Caprese Ladybug Appetizer Tray with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe
This charming Caprese Ladybug Appetizer Tray is a fun and visually delightful way to serve a classic Italian appetizer. Featuring slices of creamy mozzarella topped with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes artistically transformed into adorable ladybugs with black olive heads and colorful spots, this no-cook appetizer is perfect for parties, gatherings, or a creative snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings (1 ladybug appetizer each) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Vegetables
- 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)
Decorations
- Wilton sparkle color gels in black (for making ladybug spots)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Base: Arrange mozzarella cheese rounds evenly on a serving tray or platter, creating the base for each ladybug appetizer.
- Add Basil Leaves: Place one fresh basil leaf on top of each mozzarella slice, providing a fresh herbal layer.
- Slice Cherry Tomatoes: Halve each cherry tomato vertically from top to bottom, and make a small slit at the back center to form ‘wings’ that can open slightly.
- Assemble Tomato Wings: Set one tomato half onto each basil leaf on the mozzarella slices, positioning it so the slit is visible to resemble opened wings.
- Create Olive Heads: Cut one end off each black olive and slice this small piece in half. Trim the ends of each half to shape the ladybug’s head.
- Attach Heads: Place one olive head onto each tomato half, completing the ladybug’s body.
- Decorate with Spots: Use black Wilton sparkle color gel to create spots on the tomato halves, mimicking the spots on a ladybug’s wings. Apply slight pressure to ensure the gel adheres well without sliding off, especially if the kitchen is warm.
- Serve Promptly: Serve the appetizers immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and best presentation.
Notes
- This is a no-cook appetizer that requires no baking or frying, making it quick and easy to prepare.
- To prevent the gel from sliding off in warm conditions, apply dots firmly and work quickly.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
- Can be prepared shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to experiment with different colored edible gels to customize ladybug spots.
Keywords: Caprese, Ladybug appetizer, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, party food, no cook, easy appetizer
