Easy mozzarella and tomato caprese appetizer bites. This fresh, crowd-pleasing recipe on toasted bread is the perfect starter for your next party!
I LOVE anything with mozzarella and tomatoes. It’s so good, am I right? From caprese salads to bruschetta tomatoes, flatbread pizzas, and more, I could eat them all day, every day. Today, we are whipping up a batch of mozzarella and tomato caprese appetizer bites. Have you ever made it before?
It’s an easy blend of a caprese salad with pesto served on crusty Italian bread. And it’s so delicious. I make this often as appetizers for brunches, dinners, cocktail parties, or anything in between.
They hold up well during an event. There’s never a crumb left when the party is over. And you can even make this as a meal too! Wait until you try these tomato and mozzarella caprese bites!
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About Mozzarella and Tomato Caprese Appetizer Bites
A caprese appetizer bite is a simple and delicious dish that is made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil pesto on skinny Italian or French bread slices. This fast, easy, and delicious recipe is simple to prepare and can be made in minutes. I love using my homemade pesto recipe as the base and if it’s time to harvest tomatoes from my garden, even better! But the best part?
You could even make this dish as a sandwich! Instead of cutting the slices, make it on fresh Italian or French bread. And sometimes, I’ll even toss it into my panini press. It is so yummy!
What Kind of Tomatoes Are Best for Caprese?
For anything caprese, I’d use heirloom tomatoes, especially if you can get them while they are in season. However, garden, roma, cherry, or vine tomatoes work really well too. The fresher the ingredients, the better this dish will be. But if you are making it when tomatoes are not in season, grab what looks freshest to get the best flavor.
Mozzarella Caprese Appetizer Ingredients
To make a Caprese appetizer with basil pesto on sliced French bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- Basil pesto
- 1 Loaf French bread, sliced
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Small garden tomatoes, sliced thin
- Cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
While I like to use a fresh basil pesto for this dish, feel free to substitute it for a different kind of pesto or store-bought.
Directions to Make Mozzarella and Tomato Caprese Appetizer Bites
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Cut bread into thin slices. You could use French bread too. I usually grab whatever is available at the market.
- You want it to be small enough, though, so when you slice it, they are small disks. So skip the larger loaves of Italian bread. They don’t work as well unless you are making them into a sandwich.
- Place sliced bread onto a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes. We are just crisping it up so it holds the mozzarella and tomato appetizer better.
- While the bread is toasting in the oven, thinly slice the mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Remove bread from the oven and immediately prepare each bite.
- Spread a thin layer of basil pesto onto each slice of French bread.
- Then add a slice of tomato. If the tomato slices are too big for the bread, cut them in half.
- Top each slice with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Pop it back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melty.
- Sprinkle the chopped basil over the top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, toast the bread and assemble the mozzarella and tomato caprese appetizer bites but don’t bake them until you are ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil is a timeless favorite, don’t hesitate to experiment with other ingredients to create your own signature Caprese bites. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Fruity & Sweet: For a seasonal twist, especially in the summer, add a slice of fresh peach, strawberry, or a drizzle of fig jam to your appetizer. The sweetness will offer a beautiful contrast to the savory flavors.
- A Touch of Salty Prosciutto: Drape a small, thin slice of prosciutto over the mozzarella before the final bake. This adds a delicious salty and savory depth.
- Creamy & Rich with Burrata: Swap out the fresh mozzarella for creamy burrata. Since burrata is much softer, add it to the toasted bread after it comes out of the oven.
- Get Creative with Pesto: Instead of traditional basil pesto, try a sun-dried tomato pesto for a more intense tomato flavor, or an arugula pesto for a peppery kick.
- Avocado Toast, Caprese Style: Add a thin slice of creamy avocado on top of the pesto before layering the other ingredients for a richer, more substantial bite.
- Balsamic Glaze Finish: For a touch of tangy sweetness, drizzle a quality balsamic glaze over the appetizers right before serving. You can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens, or purchase a pre-made glaze.
