Caprese Wreath is a show-stopping holiday appetizer that transforms classic Caprese into a stunning holiday wreath. The base of this wreath is made with fresh arugula topped with grape tomatoes, fragrant basil, and festive mozzarella shapes. It’s perfect for Christmas entertaining and is surprisingly easy to assemble.
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Ingredients – Here’s What You’ll Need
Simple ingredients for a stunning appetizer.
- Fresh Veggies: The wreath’s base has fresh arugula, juicy red grape tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
- Fresh Sliced Mozzarella: To add to the holiday theme, I used a silicone mold to form fresh mozzarella slices into festive Christmas shapes.
- Adding Flavor: To add flavor, I used store-bought balsamic glaze.
Making the Holiday-Shaped Mozzarella
I used Christmas-shaped silicone molds for the mozzarella.
- I cut the fresh mozzarella cheese slices in half and pressed each half into the mold’s cavity.
- Then, I placed the mold into a preheated 350°F oven for six minutes to soften the mozzarella. After six minutes, I removed the mold from the oven. I used a paper towel to dab the mozzarella’s excess liquid and press it to completely fill the molds.
- After allowing the cheese to come to room temperature, I removed it from the molds.
Making the Caprese Wreath – Step-by-Step
Once the cheese shapes were ready, I made the Caprese wreath.
- I started by circularly placing the fresh arugula around a small bowl of balsamic glaze on a 12-inch white cake stand.
- Next, I placed a ring of grape tomatoes around the bowl of balsamic glaze on the arugula, and then I placed another ring of grape tomatoes on the arugula.
- After that, I added the fresh basil leaves between the rings of grape tomatoes.
- Finally, I placed the holiday-shaped mozzarella on the outer ring between the tomatoes.
How easy is that!
This holiday caprese wreath isn’t just a salad—it’s a conversation starter that brings Italian charm to your holiday table. Peppery arugula, juicy grape tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy holiday-shaped mozzarella create a delicious blend of flavors your guests will love. Best of all, the assembly takes just minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes – it really is that easy! The most time-consuming part is forming the holiday-shaped mozzarella cheese.
You can certainly cut the grape tomatoes in half if you like. I preferred to keep them whole, primarily because of their appearance.
Regular mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cubed fresh mozzarella work perfectly as alternatives.
The holiday-shaped mozzarella can be made up to a day in advance, covered, and refrigerated. While the Caprese wreath is best served fresh, you can assemble it up to 2 hours before serving—store it covered in the refrigerator.
Other Christmas Appetizers
Chrismas is a time for entertaining family and friends. For additional appetizers your guests will love, check out these recipes.
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Recipe
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Festive Caprese Wreath: A Holiday Appetizer
Equipment
- Christmas-shaped silicone molds
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mozzarella
- 2 ounces fresh arugula
- 8 ounces grape tomatoes
- 12 to 14 fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic Glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut fresh mozzarella slices in half. Press into holiday silicone molds. Heat in a 350°F oven for six minutes to soften the cheese. Remove from the oven. Using paper towels, the mozzarella to remove excess liquid and press to fully fill the molds. Allow to come to room temperature; remove the mozzarella shapes.
- Place a small bowl of balsamic glaze in the center of a 12-inch round platter. Surround the bowl with fresh arugula. Place a ring of grape tomatoes around the bowl; place a second ring of grape tomatoes, leaving about an inch from the first ring.
- Place a ring of fresh basil leaves between the two rings of tomatoes. Finally, place the holiday-shaped mozzarella between the tomatoes in the outer ring.
- Serve with toasted French bread and additional balsamic glaze.
- Yield: 8 servings.
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