small bowl, pour mixture over tomatoes and mozzarella to lightly coat.
Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella on top of the basil on serving platter. If you want you can add some fresh rosemary to the perimeter of the platter for a little extra holiday "flair". Garnish with additional fresh basil ( leaves or chopped) if desired and course ground salt and pepper.
Once the balsamic reduction sauce is ready carefully pour it into the bowl in the center of the wreath.

Recipe Tips:

1) Make sure to have some toothpicks/cocktail picks available so people can create their own mini caprese skewers ( and to dip into the balsamic sauce).

2) If a dipping sauce would be too messy for how you are planning to serve this appetizer you can always opt to put the toothpicks/cocktail picks in a shallow glass/ container in the center of the wreath (instead of balsamic reduction sauce) and drizzle the balsamic reduction sauce over the tomatoes and mozzarella prior to serving.

3) For a slightly different twist, add some green/black olives.

Time Saving Hacks:

Look for premade Balsamic Reduction Sauce to use in lieu of homemade reduction sauce. (Trader Joe's has a great one)

Look for Marinated Mozzarella Balls (like Bel Gioioso or Galbani brands, or Trader Joe's also carries them). Place the marinated mozzarella balls and the liquid they come in, into a bowl and add the washed tomatoes (in lieu of adding mozzarella, tomatoes, olive oil and herbs together). Arrange according to recipe directions.

Christmas appetizer dilemma ...solved!