Serving Suggestions for Your Mozzarella and Tomato Caprese Appetizer Bites
These Caprese bites are wonderfully versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. Here are some suggestions for what to serve alongside them:
- As a Standalone Appetizer: They are the perfect starter for any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a more formal gathering. Arrange them on a platter for an elegant and easy-to-serve option.
- Part of an Antipasto Platter: Create a beautiful and abundant antipasto board by pairing the Caprese bites with cured meats like salami and soppressata, a selection of olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and other cheeses.
- With a Simple Green Salad: For a light lunch or a more substantial appetizer spread, serve the bites alongside a fresh arugula salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. The peppery notes of the arugula will complement the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes.
- Alongside Grilled Meats: These appetizers are a fantastic accompaniment to grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Their freshness provides a lovely contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill.
- Wine Pairing: For a delightful pairing, serve with a crisp and dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or a light and fruity rosé.
Make Ahead Prep and Storage Information
To ensure your Mozzarella and Tomato Caprese Appetizer Bites are enjoyed at their best, follow these storage tips:
- Best Served Fresh: For the ultimate flavor and texture, these bites are best enjoyed immediately after they are made, while the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread is crisp.
- Make-Ahead Preparation: If you need to prepare in advance, you can toast the bread slices and allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. You can also slice your tomatoes and mozzarella ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before you plan to serve.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the bread will soften over time.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will make the bread soggy.
Final Thoughts About Making Mozzarella and Tomato Caprese Appetizer Bites
This recipe is more than just an appetizer in my home; it’s a staple. The beauty of these Caprese bites lies in the ease of making it and the incredible flavor you get from just a few fresh, quality ingredients. It’s my go-to for everything from elegant party starters that always impress guests to a quick and satisfying lunch.
Don’t hesitate to think beyond the appetizer plate! I often make these into a full-blown “sammy” by using larger slices of crusty bread. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of summer for a simple weeknight meal or a weekend lunch on the patio.
Whether you serve them as an elegant bite or a hearty sandwich, I hope you enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors as much as my family and I do. Enjoy!
Have you ever made caprese appetizer bites before? Or leveled it up as a sandwich? Let’s chat more about it in the comments below. This is one of my favorite recipes.
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
Mozzarella and Tomato Caprese Appetizer Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400.
- Cut bread into thin slices.
- Place sliced bread onto baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes.
- While the bread is toasting in the oven, thinly slice the mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Remove bread from oven and immediately prepare each bite.
- Spread a thin layer of basil pesto onto each slice of French bread.
- Then add a slice of tomato.
- Top each slice with a slice of mozzarella cheese
- Pop it back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melty.
- Sprinkle the chopped basil over the top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Is Caprese a Healthy Snack?
In general, yes because the tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella each have lots of nutrition that is essential for good health. Of course, how you prepare it will matter. It’s a healthier dish when served without extra carbohydrates like bread. And if you have an intolerance to dairy, you might want to omit the fresh mozzarella or swap it out for something you can have.
What is the Difference Between Bruschetta and Caprese?
While they might seem similar, bruschetta and caprese are different because one has mozzarella and the other does not. Bruschetta tomatoes is also typically served on crusty Italian or a French baguette and caprese is typically prepared as a salad. However, you can totally add mozzarella to bruschetta. And you can also add crusty bread to caprese, which is what we are doing today!
More Easy Appetizers for a Party
What is your easy appetizer to serve at a party? I would love to know more in the comments below. Here are some more of my favorites.
- Proscuitto and Brie Appetizer Bites
- Easy Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese
- Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip Recipe
Quick and Easy Dishes to Try
Since we moved, I’m all about cooking in my new kitchen! The former homeowners designed a working kitchen and let me tell you, we’ve been working it here. We’ve got three ovens and 6 burners so it’s been a lot of fun making dishes for friends and family.
Here’s what I’ve been cooking up lately!
- Meatballs in the Oven with Italian Gravy
- Corn Chowder Easy Recipe
- Chicken Soup Recipe Homemade
- Healthy Instantpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
- The Best Coffee Cake Recipe
- Apple Crisp Easy Recipe
- Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
- Quick and Easy Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe
