These 3 Ingredient Vegan Caprese Bites are the perfect delicious appetizer to bring to your next gathering. With only 3 ingredients, it doesn't get easier!
*Originally published July 27, 2021 and updated with new copy and photos 1/16/23.
Do you ever get invited to a party and are told to bring an appetizer but can't figure out what to bring? It seems that everyone is always bringing dips or vegetable platters. There is only so much dip and carrots one can eat! These 3 Ingredient Vegan Caprese Bites are the perfect appetizer to bring to your next party.
These caprese bites only have 3 ingredients and take just 25 minutes from start to finish. They are totally customizable and so easy to make. They will be a hit at your next event!
This recipe was inspired by my Vegan Walnut Pesto, and my Jackfruit BBQ Party Poppers.
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Why You'll Love These Vegan Caprese Bites
- Minimal Effort- This recipe couldn't get any easier. There are just four steps to follow!
- Customizable- This recipe is customizable. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought pesto, or add mozzarella if you want!
- Full of Flavor- These Caprese bites are like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. The boldness of the pesto paired with the acidity of the tomato really makes them pop!
- Budget-Friendly- Using store-bought pizza dough keeps this recipe easy but budget-friendly as well!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pizza dough- Any pizza dough brand will do, just make sure you are able to roll it out and slice it!
- Pesto- I love using my pesto with almonds in this recipe, however feel free to grab a store-bought kind if you want.
- Cherry tomatoes- any type of cherry tomato will work for this recipe!
A complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Vegan Caprese Bites
Quick Overview
- Roll out and slice your pizza dough
- Add the pesto to each square
- Top with the cherry tomatoes
- Roll into a ball and bake for 20 minutes
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Trim the edges if needed to get clean lines.
Step 2: Using a sharp knife, slice the pizza dough into 8 equal squares. Place 1 tablespoon of pesto in the middle of each square.
Step 3: Add one cherry tomato to each square.
Step 4: Fold the edges of the square around the pesto and tomato, forming a ball. Add the dough balls to a muffin tin and bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
Variations
- Mozzarella - If you aren't vegan, add a ball of mozzarella cheese to each bite to give it a little more flair!
- Red Pepper Pesto - Try swapping out the basil pesto with this Red Pepper Pesto for a fun twist!
- Sun-Dried Tomato- Try swapping out the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a fun variation!
Storage
Store these pesto bites in an airtight container for up to four days on the countertop. These Caprese bites do not stand up well to freezing.
Top tips
- If you find the pesto to be too messy, freeze the pesto in 1-tablespoon increments, and once frozen, add it to the pizza dough. It will make it easier to handle.
- Allow the pizza dough to relax a room temperature to make rolling out easier.
- These can also be baked on a cookie sheet however, I find that it is easier for the bites to hold their shape if baked in a muffin tin.
Recipe FAQ's
Bruschetta is a slice of toasted baguette topped with a fresh tomato and basil mixture. Caprese refers to a salad that is made up primarily of tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Any heirloom tomato or cherry tomato will work best!
More Pesto Recipes
3 Ingredient Vegan Caprese Bites
Equipment
- 1 Muffin tin
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought pizza dough
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 8 Tablespoons Pesto
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Trim the edges if needed to get clean lines.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the pizza dough into 8 equal squares. Place 1 tablespoon of pesto in the middle of each square.
- Add one cherry tomato to each square.
- Fold the edges of the square around the pesto and tomato, forming a ball. Add the dough balls to a muffin tin and bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
Notes
- If you find the pesto to be too messy, freeze the pesto in 1-tablespoon increments, and once frozen, add it to the pizza dough. It will make it easier to handle.
- Allow the pizza dough to relax a room temperature to make rolling out easier.
- These can also be baked on a cookie sheet however, I find that it is easier for the bites to hold their shape if baked in a muffin tin.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Debra says
Yum....a delicious way to use basil and tomatoes.
kaydimaggio says
Yes! We have to use all the basil in our gardens for something!
Addie says
This pesto was so yummy! I love that this is a savory vegan recipe!
kaydimaggio says
Glad you liked it! Pesto is my favorite for sure!
Emily Flint says
Since I love pesto I knew I had to try these bites. They were SO good I'm already planning when to make them again. Great recipe!
kaydimaggio says
So glad you enjoyed them!
Jeannie says
another way to enjoy pesto! I love this recipe of yours its so brilliant and easy too.
kaydimaggio says
Yes! Simple recipes are my favorite!
Sue says
Oh this is perfect as I have a tom of basil to make into pesto. All my favorite flavors in every bite!
kaydimaggio says
Glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Krysten Quiles says
Oh my gosh these look to die for! I'll bet they taste amazing.
kaydimaggio says
Yes! They are so good!
Ruth says
Absolutely delicous. I can't wait to make this again for my next work potluck!
kaydimaggio says
Glad you liked them!
Linda says
I love how easy this is! (BTW, your almond vegan spinach pesto sounds amazing!) I could totally whip this up as a last minute app when unexpected celebrating happens! And so very customizable, too!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you so much! I love how quick and easy this is to make 🙂
Nora says
Yum! This looks delicious! Thanks for this easy and delicious appetizer!
kaydimaggio says
Hope you enjoy!
Anaiah says
Loved these vegan pesto bites! They were super easy to make for lunch along side my salad, and BOMB!
kaydimaggio says
Glad you loved them!!
Michelle | Taste As You Go says
My family loves pesto, especially in the summer. This looks like such a delicious (and fun!) way to enjoy it so you don't have to resort to pasta!
kaydimaggio says
Yes! So fun!
Pastor Natalie says
This looks so yummy. Thank you so much for including substitutions and variations. Look forward to trying these in the future.
Pastor Natalie
Letstakeamoment.com
kaydimaggio says
I hope you enjoy!
Briana | Next Destination Unknown says
I've been trying to incorporate more vegan recipes into my diet. Thanks for this! I love pesto, and the fact that it's vegan and super simple makes it a winner! I'm not a fan of tomatoes but feel like you could substitute them with plenty of other veggies. This recipe seems very versatile.
kaydimaggio says
You could easily sub other veggies in! You could try olives or broccoli
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
Oh wow I love this idea and all the variations you've shared. So flavorful!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!