Mini Caprese Mozzarella Bites (Printable Version)

Bite-sized cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil, and a rich balsamic glaze make a perfect appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 24 cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 24 mini mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
03 - 24 fresh basil leaves
04 - 24 short wooden skewers or toothpicks

→ Balsamic Glaze

05 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
06 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (30 ml)
07 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Seasonings & Finishing Touches

08 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
09 - Extra-virgin olive oil, optional drizzle

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until reduced by half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in a pinch of sea salt, then remove from heat and cool to thicken further.
02 - Lay wooden skewers or toothpicks flat on a clean, dry surface to streamline assembly and ensure uniform size.
03 - Place one halved cherry tomato, cut side down, onto the tip of each skewer for stability.
04 - Gently press a mozzarella pearl onto each tomato, ensuring it sits snugly against the tomato’s interior.
05 - Wrap a fresh basil leaf around the mozzarella and tomato, tucking the stem underneath the skewer for a neat presentation.
06 - Arrange assembled bites on a serving platter. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over each bite. Optionally, add a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavours to meld before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Simmer the glaze gently to prevent burning and achieve the perfect syrupy consistency.
02 - Allow bites to rest briefly for enhanced flavour melding before serving.