Caprese Christmas Tree Recipe
Create a festive and delicious Caprese Christmas Tree that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of fresh mozzarella, ripe vine tomatoes, and aromatic basil are arranged in a beautiful tree shape, topped with a mozzarella star and a baguette stump, then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a vibrant appetizer that’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Garnish
- 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
Bread
- 1 (4-inch) chunk of sliced baguette, halved through thickness (use top half)
Instructions
- Create Mozzarella Star: Take two slices of fresh mozzarella and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut stars from them. Stack the two mozzarella stars together and set aside. This will serve as the tree topper.
- Build Bottom Row: On a large cutting board or serving tray, arrange the bottom row of the tree by alternating and slightly overlapping slices of mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil leaves. Use about 6 slices of each to form the widest row of your triangle.
- Form Remaining Rows: Continue layering rows above the bottom row, each row narrower than the one below, to create a tall triangular Christmas tree shape. Use about 6 or more rows, maintaining the alternating pattern of mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Refrigerate any leftover cheese or tomatoes for future use.
- Add Star and Stump: Place the stacked mozzarella star on the top of the assembled tree. Position the halved baguette chunk at the bottom center to act as the tree ‘stump’.
- Season and Garnish: Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the tomato, cheese, and basil layers. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the entire tree. Finish by seasoning with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Optionally, sprinkle additional flaky sea salt around the tree to mimic snow.
- Serve Promptly: Serve the Caprese Christmas Tree shortly after preparation. Keep ingredients refrigerated and ensure they are not at room temperature for longer than 2 hours to maintain freshness and food safety.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- The star cookie cutter can be any size but should be small enough to fit atop the tree neatly.
- This appetizer is best served fresh; avoid making too far in advance to prevent the tomatoes from releasing too much moisture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.
- For a vegan variation, substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Keywords: Caprese Salad, Christmas Appetizer, Holiday Recipe, Tomato Mozzarella Basil, Festive Food, No-Cook Appetizer, Italian Salad
Find it online: https://leofoster.com/caprese-christmas-tree-recipe/
