Caprese Christmas Tree

Looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday party? This Caprese Christmas Tree is the easiest and prettiest way to serve fresh flavors on your table. Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together in a holiday shape that makes everyone smile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It looks beautiful but takes minutes to make.
• Fresh and light a nice balance to rich holiday foods.
• Perfect for Holiday Party Skewers and Festive Finger Foods.

Ingredients

This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients that taste amazing together.

• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they bring a pop of color.
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Creamy and soft, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Fresh basil leaves: Add fragrance and a touch of green magic.
• Olive oil: Brings richness and helps everything shine.
• Balsamic glaze: Adds sweetness and depth when drizzled on top.
• Salt and black pepper: A light sprinkle to enhance every bite.
• Wooden skewers: To hold the shape of your beautiful Christmas tree.

For another variation, you can explore the Mini Caprese Wreath Skewers idea, which uses the same flavors in a cute round design.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Caprese Christmas Tree at home.

1. Start by washing the tomatoes and basil leaves, and pat them dry gently.
2. On a large platter, begin forming the base of your tree by placing rows of tomato and mozzarella skewers, alternating for color and balance.
3. Work upward, making each row a bit shorter to create a triangle shape. Add basil leaves between rows to bring that festive green touch.
4. Once the tree shape is complete, drizzle olive oil and a light balsamic glaze over the top.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and garnish the top with a star-shaped piece of mozzarella or yellow bell pepper.
6. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. This makes a perfect Make Ahead Christmas Appetizer for busy hosts.

Want more inspiration for savory holiday snacks? Check out this Antipasto Christmas Wreath or the fun Cheese Christmas Trees for more creative ideas.

Pro Tips

• Use good-quality olive oil it really enhances flavor.
• Layer skewers tightly for a fuller “tree” look.
• Keep the platter chilled until serving to keep cheese fresh.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to keep it glossy and neat.

Mistakes To Avoid

• Don’t use wet mozzarella pat dry before assembling to avoid sogginess.
• Don’t overcrowd skewers, or they’ll break the shape of your Caprese Christmas Tree.
• Avoid skipping seasoning a touch of salt and pepper brings everything to life.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with small toothpicks so guests can grab easily. Pair this appetizer with warm bread, wine, or a sparkling punch for a complete holiday spread. You can also display it next to Pesto Mozzarella Christmas Tree Bread for a festive duo that looks as good as it tastes.

Caprese Christmas Tree

This Caprese Christmas Tree is a festive and fresh holiday appetizer made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil, beautifully arranged to wow your guests. It’s light, easy to assemble, and perfect for holiday parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 people

Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Skewers
• Large Platter

Ingredients

  

Caprese Tree Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes washed and dried
• 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls bocconcini or ciliegine, drained and patted dry
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1/4 tsp salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, to taste
• yellow bell pepper or mozzarella cut into a star shape for garnish

Instructions

 

• Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain and pat dry mozzarella balls.
• On a large platter, arrange skewers by alternating cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Layer the skewers in rows, forming a tree shape (wider base, narrower top).
• Place basil leaves in between rows to add green color and enhance the festive look.
• Drizzle the assembled tree with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
• Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Top the tree with a star-shaped piece of yellow bell pepper or mozzarella. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

• You can prepare this appetizer up to 6 hours in advance.
• Keep it covered in the fridge and add olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.
• If skewers are unavailable, arrange the ingredients in a circular ‘wreath’ design instead.

Keyword Caprese Christmas Tree, Festive Finger Foods, Holiday Party Skewers, Make Ahead Christmas Appetizers, Tomato Mozzarella Appetizers

FAQs

How far ahead can I make a Caprese Christmas Tree?

You can prepare it up to 6 hours in advance. Assemble the skewers and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Just drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving for the freshest look.

Can I use large mozzarella slices instead of balls?

Yes, you can! Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. However, mozzarella balls (bocconcini) hold their shape better and make cleaner skewers for your Tomato Mozzarella Appetizers.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No problem. You can create a layered platter instead of a tree. Simply arrange tomato, mozzarella, and basil in a circular pattern for a “Caprese wreath” effect — similar to the Mini Caprese Wreath Skewers recipe.

Conclusion

This Caprese Christmas Tree is fresh, simple, and guaranteed to bring cheer to your holiday table. Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with friends who love Festive Finger Foods that look amazing and taste even better!