Description
These Christmas Mini Caprese Salad Cups are a festive and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday parties. Combining juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil in crisp phyllo pastry cups, finished with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze, they deliver a delightful burst of fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Filling
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 12 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 12 small phyllo pastry cups or mini tart shells
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cups: If you’re using phyllo pastry cups or mini tart shells, bake them according to the package instructions until they are golden brown and crispy. Once baked, allow them to cool completely to prevent wilting the filling.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Carefully halve each cherry tomato lengthwise from top to bottom, ensuring clean and even halves for attractive presentation.
- Assemble the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the halved cherry tomatoes with the fresh mozzarella balls and torn basil leaves. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Fill the Cups: Generously spoon the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture into each cooled phyllo cup or tart shell, filling them to create a visually appealing and flavorful bite.
- Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over each filled cup just before serving to add a glossy finish and a complementary sweet tang.
- Garnish: For an extra festive touch, top each cup with a small fresh basil leaf to enhance both the aroma and the presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the phyllo cups are fully cooled before adding the filling to maintain crispness.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time but assemble just before serving to keep the cups crisp.
- Balsamic glaze can be purchased ready-made or made by reducing balsamic vinegar until syrupy.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
