Okay…once again I am SO far behind on this post. I am sorry!
I hate not being consistent about posting and I never want people to wonder “where the heck did she go?”
If you read my last post (on April 30th…whoops), you know how crazy this week has been for me!
So far, since that last post, I drove to Atlanta, flew to Charlotte, flew to Denver, and flew back to Charlotte to help my mom film her kickstarter video for her business. It was a great weekend and everything turned out AMAZING. Not to mention I got (and am still getting) wonderful time with my sweet niece, Elise.
I will post a few pictures from that weekend in my next post. Spoiler…they are of the cutest baby ever.
I am in Washington now (we flew here early this morning), so I am going to try my best to keep posting while I am here! If I fall behind again, I will be back home on Saturday and promise to stick to my usual every other day schedule then :).
So aaaaanyway…these Caprese Bites.
Once you taste them you will forgive me for my lateness.
They. Are. So. Good.
Everyone LOVED them, and they completely and totally define the meaning of “a perfect bite.”
The juicy tomatoes, soft creamy mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and sweet, sticky, garlicy balsamic reduction…oh man. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Caprese salad is one of my favorite salads in the world. These cute little bites hold true to the traditional flavors of Caprese salad with one delicious twist – the balsamic reduction. I’m not sure who first decided to simmer balsamic vinegar and see what happens…but I would love to meet them and give them a big hug. Because they discovered something aaaahhhhh-mazing.
Reducing the balsamic takes out a lot of that sharp, vinegar flavor and balances it out with sweetness. The thick, syrupy texture of the reduction allows the sauce to stick to the tomatoes and cheese rather than drizzling right off and pooling on the plate.
And to add even more complexity and deliciousness to this perfect appetizer, we add a clove of crushed garlic to the balsamic as it’s reducing which just adds an extra note of flavor and makes it even more awesome…if that is even possible.
Seriously guys…I’m telling you. These are SO GOOD. Trust me! Not to mention they are crazy, crazy, crazy easy to make. I love it when a dish is this easy to make but also contains the perfect balance of flavors.
And they are preeeeetty.
Here is the recipe!
PrintCaprese Salad Bites with Garlic Balsamic Reduction
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 20-25 Caprese bites 1x
Ingredients
- 20–25 mozzarella balls (8 oz container)
- 10–15 cherry (grape) tomatoes, sliced in half
- 10–15 basil leaves
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove of garlic, peeled and crushed
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- For the balsamic reduction:
- Add the vinegar and crushed garlic to a small pan and bring to a simmer
- Let the vinegar and garlic simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the reduction thickens and resembles the texture of a syrup
- For the salad bites:
- Cut the tomatoes in half
- Slice the basil leaves in half unless they are small leaves so the basil doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the bite
- On each toothpick, add one half of a cherry (or grape) tomato, the basil (folded in half so it doesn’t stick out too far) and one ball of mozzarella
- Repeat until all the bites are done and place them on a plate or tray
- Season all of them with salt and pepper, and drizzle a liberal amount of balsamic reduction on top
*Gluten free*
If you make this or any of my other recipes, make sure to Instagram it and hashtag #thegarlicdiaries!
Want more yummy appetizer recipes? Check these out!
Spicy Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs
30 Minute Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Love this!
Can I make these ahead of time and then drizzle the sauce on top before serving…. Or will it get too soggy?
It depends on how far in advance you make it – but it would probably be okay! Better fresh, though. Also, careful with making the sauce ahead of time, because it solidifies as it cools in the refrigerator. If you make the sauce ahead of time, you’ll have to microwave it just a little bit to loosen it back up!
if I turned up to a party and these were being served, I would be VERY happy. They look so delicious.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Baked Thai Chicken with Crunchy Thai Salad by Dannii
Thanks, Dannii! They are a huge crowd pleaser :).
That syrup looks like perfection! I must try that! I just did the lazy thing and bought it, but I realized there is a lot of added sugar, so I should probably make my own. Hope you are enjoying your travels!
Caitlin @ teaspoon recently posted…Truffe {swiss chocolate shop tour}
Thanks, Caitlin! It really is SO easy to make at home. You just let it simmer and forget about it. And it tastes so amazing!
These are so fun and pretty! Love how easy they are to whip up too! So glad to hear you’re having a great time with your family!
Thanks, Kelly! They are so SO easy! And yummy!
You certainly have been busy! At least most of your traveling is over and you get a few extra days to visit your sister and neice! I love a caprese salad and your little bites look amazing! That reduction is heavenly!
Thanks, Rachelle! They are the best little bites. Yes I have been very busy!! Agreed, those few days were so nice.
Caprese salad is my jam! And I’m all about the perfect bite! I’ve been looking for a fresh appetizer for this coming weekend and I think I’ve found it ;) Thanks for the inspiration!
I hope you try it and love it, Alison! They are seriously the perfect and most delicious appetizer.
I couldn’t agree more, caprese salads rock!!
PS – My mom’s name is Elisse (and my grandma’s was as well)… You don’t hear the name too often and I love it.
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness recently posted…DietBet Week 2 Recap | Persevering When the Scale Won’t Budge
Yes they do, Nicole! Aw, really? Yeah I don’t hear the name very often but it is beautiful.
Those little caprese bites look super yummy! And I love the garlic balsamic reduction you made to go with it – looks perfect!! :)
Thanks, Christina! The balsamic reduction is heaaavveennllyyyy :).
So happy to hear your travels are going so well and you are having a great time! Annie, these caprese salad bites look a-mazing! The photography alone has my tummy growling! Caprese with balsamic is one of my favorite salads… I love that you added garlic to the balsamic and turned these into cute little appetizers :) Stunning and Delicious! Cheers!
★★★★★
Thank you, Cheyanne!! They are as delicious as they look :).
This looks like the perfect appetizer to me! So pretty Annie! Pinned!
Thanks, Mariah! And thanks for the pin :).
These bites look just perfect, Annie! Caprese is my favorite in salads or sandwiches, so I’m loving these little bites!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Raspberry Crumb Bars
Thanks, Gayle! Caprese is one of my faves too :).
These look so great Annie! I’m pretty much always on board for something easy, especially if it involves cheese!
Maya @ Treats and Eats recently posted…Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Round-Up
Thanks, Maya! I’m with you, the more cheese the better :).
Oh yumm! Annie, you know I can eat carese all day! That much I love this scrumptious combo! Your pictures making me drool ! Have to visit store today ;)
Savita @ ChefDeHome recently posted…By ChefDeHome- Fresh Strawberry Cream Scones
Thanks, Savita! It really is the best combo :).