Zucchini Caprese Bites (Printable View)

Fresh zucchini slices topped with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for a healthy, tasty bite.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 - 16 cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 16 small fresh basil leaves, 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 and season with salt and pepper.
03 - Bake 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. Place a cherry tomato half, cut side down, on top.
05 - Drizzle balsamic glaze over assembled bites just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • They come together in 25 minutes flat, which means you can prepare them while chatting with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • The contrast of warm roasted zucchini against cool mozzarella and that tangy balsamic drizzle hits exactly right every single time.
  • Kids and adults alike keep reaching for just one more, and you can feel good about serving something packed with fresh vegetables.
02 -
  • If your zucchini rounds are too watery, they'll steam instead of roast—patting them dry is genuinely the difference between success and disappointment.
  • Don't assemble these too far ahead unless you're keeping them in the fridge; basil will darken and mozzarella can weep if they sit too long at room temperature.
03 -
  • Slice your zucchini with a sharp knife on a clean cutting board, making sure each round is consistent thickness so they roast evenly and none end up tough while others are mushy.
  • If your cherry tomatoes are particularly juicy, consider salting them lightly and letting them drain on a paper towel for a minute so they don't make your bites soggy.
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