These Children's Caprese Snacks Are Amazing!

These Caprese Bombs encapsulate the classic combination of tomato and fresh mozzarella salad in neat, little packages. By cutting the tomatoes into accordion-style pleats and stuffing them with slices of mozzarella cheese, the whole tomato becomes an irresistible treat—perfect for portable snacks, school lunches, outdoor picnics, and simple munchies. What's the best part about these simple, all-in-one salad bites? The recipe is so easy that kids can make them themselves!

Caprese Bombs with Pesto Sauce

For the Caprese Bombs:

• 1 ball (8 ounces) of fresh mozzarella cheese

• 3 tomatoes (about 1.5 pounds)

For the Pesto Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons of store-bought basil pesto

• 1.5 tablespoons of red wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

If you're really a fan of the tomato and mozzarella cheese combination, you might be able to devour a whole batch by yourself. Alternatively, you can cut the tomatoes in half before serving.

Instructions:

1. Slice the Mozzarella Cheese
   Cut the mozzarella ball in half lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise into 7 or 8 pieces. Set aside.

2. Cut the Tomatoes
   Using a sharp knife, cut along the stem end of each tomato to remove the core and discard it. Place the tomatoes cut-side down on the cutting board. Make 5 even cuts across the bottom of each tomato, being careful not to cut through to the other side.

3. Assemble the Bombs
   Insert a piece of mozzarella cheese into each cut, aligning it as closely as possible to the edge of the tomato. Place each stuffed tomato on a plate.

4. Make the Pesto Sauce
   In a bowl, stir together the pesto and vinegar. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, stirring constantly until the sauce is well combined.

5. Serve
   Drizzle the sauce over the cheese-filled tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve. Serves 3 to 6 people.