16+ Holiday Caprese Platter Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
The holiday season is upon us and that means it's time to indulge in delicious and festive dishes. One classic dish that never fails to impress is the caprese platter. This Italian appetizer is a simple yet elegant combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. In this article, we'll share with you our recipe for a holiday caprese platter that will be the star of any holiday gathering. So get ready to impress your guests with this mouthwatering dish!
Main Ingredients: Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Unsweetened
The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious and festive meals. If you're tired of the same old holiday dishes, why not try something new and exciting? This holiday honeycrisp salad is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any holiday spread. Made with crisp honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans, tangy dried cranberries, and a homemade honey mustard dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
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Caprese Salad
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh Basil, Balsamic
Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, this salad is simple yet bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy cheese, tangy tomatoes, and herbaceous basil is a match made in heaven. It's perfect as a side dish or a light lunch option. To make it even more festive, you can add some red and green heirloom tomatoes to the mix.
What's a holiday party without some eggnog? This traditional holiday drink gets a boozy twist with the addition of your favorite liquor. Whether you prefer rum, bourbon, or brandy, a splash of alcohol takes this creamy and rich drink to the next level. Serve it chilled or warm it up for a cozy and festive treat.
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Pumpkin Chai Holiday Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bags, All Purpose Flour, Dark Brown
If you're a fan of pumpkin spice everything, then these pumpkin chai holiday cupcakes are a must-try. Moist pumpkin cupcakes are infused with warm and cozy chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Top them off with a creamy and decadent chai-spiced cream cheese frosting for the ultimate fall and holiday treat. These cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh
If you're looking for a healthier option for your holiday meal, this caprese zucchini noodle salad is a great choice. Instead of traditional pasta, this salad uses zucchini noodles as a base. Tossed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It's a great option for those who are watching their carb intake but still want to enjoy a delicious holiday dish.
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Holiday Cheese Platter
Main Ingredients: Brie Cheese, Camembert Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese
When it comes to holiday entertaining, a cheese platter is a must-have. It's a great way to offer a variety of flavors and textures for your guests to enjoy. Choose a selection of cheeses like brie, cheddar, and gouda, along with some cured meats, crackers, and fruits. Arrange them on a platter and add some festive touches like rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a beautiful and delicious spread.
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Baked Caprese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano
For a main dish that's both elegant and easy to make, try this baked caprese chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with slices of mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve it with a side of pasta or a salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Caprese Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Bread, Fresh Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes, Balsamic
If you're in need of a quick and easy lunch option during the busy holiday season, look no further than a caprese sandwich. Layer slices of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil between two slices of crusty bread, and drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a delicious and filling sandwich. You can also add some grilled chicken or avocado for some extra protein and flavor.
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Cucumber Caprese Salad
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Dried Oregano, Dried
For a lighter and more refreshing take on the classic caprese salad, try this cucumber caprese salad. Slices of crisp cucumber are layered with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, then topped with a light and tangy lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect side dish for any holiday meal, and the addition of cucumbers adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.
No holiday party is complete without a festive and delicious punch. This jingle juice holiday punch is a crowd-pleaser, with a combination of cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale. You can also add some vodka or rum for a boozy twist. Serve it in a punch bowl with some ice and garnish with cranberries and orange slices for a beautiful and tasty drink.
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Holiday Vegan Cheese Platter
Main Ingredients: Raw Cashews, Garlic, Lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar
If you have vegan guests at your holiday gathering, make sure to have a vegan cheese platter on hand. There are many delicious and dairy-free cheese options available now, such as cashew-based cheese and almond cheese. Add some crackers, fruits, and nuts for a well-rounded and tasty spread that everyone can enjoy.
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Holiday Hummus Vegetable Platter
Main Ingredients: Hummus, Assorted Vegetables
For a healthier and lighter appetizer option, try a holiday hummus vegetable platter. Choose your favorite flavors of hummus, such as roasted red pepper or garlic, and serve with an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. It's a colorful and nutritious option for your holiday gathering.
