Caprese Christmas Tree
A beautiful and colorfully festive Caprese Christmas Tree! Made from fresh soft mozzarella, flavorful herby basil, vibrant tomatoes and a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

#BalsamicGlaze #Basil #Mozzarella #OliveOil #Oregano #Tomatoes

Servings: 16
Ready in: 25 minutes
Prep: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
2 lbs. fresh mozzarella (logs), sliced into 1/4-inch slices
2 lbs medium vine ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
2 bunches fresh basil
1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp balsamic glaze
Flakey sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (4-inch) sliced bagutte chunk, halved through thickness (use top half)

Instructions:
1. Take two of the slices of fresh mozzarella and cut a star for the top using a cookie cutter, stack the two stars together and set aside.
2. On an extra large cutting board or serving tray begin shaping the bottom row of the tree (it will be the widest row) by alternating and overlapping fresh mozzarella slices, tomato slices and basil (about 6 of each).
3. Continue this process by aligning 6 or so more rows above the bottom row forming a tall triangular shape, rows should get narrower each time. Refrigerate any extra cheese or tomatoes you may have left for another use.
4. Finish the tree by adding the star on the top and the bread on the bottom for the "tree stump".
5. Sprinkle oregano over tomato, cheese and basil area then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. If desired sprinkle around the "tree" with flakey sea salt to mimic snow.
6. Serve shortly after preparing, ingredients shouldn't be at room temp longer than 2 hours then when they were removed from the fridge.

Notes:
You can serve extra olive oil or balsamic glaze on the side. Or leave it off altogether and serve both on the side. ...read more