Zucchini Caprese Bites (Print)

Tender zucchini rounds topped with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil finished with balsamic glaze.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 - 16 cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 16 fresh basil leaves, small or torn to fit

→ Dairy

04 - 16 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or 1 large ball sliced into 16 pieces

→ Seasonings

05 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

08 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange zucchini rounds on the baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
03 - Bake the zucchini rounds for 8 to 10 minutes, until just tender but not mushy. Remove and let cool slightly.
04 - Top each zucchini round with a slice of mozzarella and a basil leaf, then place a cherry tomato half on top, cut side down.
05 - Drizzle balsamic glaze over each bite immediately before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together faster than any guest could reasonably eat them, leaving you actually present at your own party.
  • Fresh, garden-forward flavors that taste like summer even when it isn't, without a single heavy ingredient.
  • You can prep everything ahead and assemble literally minutes before serving, no stress required.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cooling step—a piping hot zucchini round will melt the mozzarella into a puddle before you can stack anything on top, and the whole bite falls apart.
  • The moment the mozzarella softens slightly from the warm zucchini is actually perfect for assembly, so time your building carefully rather than letting the rounds cool completely.
  • Balsamic glaze applied too early or in too much quantity will turn your carefully assembled bites into a soggy mess within minutes.
03 -
  • If you want a whisper of garlic, rub a cut clove over the warm zucchini rounds right after they come out of the oven and the flavor will bloom without overpowering.
  • Buy your mozzarella the same day you plan to serve these—fresh mozzarella ages visibly and loses its delicate texture after a few days in the fridge.
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