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10 Holiday Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash
In need of some new and creative holiday side dish ideas? Look no further. Here are 10 delicious and festive side dishes to add to your holiday menu: roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranate seeds, honey roasted carrots, garlic mashed potatoes, spinach and artichoke dip, cranberry orange quinoa salad, roasted butternut squash with maple glaze, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, wild rice and mushroom stuffing, and sautéed green beans with almonds.
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Caprese Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Focaccia, Mayonnaise, Fresh Basil, Salt, Pepper
Looking for a twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich? Try a caprese grilled cheese. Layer slices of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil between two slices of buttered bread, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy. It's a delicious and comforting option for a cold winter day.
Sausage balls are a classic holiday appetizer that's always a hit. These bite-sized treats are made with sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. They're easy to make and perfect for a crowd, making them a staple at many holiday gatherings.
If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option for your holiday party, this holiday punch is a great choice. Made with a combination of juices like cranberry, orange, and pineapple, along with ginger ale and a splash of grenadine for a festive touch, this punch is both refreshing and delicious. Serve it in a punch bowl with some ice and garnish with cranberries and orange slices for a beautiful and tasty drink.
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How to Make a Killer Caprese Salad Platter
Main Ingredients: Arugula, Burrata Cheese, Mozzarella Balls, Cured Meats
A caprese salad platter is a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday spread. To make a killer caprese salad platter, start with a large platter or board. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, and basil leaves in a circular pattern, then drizzle with a balsamic glaze. Add some olives, nuts, and cured meats for some extra flair and flavor. Serve with some crusty bread or crackers for a complete and satisfying appetizer.
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Caprese Empanadas
Main Ingredients: Mozzarella Cheese, Tomatoes, Basil, Empanada, Egg
For a unique and tasty holiday appetizer, try these caprese empanadas. Flaky and buttery pastry dough is filled with a mixture of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, then baked until golden and crispy. These handheld treats are perfect for a party and can be served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Caprese Panini
Main Ingredients: Balsamic Vinegar, Honey, Ciabatta Bread, Ciabatta
If you have a panini press, put it to good use this holiday season with this caprese panini recipe. Layer slices of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil between two slices of crusty bread, then grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. You can also add some grilled chicken or prosciutto for some extra protein and flavor.
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Frittata Caprese
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggs, Pesto, Mozzarella Cheese, Cherry
For a delicious and filling holiday brunch option, try this frittata caprese. Made with eggs, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, this frittata is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's also easy to make and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for entertaining.
Creating a Festive Platter
Gather the Ingredients
To create the perfect holiday caprese platter, you'll need fresh and high-quality ingredients. Start by selecting ripe and juicy tomatoes, preferably heirloom or vine-ripened. Next, choose fresh and creamy mozzarella cheese, either in small balls or sliced into rounds. Finally, pick some fresh and fragrant basil leaves, preferably from your own herb garden. Don't forget to also grab some high-quality balsamic glaze for that rich and tangy flavor.
Preparation and Presentation
Once you have all your ingredients, it's time to assemble the platter. Start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella into even and uniform pieces. Then, begin layering them on a large platter, alternating between tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves. You can also get creative and use different shapes, such as stars or Christmas trees, to add a festive touch. Finally, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the platter, making sure to lightly and evenly coat all the ingredients.
Adding a Holiday Twist
To make your holiday caprese platter even more special, you can add some seasonal toppings. Try sprinkling some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds over the platter for a burst of festive color and flavor. You can also add some crushed pistachios or toasted pine nuts for a crunchy and nutty element. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to the platter.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your holiday caprese platter is assembled and decorated, it's time to serve and enjoy! You can pair it with some crackers, bread, or crostini for a crunchy and savory accompaniment. This platter is perfect for any holiday gathering, whether it's a family dinner or a potluck with friends. So go ahead and impress your guests with this delicious and festive dish.