Caprese Christmas Tree
Published December 13, 2023
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A beautiful and colorfully festive Caprese Christmas Tree! Made from fresh soft mozzarella, flavorful herby basil, vibrant tomatoes and a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
Easy Caprese Salad Christmas Tree Appetizer
Caprese salad is one of the easiest, tastiest Italian side dishes to prepare. And it’s natural colors just happen to be so perfectly Christmasy too so it only makes sense to bring the two things together for a deliciously festive dish making this cheery “Christmas tree”.
This tasty “tree” is party perfect, makes enough for a crowd, doesn’t require any special kitchen skills, and it only needs a handful of ingredients. It’s just a quick and simple, edible art project that will be the talk of the holiday gathering.
It’s also a fun thing to make together if you’ve got friends or family around to help. Someone can slice while the other person assembles. Even kids can help with the layering assembly.
So many reasons to add this easy Christmas side dish to your holiday menu!
Caprese Christmas Tree Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella: This works best with the long logs of mozzarella rather than fresh mozzarella balls.
- Tomatoes: Vine ripe tomatoes are a good option here for the winter season. Look for tomatoes about the same circumference as the mozzarella.
- Fresh basil: You will need several large bunches for this to get enough leaves.
- Dried oregano: This can be omitted if preferred. I just like the extra hint of flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: If desired you can just serve this on the side for a cleaner option, and use extra!
- Balsamic glaze: You can use store-bought or homemade.
- Flakey sea salt and black pepper: I use Maldon sea salt here which also mimics snow for decorating around the tree. Kosher salt will work too.
- Baguette: You’ll only use a small chunk for the tree. Extras can be drizzled with olive oil and toasted in the oven for serving. I prefer sourdough here.
How to Make a Caprese Christmas Tree
- Take two of the slices of fresh mozzarella and cut a star for the top using a cookie cutter, stack the two stars together and set aside.
- On an extra large cutting board or serving tray begin shaping the bottom row of the tree (it will be the widest row) by alternating and overlapping fresh mozzarella slices, tomato slices and basil (about 6 of each).
- Continue this process by aligning 6 or so more rows above the bottom row forming a tall triangular shape (rows should get narrower each time).
- Finish the tree by adding the star on the top and the bread on the bottom for the “tree stump”.
- Sprinkle oregano over tomato, cheese and basil area then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. If desired sprinkle around the “tree” with flakey sea salt to mimic snow.
How Long Can it Sit at Room Temp?
- This caprese Christmas tree should be served shortly after preparing for best appearance and texture (room temp fresh mozzarella isn’t as good).
- Ingredients shouldn’t be at room temp longer than 2 hours from when they were removed from the fridge.
Helpful Tips
- Use the best fresh produce you can find. I know in the winter it can be harder to find the highest quality tomatoes. Vine ripe tomatoes are a good option because they can keep ripening well after you’ve purchased them.
- You can buy pre-sliced mozzarella for this recipe as well. Places like Costco even sell a two pack and it’s cheaper this way.
- Use a thick balsamic glaze which will keep a cleaner appearance longer. I love Trader Joes.
- If you don’t need such a large tree you can try using roma tomato slices since they are smaller and then cut the fresh mozzarella slices in half and use smaller basil leaves.
- If you don’t have quite enough large basil leaves then just use some small leaves for layering here and there and sprinkle over sliced basil ribbons.
More Delicious Caprese Recipes to Try
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Caprese Christmas Tree
A beautiful and colorfully festive Caprese Christmas Tree! Made from fresh soft mozzarella, flavorful herby basil, vibrant tomatoes and a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
Servings: 16
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. fresh mozzarella (logs), sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 lbs medium vine ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 2 bunches fresh basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze
- Flakey sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (4-inch) sliced bagutte chunk, halved through thickness (use top half)
Instructions
- Take two of the slices of fresh mozzarella and cut a star for the top using a cookie cutter, stack the two stars together and set aside.
- On an extra large cutting board or serving tray begin shaping the bottom row of the tree (it will be the widest row) by alternating and overlapping fresh mozzarella slices, tomato slices and basil (about 6 of each).
- Continue this process by aligning 6 or so more rows above the bottom row forming a tall triangular shape, rows should get narrower each time. Refrigerate any extra cheese or tomatoes you may have left for another use.
- Finish the tree by adding the star on the top and the bread on the bottom for the "tree stump".
- Sprinkle oregano over tomato, cheese and basil area then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. If desired sprinkle around the "tree" with flakey sea salt to mimic snow.
- Serve shortly after preparing, ingredients shouldn't be at room temp longer than 2 hours then when they were removed from the fridge.
Notes
- You can serve extra olive oil or balsamic glaze on the side. Or leave it off altogether and serve both on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Caprese Christmas Tree
Amount Per Serving
Calories 199
Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 358mg16%
Potassium 179mg5%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 857IU17%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 294mg29%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.