Name: Caprese Ladybug Appetizer Tray with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese log (approximately 16 slices); 7 cherry tomatoes; Fresh basil leaves (at least 7 large leaves); Black olives (approximately 7 small olives); Wilton sparkle color gels in black (for making ladybug spots)

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Introduction

This Caprese Ladybug Appetizer Tray is a fun and visually delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad. Perfect for parties or kids, these little ladybugs are made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a touch of black olives for detail. They’re easy to assemble and sure to impress your guests with both flavor and creativity.

The image shows five small round snacks arranged on a light wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each snack has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a smooth, creamy white circle as the base. On top of that sits a bright green fresh basil leaf, slightly curved with a natural leaf texture. The top layer resembles a ladybug made from a glossy red cherry tomato half with small black dots scattered across it and a subtle vertical line down the middle. The ladybug’s head is a small black olive piece attached at the bottom front of the tomato. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) sliced mozzarella cheese log
7 cherry tomatoes
Black olives
Fresh basil leaves
Wilton sparkle color gels in black

Instructions

Step 1: Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese rounds evenly on a serving tray or platter.
Step 2: Place one fresh basil leaf on top of each cheese round.
Step 3: Halve each cherry tomato vertically from top to bottom, then cut a small slit into the center of the back of each tomato half to create wings that can slightly open.
Step 4: Place each tomato half onto the basil leaf, positioning it to resemble the ladybug’s body.
Step 5: Slice one end off a black olive, then cut that small piece in half. Trim the ends of each olive half to form the ladybug’s head shape.
Step 6: Place the olive “head” onto the front of each tomato half.
Step 7: Using the black Wilton sparkle color gel, carefully dot spots onto the tomato halves to mimic ladybug spots. Apply a little pressure with the tip for the gel to adhere well.
Step 8: Serve the tray immediately for the freshest presentation and best flavor.

Tips & Variations

If your kitchen is warm, the black gel may slide off the tomatoes; pressing gently when applying helps the spots stay put.
Try using mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) cut into slices if you prefer a fresher texture.
For extra flavor, drizzle the assembled tray lightly with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Storage

These appetizers are best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Avoid adding the color gel spots until just before serving to prevent smudging. Reheat is not recommended as fresh mozzarella and tomatoes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A woman's hand holds a small round white base that looks like a slice of mozzarella cheese. On top, there is a bright green lettuce leaf covering the base. Sitting on the leaf is a small red cherry tomato cut in half to look like a ladybug with small black dots drawn on and a black olive piece at the bottom for the ladybug's head. In the background, there are more of these tomato ladybugs placed on white bases and green leaves. The surface below is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the ladybugs ahead of time?

You can assemble the base components (cheese, basil, tomato halves, and olive heads) up to a day ahead and refrigerate, but add the black gel spots just before serving for the best look.

What can I use if I don’t have Wilton sparkle color gels?

If you don’t have edible black color gel, you can substitute with small pieces of finely chopped black olives or use edible markers designed for food decoration.