Bite size appetizers are a fun way to serve appetizers are a party or gathering. Ladybug Caprese Bites are easy to make, cute, and go perfect on a charcuterie board or on their own. If you want to learn how to make Ladybug caprese appetizers then scroll for the easy tutorial!
Whether you’re having a Ladybug themed party and looking for ladybug foods or just looking for a cute mozzarella appetizer, these Ladybug Caprese bites are cute and delicious. They made a great snack, appetizer, or side dish for picnics, bbq’s, tea parties, and more.
Ladybug Caprese Bites
We love a dish that requires no cooking, baking, or hot surface which is why Caprese appetizers are the perfect appetizer or side dish.
Ladybug Caprese Bites Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for your ladybug appetizers:
- 7-8 cherry tomatoes
- 4 kalamata olives
- 1 (8 ounce) package of fresh sliced mozzarella, but you can also slice your own.
- 14-16 basil leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic reduction or glaze
How to Make Ladybug Caprese Bites
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half vertically. Lay the halves flat side down, then cut a small slit to create the ladybug’s wings. Gently wiggle the knife back and forward to open the slit to make the wings more pronounced.
Cut each olive in half horizontally, then cut each half in half again horizontally so you have four pieces.
These will create the head of the ladybug.
Lay the mozzarella slices on a platter. Top each piece of mozzarella with a basil leaf. Place a cherry tomato half on the basil leaf to create the body of the ladybug. Add one of the olive pieces at the top of the sliced cherry tomato.
Using a toothpick, dot the balsamic reduction onto the cherry tomatoes to create the ladybug spots.
Ladybug Caprese Bites Tips and Tricks
Use round cherry tomatoes to create a more realistic ladybug shape. I like to use a variety of colors to create the ladybugs.
The number of cherry tomatoes and basil leaves will depend on the number of mozzarella slices in the package. Most packages have between 14 and 16 slices.
Ensure you use balsamic reduction and not balsamic vinegar. The reduction will stick to the tomato where the vinegar will not.
Balsamic reduction can be purchased at the grocery store in the vinegar section, or you can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stove.
If you are planning to make this ahead of serving I recommend storing it on a different plate than you plan to serve it on. The mozzarella will release liquid as it sits which may not be attractive for presentation.
Leftover caprese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Ladybug Caprese Bites
Ingredients
- 7-8 cherry tomatoes
- 4 kalamata olives
- 1 (8 ounce) package fresh sliced mozzarella
- 14-16 basil leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic reduction
Instructions
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half vertically. Lay the halves flat side down, then cut a small slit to create the wings of the ladybug. Gently wiggle the knife back and forward to open the slit to make the wings more pronounced.
Cut each olive in half horizontally, then cut each half in half again horizontally so you have four pieces. These will create the head of the ladybug.
Lay the mozzarella slices on a platter. Top each piece of mozzarella with a basil leaf. Place a cherry tomato half on the basil leaf to create the body of the ladybug. Add one of the olive pieces at the top of the sliced cherry tomato.
Using a toothpick, dot the balsamic reduction onto the cherry tomatoes to create the ladybug spots.
Notes
Leftover caprese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Balsamic reduction can be purchased at the grocery store in the vinegar section, or you can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stove. Balsamic vinegar will not work for this recipe unless you reduce
it first. You need the glaze since it will be thick and sticky.