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A Caprese Wreath is a simple yet stunning way to bring holiday cheer to your table. This Caprese Christmas Wreath features juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil arranged in a festive circle, making it the perfect centerpiece appetizer. Served with a thick balsamic reduction in the middle, this Caprese Wreath recipe is both healthy and delicious, the kind of starter your guests will remember.
What Makes This Recipe Work
This Caprese Wreath is the perfect balance of festive flair and fresh flavor. By arranging classic Caprese ingredients into a circular wreath shape, it instantly transforms a simple appetizer into a showstopping centerpiece. The bright colors of tomato, mozzarella, and basil capture the holiday spirit while still keeping things light and refreshing.
Another reason this Caprese Christmas Wreath works so well is its versatility. You can prepare it as a Caprese skewer wreath for easy grab-and-go bites, or keep it as a traditional platter for guests to serve themselves. Paired with a glossy balsamic reduction in the center, this Caprese Wreath recipe elevates a classic combination into something truly special for your holiday table.
What Goes Into Caprese Wreath
This Caprese Wreath keeps things light, colorful, and festive, using just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Each element brings its own flavor and texture, coming together to make a healthy holiday appetizer that feels special and effortless.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Reduced with a touch of brown sugar, it turns into a rich balsamic glaze or you can simply use your favorite store-bought version.
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add the perfect pop of red color that makes this Caprese Christmas Wreath so festive.
- Bocconcini Mozzarella Balls: These bite-sized mozzarella rounds bring creaminess and balance to the fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Fragrant and vibrant, shredded basil completes the wreath and ties the whole Caprese Wreath recipe together.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Caprese Wreath
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and stir over low heat until dissolved, about 4 to 5 minutes. Increase to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer 8 to 10 minutes until reduced by one third and thick like syrup.
- Arrange the Wreath: Wash and the tomatoes, then arrange them in a circle on a platter to form the base of the Caprese Christmas Wreath. Drain the cherry sized bocconcini and tuck them evenly between the tomatoes so the colors alternate and the shape looks full and festive.
- Season and Toss: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the dried Italian herbs, flaked sea salt, and ground pepper, then gently toss to coat without breaking the tomatoes or the cheese. Scatter the shredded fresh basil evenly over the wreath to add fragrance, color, and a classic Caprese finish.
- Finish and Serve: Set a small bowl of the balsamic glaze in the center of the platter for dipping and drizzling. Slide toothpicks around and under the tomato and mozzarella balls with the sharp ends pointing inward, then serve immediately while everything is fresh and cool.
A Caprese Wreath is fresh and colorful, so it pairs best with dishes that feel cozy and festive. Try it with Grilled Bruschetta Portobello Mushrooms for a rustic match, Slow Cooker Tortellini Minestrone Soup for a comforting balance, and Nutella Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Donut Pancakes for a sweet holiday finish.
Recipe FAQ’s
Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but you can sprinkle with a little dried Italian herb blend instead. The Caprese Wreath will still taste delicious.
Grape or cherry tomatoes are ideal because of their size and sweetness. They give the Caprese Wreath recipe its festive red pop and hold their shape well.
Drain and pat the bocconcini dry before assembling. This keeps the Caprese Christmas Wreath from getting watery.
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Caprese Christmas Wreath
Ingredients
Balsamic Glaze (or use 3/4 cup store bought):
- 1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Salad:
- 12 ounces grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 10 ounces cherry-sized bocconcini mozzarella balls
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves shredded, to garnish
- 1 pinch flaked sea salt to season
- 1 pinch ground pepper
Instructions
For The Balsamic Glaze:
- Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook while stirring over low heat for 4-5 minutes, or until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to medium setting and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until reduced by one-third and thickened like syrup.
For The Salad:
- Wash and dry the tomatoes. Arrange them in a circle on a large serving plate or round platter. Drain the mozzarella balls and arrange between the tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with the Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Toss the tomatoes and bocconcini through the oil with a spoon.
- Garnish with the fresh shredded basil.
Serve:
- To serve, place the bowl of balsamic glaze in the centre of the wreath. Arrange toothpicks around and underneath the tomato and cheese balls, with the sharp ends toward the middle of the plate.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I wil try ro do the antipasto dip..it looks very yummy and i think i will enjoy eating this holiday even i am diabetic…l
See instruction #2. Please confirm if the tomatoes/cheese are tossed with the oli/herbs AFTER they are arranged like a wreath on the serving plate???
Yes that’s right.
I’m sorry but I’m really confused. So I arrange them, then take it apart and toss them with the oil and herbs? I don’t cook so I have no clue what I’m doing but trying to help out this Christmas and love this idea.
It seems that after you arrange the tomatoes & mozzarella balls on the platter, and then drizzle the oi/ herb mixture over them to toss, the tomatoes & mozzarella balls get all mixed up, and then have to arrange them back on the platter nicely! Doesn’t it make more sense to just mix them in a bowl, and then arrange them on the platter?
Well, I certainly think makes them in a bowl first makes better sense. That’s all I’m gonna do it.
This looks both beautiful and delicious! Can this be prepared in advance and if so will it keep in the fridge and for how long?
Hello Aggie!
It really is so good. Yes you can prepare in advance but only for one day or less and make sure to refrigerate. Please let me know how its received. Thanks for following along with me!!
My neighbor brought this to a party once and we all loved them but I never found out what the sauce was. Thank you for sharing. I will love having these for New Years Eve.
I feel stupid for asking – for the dried italian herbs, do you mean the italian seasoning that can be bought in the spice section?
Thank you!!
What size platter did you serve this on?
Darylann 40cm or 15 inches.
I made the capers salad Christmas wreath yesterday for a party. It’s fabulous! My balsamic glaze did not get thick, so I added she me Karl syrup.
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