Caprese Christmas Wreath Appetizer

A stunning and easy holiday appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices arranged in a festive wreath shape, topped with creamy seasoned ricotta, marinated cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a glossy balsamic glaze drizzle.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Crostini Base

1 large French baguette sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil for brushing
1 clove garlic peeled, for rubbing

Ricotta Topping

1.5 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
0.5 tsp salt to taste
0.25 tsp black pepper freshly cracked

Tomato Basil Topping & Garnish

2 cups cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves chopped, plus extra whole sprigs for center
1 tbsp olive oil for marinating
0.25 cup balsamic glaze for drizzling

Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowls
Large Round Serving Board
Serrated Bread Knife

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Rub each warm slice with the raw garlic clove. Let cool.
In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper until creamy.
In another bowl, toss halved cherry tomatoes with chopped basil, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
On a large round board, arrange the toasted bread slices in a circle to form a wreath shape, overlapping slightly.
Spread a generous dollop of the seasoned ricotta onto each slice of bread.
Top the ricotta with the marinated tomato and basil mixture.
Drizzle the entire wreath generously with balsamic glaze. Place fresh basil sprigs in the center of the wreath and serve immediately.

Notes

Assemble just before serving to keep the bread crispy. Components can be prepped a day ahead.