This Caprese appetizer is ridiculously easy to prepare and made with only a handful of fresh ingredients. Packed with juicy plump cherry tomatoes that are roasted with garlic, onion & balsamic vinegar. The perfect accompaniment on some crusty gluten free bread. Then topped with fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine) making it an elegant yet easy appetizer. Gluten Free, Easy.

Updated- originally posted January 2017

And when it comes to a special meal, date night or even entertaining I always think appetizers....

Whether it be a creamy dip or an easy salsa?

Cause that just gives you more time to relax with guests or significant other before the meal. 😉

Plus slow roasting tomatoes are going to have the house smelling AMAZING and bring out all the natural sweetness found in tomatoes.

What is Caprese?

It usually just denotes a combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, then drizzled with olive oil.

Caprese salad is a traditional Italian entrée that is believed to have been created as a symbol of the Italian flag.

And with it being such a great combination of flavors it's perfect served as a salad, appetizer or alongside the meal.

Can I use any variety of tomatoes?

And the short answer to this is Yes...

But I like to use ripe plump tomatoes for optimal flavor.

So whether it's roma, grape, cherry or heirloom tomatoes just make sure they're fresh & ripe.

What's the difference between ciliegine and bocconcini mozzarella?

Ciliegine is a little bit smaller balls than bocconcini. So just choose based off what you're going to be serving it with.

This appetizer was made with cherry tomatoes and ciliegine is about the size of cherry tomatoes prior to cooking so it was just naturally a better choice.

But you can also use any type of fresh mozzarella and slice it. I prefer using the little balls of cheese for a nice presentation. 😉

Tips for making this Caprese appetizer easier:

Prep the tomatoes, onions, & garlic ahead of time....

then cover and store in the fridge.

This is great served warm but is also flavorful at room temperature.

And as always use fresh quality ingredients.

Other Appetizers for Entertaining:

Whipped Feta Cheese Pesto Dip

Easy Classic Cheese Ball

Maple Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Hot Broccoli Cheese Dip

Black Bean Jalapeno Hummus Dip

So with Valentines Day ❤ approaching this Caprese appetizer would be perfect to serve to that special someone.

And if you make this recipe I'd love to hear from you in the comments below ⬇

Enjoy!

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Roasted Tomato Caprese Appetizer

This Caprese appetizer is made by slow roasting tomatoes, onions, and garlic with vinegar and olive oil.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings servings

Author Stephanie

Ingredients

1 pint cherry tomatoes
6-8 cloves garlic finely chopped
¼ red onion chopped
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
fresh mozzarella cheese (ciliegine)
handful of fresh chopped basil
optional: gluten free bread

Instructions

Preheat oven 250 degrees
Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse cherry tomatoes in cold water, trim top and slice in half.
Place in medium mixing bowl with garlic, onion, vinegar, olive oil, salt & pepper to taste.
Mix well and spread out on baking sheet.
Slow roast 45-minutes-1 hour.
Place on serving tray or in bowl with fresh sliced mozzarella, basil and an additional drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Can be served alone or with gluten free bread, crackers, etc.

Tried this recipe?Mention @applesforcjblog or tag #applesforcj

Comments

Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

January 04, 2017 at 9:29 pm

Caprese is one of my all time favorites, but made with slow roasted tomatoes?! SO MUCH YES! Slow roasted tomatoes are like candy!! SO GOOD! I can't wait to see what deliciousness you bring this year, girlfriend!! Cheers!!

- Stef
  
  January 04, 2017 at 10:31 pm
  
  I couldn't have said it better myself..Slow roasted tomatoes are even better than candy. And Cheers to a great 2017 Cheyanne 🙂
  
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine

January 03, 2017 at 10:59 pm

A fresh and delicious appetizer. I love the simplicity!

- Stef
  
  January 03, 2017 at 11:02 pm
  
  Thanks Michelle 🙂
  
Garlic + Zest

January 03, 2017 at 10:55 pm

I'm mentally pouring a glass of wine right now and getting ready to swipe one of those off of your tray!

- Stef
  
  January 03, 2017 at 11:00 pm
  
  Sending one your way Lisa..And these definitely need a glass of wine to go with 🙂
  
CookingOnTheWeekends (@cookingweekends)

January 03, 2017 at 10:22 pm

This is one of the best looking caprese appetizers I've seen -- I love how it's marinating in the platter. Delicious!

- Stef
  
  January 03, 2017 at 10:42 pm
  
  Thanks!! 🙂
  
Platter Talk

January 03, 2017 at 9:12 pm

Beautiful appetizer. I'm on it! I am so ready for nice clean eating after the holidays!!!

- Stef
  
  January 03, 2017 at 9:17 pm
  
  Thanks and Yes I'm all about the appetizers especially after all that Holiday food!
  
watchlearneat

January 03, 2017 at 8:59 pm

I LOVE roasted tomatoes. Oh, I can almost smell them! Great recipe to start off 2017! Can't wait to see some more 🙂 Happy New Year!

- Stef
  
  January 03, 2017 at 9:16 pm
  
  Thanks and Happy New Year to you as well 🙂
  
Mindy

January 02, 2017 at 7:58 pm

I love all the ingredients in this appetizer. A definite must try, thanks!

- Stef
  
  January 02, 2017 at 8:13 pm
  
  You're welcome Mindy! Hope you Enjoy 🙂
  
Stef

January 02, 2017 at 5:59 pm

Thanks and Yes nothing like the smell of roasting tomatoes 🙂

sugarlovespices

January 02, 2017 at 5:31 pm

Stephanie, I love this take on the caprese salad by roasting the tomatoes! I can imagine the smell! I always love roasting tomatoes. This appetizer is a keeper, simple yet so flavorful and perfectly gluten-free and vegetarian! Happy 2017!