Caprese pops made in minutes with just 3 ingredients: cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella & basil! Fresh, flavorful & popular appetizer perfect for parties or game day!
This simple 3 ingredient no-bake Caprese pop recipe is fabulous for parties because they are so easy to make and are a huge crowd-pleaser. You will want to make them for every occasion!
I cannot tell you how many compliments I get on these delicious little pops! I find that these are always such a huge hit at gatherings and they look so fancy they can be served at many different types of occasions. There is a lovely blend of creamy, tasty, refreshing goodness in every bite, who wouldn’t enjoy this simple fresh appetizer?
Serve them up at parties, BBQs, holiday gatherings, and more. With such a simple appetizer recipe on hand, you’ll always have a perfect snack to set out before a meal. These would be ideal at any function where finger foods are encouraged and they can even be a nice way to make your tailgate parties feel fancier too!
What are Caprese pops?
These are an extremely easy-to-make 3 ingredient appetizer meant to encompass the best things about a traditional Caprese salad but in single bite form. This delectable refreshment is held together by a toothpick or wooden skewer and is meant to be enjoyed while on the move entertaining guests or family. These are similar to my BLACKBERRY CAPRESE SKEWERS only more traditional as we use actual tomatoes in this recipe.
Caprese Appetizer Ingredients
-Tomatoes: You will need a package of cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes. These are small round tomatoes that are easy to pop into your mouth in a single bite or two.
-Basil: You will need 1 head or 1 bunch of basil leaves to obtain for that fresh Caprese taste.
-Mozzarella: Using fresh mozzarella pearls for this recipe will result in a beautiful creamy texture. You should be able to find them in your local grocery store, but if not, you may have to settle for fresh mozzarella and then simply cut it into bite-sized pieces.
-Optional toppings: I love to drizzle a little balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper over the top of these just before serving. The flavors of these added toppings really bring everything together all the flavors and make these appetizers taste so much more incredible. This is totally optional though because these toothpick bites taste fabulous on their own as-is too!
Step by step on how to Make Caprese Pops
Prep
First, you will want to drain the liquid from your mozzarella pearls so that they aren’t dripping wet. This will make them easier to handle.
Next, wash the tomatoes well and let them dry on a bed of paper towels or cloth towels.
Then it’s time to rinse off the basil leaves to remove any dirt and debris. Be sure to separate the leaves from the stems so that they are easier to grab and use in the following steps.
Assemble
It is now time to assemble! Start by setting up a simple assembly line in front of you with your ingredients and toothpicks. This will allow you a smooth process for completing the recipe process in putting your pops together.
Start by grabbing your toothpick, pierce it through a ball of mozzarella cheese and then add a folded or a sliced in half basil leaf.
The last ingredient to add is the cherry tomato, your pop is now complete and ready to set aside and move on to the next.
This could not be any easier, mozzarella cheese-basil leaf-tomato, easy peasy right?!?
Repeat
Continue to assemble, repeat until all of the ingredients have been used, and arrange completed pops on a platter of your choice.
Add optional vinaigrette
If the added toppings are desired, drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the top and then lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Now it’s time to enjoy this delightful appetizer! Enjoy!
Caprese Pops
Ingredients
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Pearls Or Fresh mozzarella cut into squares
- 1 bunch Basil fresh
- 18 oz Cherry Tomatoes
Optional Ingredients
- 1 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 TBSP Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash your tomatoes and basil. Drain the liquid from your cheese pearls, and place them all on plates in front of you for an easy assembly line.
- With your toothpick, pierce through a mozzarella cheese pearl and then through a folded basil leaf. Finally, poke through a cherry tomato and set aside.
- Repeat until you have finished with all of the cheese pearls or you have enough. Arrange the finished caprese pops on a platter for easier serving.
- If desired, right before serving, drizzle some balsamic Vinegar and olive oil over the pops. Then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How far in advance can I prepare caprese salad skewers?
These can be made up to a day in advance if kept covered with plastic wrap to prevent the cheese from drying out. I recommend serving shortly after being made, for the best and most fresh-tasting results as the fridge will cause some flavor loss. Do not add any balsamic or toppings until ready to serve, so if you’re taking them with you to a party, take the sauce in a small container and spoon it over the top before serving.
Where can I find mozzarella pearls?
Mozzarella pearls are often found in a grocery store’s deli department. They’re around the same area where you find would find the baby bell cheese or the fancy soft cheese varieties. You can always confirm this by asking a store attendant as not all stores are set up with the same layout in place.
How do I store Caprese Pops?
Caprese Pops are definitely best served fresh but they can stay in the fridge for 2-3 days in an air-tight container. If you are looking to save time on the day of your event you can prep your ingredients ahead of time, be sure to store each item in separate containers to keep as fresh as possible.
More popular caprese flavored recipes
Check out these other great appetizer recipes
- CHICKEN PARMESAN APPETIZER
- SANDWICH APPETIZER SKEWERS
- EASY LIL SMOKIES & MEATBALL APPETIZER
- EASY APPETIZER! VEGGIE CUPS W/ SPINACH DIP
- CHEESY BISCUIT WREATH
- BUTTERY CHEESE AND HERB BREAD
- EASY BIG MAC BITES
- OVEN BAKED CHICKEN WINGS
- EASY BREAKFAST SKEWERS
- GRILLED STEAK KABOBS
Caprese pops are a fun summer appetizer that’s always a huge hit. Made with just 3 ingredients, it’s easy to make and always fun to enjoy.
gina says
Cute idea! And very nice that you can take care of it before hand.