Name: Caprese Christmas Tree Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh mozzarella logs, sliced into 1/4-inch slices; 2 lbs medium vine ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices; 2 bunches fresh basil; 1 tsp dried oregano (optional); 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze; Flakey sea salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (4-inch) chunk of sliced baguette, halved through thickness (use top half)

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Introduction

This festive Caprese Christmas Tree is a stunning and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil come together in a beautiful triangular shape, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh mozzarella logs, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
2 lbs medium vine ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
2 bunches fresh basil
1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp balsamic glaze
Flakey sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (4-inch) slice baguette chunk, halved through thickness (use top half)

Instructions

Step 1: Take two slices of fresh mozzarella and cut out a star shape using a cookie cutter. Stack the two stars together and set aside for the tree top.
Step 2: On a large cutting board or serving tray, start building the bottom row of the tree by alternating and overlapping about six slices each of mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves. This will be the widest part of the tree.
Step 3: Continue layering additional rows above the bottom row, each with around six slices, narrowing the rows as you go to form a tall triangular shape. Reserve any leftover mozzarella or tomatoes for another use.
Step 4: Place the mozzarella star on top of the tree and position the halved baguette slice at the bottom to serve as the tree stump.
Step 5: Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the tomato, mozzarella, and basil layers. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the entire tree, then finish by seasoning with flakey sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally, sprinkle flakey sea salt around the tree to resemble snow.
Step 6: Serve the Caprese Christmas Tree shortly after assembling. Avoid leaving the ingredients at room temperature for more than two hours after removing from the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

For a fun twist, add thin slices of roasted red pepper or prosciutto between the layers for extra flavor and color.
Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for a more colorful and visually appealing tree.
If you don’t have a star cookie cutter, carefully cut the star shape with a small sharp knife.
Prepare the tree on a chilled serving platter to help keep the cheese fresh longer.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Because fresh mozzarella and tomatoes can release moisture, it’s best to consume this dish the same day. When ready to serve again, let it come to cool room temperature briefly but do not leave it out for more than two hours.

How to Serve

A Christmas tree shaped dish on a wooden board, made with layers of red tomato slices, white mozzarella cheese slices, and green spinach leaves arranged alternately in rows to form a triangle shape. A cream-colored star-shaped cheese piece is placed on top as the tree topper. The layers show fresh, shiny textures with a drizzle of dark balsamic glaze and sprinkled coarse salt scattered on top and around. At the base of the tree, a rectangular piece of toasted bread represents the tree trunk. The wooden board has a rich brown color with stripes, and coarse salt grains are spread across the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Caprese Christmas Tree ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the tree shortly before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients. However, you can slice the ingredients and keep them refrigerated a few hours in advance to save time.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

If fresh basil is unavailable, you can substitute with baby spinach or arugula for a similar green element, though the flavor will be milder and less aromatic.