To make a candy cane caprese, alternate slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato rounds on a large platter in the shape of a candy cane. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and shower it with shredded fresh basil. Serve with crusty bread and a small bowl of balsamic glaze for dipping. It takes about 10 minutes, uses 5 main ingredients and serves 8 as a Christmas appetizer.
This festive candy cane caprese requires only 5 ingredients and just minutes to prepare. It’s the easiest holiday appetizer you will ever make and everyone will love it!
This easy holiday appetizer is for my fellow holiday enthusiasts (or should I say ‘jugglers’ of the season). As a mom and teacher, I know firsthand how hectic the holiday season can get. Between school commitments, holiday shopping, and family activities, it feels like there is never enough time in the day.
That’s why I’m thrilled to share my lifesaver recipe: Candy Cane Caprese. This dish has become my go-to appetizer for every holiday party, and I promise it’s as easy as it is delicious. With only five ingredients and taking just minutes to prepare, this festive candy cane caprese recipe is the perfect solution for anyone with a packed schedule.
The candy cane shape is always a hit, and it’s a guaranteed conversation starter. Creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil create a classic caprese flavor, while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness. The candy cane presentation is a delightful nod to the holiday season, making it perfect for any festive gathering.
why you will love this festive candy cane caprese appetizer
- Fresh and Flavorful
- Perfect for Sharing
- Classic Flavors
- Easy to Make
- Versatile and Customizable
This candy cane caprese is my go-to recipe for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to add this to your new favorite holiday entertaining dish!
ingredients
To make this easy holiday appetizer, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online.
Here’s what we are working with:
- pre-sliced fresh mozzarella log
- fresh tomatoes, cut into rounds
- olive oil, for drizzling
- fresh shredded basil leaves
- balsamic glaze, for serving
- crusty bread, optional for dipping
how to make a candy cane caprese
You’ll find the exact amounts and printable steps in the recipe card below. Here’s what each step looks like, plus the little things that make it work.
1. Create the candy cane. On a large platter, alternate the mozzarella and tomato slices, overlapping them slightly, to form a candy cane shape. Start with the curved hook at the top, then run the slices straight down for the stick. Pat the tomatoes dry with a paper towel first so the platter doesn’t get watery.
2. Season and garnish. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the slices. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for added flavor, and generously sprinkle shredded fresh basil leaves over the top of the candy cane.
3. Serve. Pair your candy cane caprese with slices of crusty bread and a small bowl of balsamic glaze for dipping. You can also add a splash of olive oil to the dipping bowl, like in the photos.
serving candy cane caprese at a holiday party
This is a great appetizer to set out as guests arrive. Place small plates and toothpicks next to the platter, and keep the bread in a basket on the side so people can build their own bites. For a bigger crowd, make two candy canes facing each other to form a heart, or build a wreath shape on a round platter.
make-ahead tips
Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes and shred the basil up to a few hours ahead, then keep them covered in the fridge. Assemble the candy cane and add the oil, basil and seasoning right before serving so the basil stays bright and the tomatoes don’t weep.
how to store leftovers
Don’t leave the platter out for more than 2 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 1 to 2 days. The tomatoes soften and the basil darkens, so leftovers are best chopped into a salad or piled onto toast.
Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, this festive candy cane caprese is sure to impress without adding stress to your holiday to-do list. It’s become a beloved tradition in our home, and I hope it brings joy and ease to your holiday celebrations too!
Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.
Happy holidays, and happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!
ENJOY!
recipe video
candy cane caprese FAQs
Pre-sliced fresh mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic glaze, plus salt and pepper. Crusty bread for dipping is optional.
Slice everything a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, then assemble and garnish right before serving so it looks fresh.
A pre-sliced fresh mozzarella log makes it quick and gives even rounds that match the tomatoes. You can also slice a fresh mozzarella log yourself.
Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before arranging them, and add the salt right before serving.
One platter serves about 8 as an appetizer.
If you love this recipe, check out…
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Festive Candy Cane Caprese (Easy Holiday Appetizer)
- GFGluten-Free
- LCLow Carb
- SFSugar Free
- VGVegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 log (16 oz) pre-sliced fresh mozzarella
- 3 medium fresh tomatoes, cut into rounds
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for drizzling, plus extra for serving
- 3 tbsp balsamic glaze, for serving
- salt and pepper, to taste
- sliced crusty bread, optional for dipping
Instructions
- Create the Candy Cane: On a large platter, alternate the mozzarella and tomato slices to form a candy cane shape.
- Season and Garnish: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the slices. Drizzle over olive oil for added flavor, and generously sprinkle fresh shredded basil leaves on top of the candy cane.
- Serve: Pair your candy cane caprese with slices of crusty bread and a small bowl of balsamic glaze for dipping.
Equipment
- large platter
Nutrition
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