These Caprese Bites are a fun and tasty snack! Made with fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, they are a burst of flavor in every bite.
I love to serve them at parties, and they disappear fast! They are so easy to make—just stack and skewer. Perfect for when you want to impress with minimal fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of red, yellow, and green tomatoes adds great color and flavor. If you can’t find a variety, just go with whatever is fresh. Grape tomatoes work too and are usually sweeter than regular tomatoes.
Fresh Mozzarella: Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for the best taste. If it’s not available, bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) or even regular mozzarella can work in a pinch, but they will yield a different texture.
Italian Bread: I love using a crusty Italian loaf or baguette for that perfect crunch. If you can’t find it, any sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta can be a good substitute.
Balsamic Glaze: This foodie favorite adds a sweet-tart finish. You could use regular balsamic vinegar if you don’t have glaze; just drizzle a bit more over the bites to get that flavor.
How Can I Make the Crispiest Bread Rounds?
The key to crispy bread rounds is all about the frying technique! Here are some steps to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Start with oil that’s hot enough. Too cool, and the bread will absorb too much oil, making it soggy.
- After dipping in egg and coating with breadcrumbs, press them down lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well.
- Fry in batches, giving the rounds space in the pan. If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam rather than fry.
- Once golden, place them on paper towels immediately to absorb any excess oil.
This method gives you a deliciously crunchy base for your Caprese Bites!
How to Make Delicious Caprese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (mix of red, yellow, and green for extra color), halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs or panko
- 2 large eggs
- 1 loaf Italian bread or baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling and frying
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and frying the bread, followed by 15 minutes to assemble and plate these delicious bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Rounds:
Start by heating some olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. While the oil is heating, crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them. Dip each slice of bread into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Next, coat them in the bread crumbs until they’re well covered. Fry the bread rounds in the hot oil, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
2. Assemble the Caprese Bites:
Take a slice of that delicious fresh mozzarella and place it on each crispy bread round. Make sure you do it while the bread is still warm so the cheese can melt a little, enhancing the flavor.
3. Add the Fresh Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the cherry tomatoes! Top each mozzarella slice with several halves of the cherry tomatoes, arranging them nicely to look colorful and inviting.
4. Finish with Fresh Basil:
Add a small fresh basil leaf on top of the tomatoes to give a burst of flavor and that classic Caprese look we all love!
5. Season and Drizzle:
Sprinkle a pinch of dried Italian seasoning, along with a dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper over each bite. Then, light drizzle each creation with balsamic glaze and a bit of olive oil to enhance the flavors even more.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your beautiful Caprese Bites on a serving platter. They are best served immediately while the bread is crispy, the cheese is fresh, and the flavors are vibrant. Enjoy this delightful appetizer with friends and family!
This recipe for Caprese Bites captures the essence of a classic Italian salad with all its fresh ingredients, bringing you a delicious, crunchy, and flavorful treat. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like burrata for a creamier texture or even goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind the flavor profile of your cheese will change the overall taste of the bites!
How Can I Make Them Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it uses cheese and vegetables. If you want to keep it vegan, simply replace the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative and use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of eggs for the breading process.
Are Leftovers Still Good the Next Day?
While these bites taste best fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, the bread may become less crispy, so enjoy them right after making for the best experience!
Can I Make These for a Party?
Definitely! These Caprese Bites are perfect for parties and gatherings. You can prepare the bread rounds in advance and assemble them just before serving to keep everything fresh. Set up a little assembly line for guests to create their own bites too—it’s a fun idea!
