Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Poppers

I love fresh tomatoes!  Whether roma, traditional beefsteak, or grape tomatoes.  Oh la la.  Juicy, red, ripe tomatoes scream summer time.  If you want to experience one of the most amazing smells just rub the leaves of a tomato plant between your fingers.    If only this scent could be bottled for a pick-me-up during the harsh winter months!

Our fridge is always stocked with cool, crisp, cherry tomatoes in the summer.  They make a refreshing snack by themselves, but I’ve found a great way to kick them up a notch.   To turn them into a crowd pleaser, simply pair them with fresh basil and mozzarella.  This combination belongs together like butter and popcorn.  

The best part is that you can assemble these appetizers for a party in 15 minutes.  They look fancy, but putting them together is cinch.  All you’ll need is long decorative toothpicks (sandwich or cocktail size; like these), cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and bocconcini.  If you’re wondering what ‘bocconcini’ is, it’s fresh mozzarella that’s packed in water.  It sounds odd, but wow the taste is amazing.  You can find this cheese at your local grocery store next to the fresh, premium cheese.  They’re shaped in small balls (think the size of a grape tomato) that you’ll simply cut in half for this recipe.  

Once you have all the ingredients just follow the steps below as these couldn’t be easier to put together.  When you’re done, it will look like you slaved in the kitchen perfecting these.   That’s okay, let your guests think that!  Trust me, these one bite wonders will go fast.  It might be a good idea to plan on making two batches!  Enjoy!  

Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Poppers

Original recipe by Alissa Hebert

Serves: 24

Prep time: 5 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 24 cherry tomatoes
• 24 fresh basil leaves
• 1 (8 oz.) tub bocconcini (fresh mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

       Directions:

     

1. Drain water from cheese tub and cut cheese balls in half (or to preferred size).
2. Assemble in this order on the toothpick: tomato, basil leaf (folded in half & pierced through middle), bocconcini.
3. In a small bowl combine olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.  Stir to combine.
4. Use a spoon or cooking brush to lightly drizzle or brush olive mixture onto the assembled poppers.
5. Refrigerate and serve cold.