Caprese Bites make an easy appetizer that’s ready in minutes. Fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze top toasted bread slices for the perfect bite. If you love caprese flavors, then this simple snack was made for you!

You’ll also love my Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta and Caprese Mason Jar Salad.

Three caprese bites on a wood charcuterie board.

There’s something about the combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil that just tastes like summer. I used to look forward to Panera’s seasonal caprese salad every year — it was my go-to until it quietly disappeared from the menu.

Lately, I’ve been craving those same fresh flavors, and instead of a salad, I decided to try something a little different: Caprese Bites. They are simple, delicious, and the perfect quick appetizer for any summer gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Makes a great vegetarian option that still feels hearty and satisfying.
  • It’s a fun way to introduce kids to fresh herbs and real mozzarella.
  • The colors are vibrant and beautiful making it ideal for summer entertaining or holiday platters.
Three caprese bites on a wood charcuterie board.

Caprese Bites Ingredients 

When you’re short on time but still want to serve something fresh and flavorful, this easy appetizer delivers. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can bring a taste of summer to any table.

The ingredients for this caprese appetizer are fairly simple:

  • French bread
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze (optional) 

How to Make Caprese Bites

One bite of this easy tomato, mozzarella, and basil appetizer and I was sold. The fresh basil, combined with the mozzarella and tomatoes reminded me of eating my favorite salad at Panera. 

Here’s how to make it:

  1. I chose to first toast the bread with a touch of olive oil before I layered the ingredients.
  2. I then added a slice of fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and chopped basil leaves.
  3. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes and voila! Caprese heaven!
  4. Feel free to drizzle with some balsamic glaze for a bruschetta taste.

Variation Tips

  • Add a protein: Top each bite with a slice of prosciutto or grilled chicken for a more filling appetizer.
  • Switch the bread: Swap French bread with crostini, sourdough rounds, or even pita chips for a different texture.
  • Try flavored mozzarella: Use marinated mozzarella balls or smoked mozzarella for a fun flavor change.
  • Go fruit-forward: Add a thin slice of peach or strawberry along with the tomato for a sweet-savory combo.
  • Use pesto: Instead of fresh basil, spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the toast before adding toppings.
  • Make it bite-size: Use baguette slices to create smaller, party-friendly portions.

Storage Tips

Serve these bites fresh for the best flavor and texture. To prep ahead, slice the bread, tomatoes, and mozzarella, and chop the basil, then store everything separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble and bake them to keep the bread crisp. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one day, and reheat them in a toaster oven to bring back the crunch. Wait to add the basil and balsamic glaze until just before serving.

Three caprese bites on a wood charcuterie board.

Can I Prep This Appetizer in Advance? 

Once assembled, I recommend baking and eating the tomato mozzarella caprese bites immediately. However, you can slice the bread, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to assemble everything. 

Tips for Making This Caprese Appetizer 

  • I used campari tomatoes, but Roma or plum tomatoes will also work. 
  • Note that this recipe calls for fresh mozzarella, which comes packed in water. 
  • The balsamic glaze on top is optional, but highly recommended. I found a pre-made glaze in the vinegar aisle of my local grocery store.

Looking for more caprese recipes? I’ve got you covered!

Caprese Bites make an easy appetizer that's ready in minutes. Fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze top toasted bread slices for the perfect bite. If you love caprese flavors, then this simple snack was made for you!
5 from 1 rating

Caprese Bites

Yield: 20
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Caprese Bites make an easy appetizer that's ready in minutes. Fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze top toasted bread slices for the perfect bite.
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 French baguette, cut into 20-25 slices, 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 campari tomatoes, sliced and then each slice cut in half
  • ½ cup basil leaves, fresh, chopped or cut in half (depending on the size)
  • 12 ounces mozzarella cheese, fresh, sliced into 20-25 thin discs
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • balsamic glaze , for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to medium broil and position oven rack near top.
  • Brush olive oil over tops of bread slices and place onto a large baking pan.
  • Place in the oven and broil 2-3 minutes, until the tops of the bread are just starting to turn golden. Remove from oven. Set oven to 400°F.
  • Place one mozzarella slice, basil leave, and two tomato slices onto top of bread. (See note below). Repeat with remaining ingredients until bread slices are prepared.
  • Sprinkle salt and pepper over each baguette slice. Place into oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.

Notes

  • For the tomatoes, you may substitute Roma, plum, etc.
  • I found a prepared balsamic glaze near the cooking vinegar section of my grocery store.
  • Alternatively, you can toast bread and then top with mozzarella cheese and bake until melted. Then, top with basil and tomatoes with cooking, if desired.
  • Bites are best served immediately.
  • Caprese bites will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 213kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 434mg, Potassium: 360mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1025IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 97mg, Iron: 2mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.