Friday, January 24, 2014

Pepperoni Caprese Bites with Basil Vinaigrette | Friday Night Bites



What an incredibly busy week.  So hectic that this weeks Friday Night Bites is actually appearing on Friday.  With work kicking into high gear along with hosting my direct reports for the annual team appreciation lunch at my house plus some other events, this week whirled by.

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I am excited to share this incredibly easy appetizer that is a true winner for any party or simply nibbling on a Friday night.  I typically adorn with salami but thought pepperoni would be a nice touch along with a bit of Basil Vinaigrette.  The combination was delicious.  They can be made ahead of time and kept in an air tight container then simply arrange on a platter or plate and enjoy.  You can drizzle the basil vinaigrette or serve on the side – you choose.

The recipe is a bit loose and I am sharing for 24 skewers plus the vinaigrette.  Just curious to learn about the various ways that you have made these little nibbles.  Always love hearing about others creative ideas.  Happy Friday Night Bites!!!


Pepperoni Caprese Bites with Basil Vinaigrette

Makes 24

24 Mini Mozzarella Balls
24 Basil Leaves
24 Slices of Pepperoni
24 Small Cherry Tomatoes
24 Toothpicks

Thread the mozzarella ball first then fold the pepperoni in half and half again and thread onto the toothpick.  Next add the basil leaf then the tomato.

Basil Vinaigrette

1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon White Balsamic Vinegar
¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Scallion, finely minced
6 Basil leaves, chopped fine
Pinch of salt
6 Grinds of Black Pepper


In a medium glass jar, add all of the above ingredients and shake well.  Let sit at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.


34 comments:

  1. So simple, so pretty, so delicious! I love this Lisa!

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  2. Lovely. I'd be noshing on these all night instead of socializing. Happy Weekend, Lisa! :D

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  3. These bites look mouthwatering, Lisa! Plus I can never resist the colors of Italy on my plate :).

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  4. Dear Lisa,

    These look so delicious that my mouth is watering just looking at the photo. I must try making these!

    Rose x

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  5. Its so easy I will try it and think will be much testy

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  6. the vinaigrette looks so great with these bites. A perfect appetizer

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  7. Lisa, such cute little bites you have for us today! I love the salty, creamy, fresh combo all in one bite. And they are so darned pretty!
    Have a great week Lisa,
    xoxo
    E

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  8. Made these today and not only are they gorgeous on the plate, they are truly delicious. Thank you for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by to let me know - SO HAPPY they were a hit! Smile.

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  9. how much in advance can the vinaigrette be made without the basil turning dark?

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  10. Honestly I would add the right before serving to keep the green color! Great question!

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  11. I have made these several times this summer with my homegrown yellow & red cherry tomatoes. I sometimes add a calamata olive to the skewer. So cute and so delish!! Look forward to trying your vinaigrette!

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  12. Where can i buy the caprese cheese balls? What brand?

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    Replies
    1. I buy mine from Trader Joe's but also found them at Safeway! Good Luck!

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  13. This is perfect for a birthday celebration I will be having that has an Italian theme.

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  14. I'm wondering if the vinaigrette would taste alright if I left out the scallion? What do you think?

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    1. I believe it would taste just fine! I love onions, scallions and shallots, so I tend to cook with them. You could always add a touch of onion powder. Let me know how it turns out. Thank you for stopping by!!

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  15. I made these yesterday for my girls bible study. I substituted pepperoni with chorizo. Everyone loved it. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. I am definitely saving it.

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  16. How long are the toothpicks that you used to fit everything on there?

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    1. I believe they are standard toothpick size - about 2 or 2.5 inches. Happy Holidays!!

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    2. I made these for friends Christmas Eve and they were a hit! Thank you.

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  17. I made these Christmas Eve for friends and they were a huge hit.

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  18. One more thing, I used grape tomatoes as they are smaller

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  19. Wondering if you drizzle the vingerette over the skewers or if you marinade them in the vingerette

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    1. Thank you for stopping by! I put together the skewers then placed on the plate then drizzled the vinaigrette!

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  20. made these for a get together of old friends and were all gone in just a few minutes. will make them again for sure. did you use olive oil or extra virgin olive oil?

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  21. I am making these for Thanksgiving. I am going to do 24 with pepperoni and 24 with salami. I will let you know how it goes. They look delicious!

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    1. Hope you enjoy them! They are a crowd pleaser for sure. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    2. Okay, these looks delish! I'm going to make them for my New Year's Eve party thank you!!

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  22. I really enjoyed the recipe! Although there is no vinaigrette here in Brazil! (Even more with so much olive oil)
    Our vinaigrette is with finely chopped tomatoes and onion, vinegar and "green scent".
    Still, I'll do it for Valentine's Day.

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  23. I have made these so many times and they have never disappointed any audience! They are beautiful served on a white plate. I have usually made them with the mozzarella balls but squares with the basil and tomato stacked on top is as pretty! Super easy and so tasty!

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