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!

Craving more? Try my Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta and Caprese Mason Jar Salad

Three caprese bites on a wood charcuterie board.

I’m mildly obsessed with anything caprese mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes are the perfect combination in my book. Whether they show up in a salad, sandwich, or bruschetta, they always remind me of summer.

Panera Bread used to make an amazing caprese salad that I looked forward to every year. It was a summer-only item, and as soon as it returned, I’d be there devouring it. I haven’t seen it on their menu in a while, but those fresh, delicious ingredients still pop into my mind whenever the weather warms up.

Of course, plenty of places offer caprese-inspired dishes, and when the craving hits, they tend to show up on my plate and disappear quickly.

So it’s no surprise that last weekend, with summer in full swing, I had caprese on the brain. But instead of making a salad, I went in a slightly different direction: Caprese Bites!

Three caprese bites on a wood charcuterie board.

Caprese Bites Ingredients 

This easy Caprese French Bread is perfect for a quick appetizer or light lunch. Just layer mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a slice of toasted French bread, drizzle with olive oil (and balsamic, if you like), and enjoy fresh summer flavor in every bite.

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. 

  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.
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 fresh basil leaves, , chopped or cut in half (depending on the size)
  • 12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, , 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.