Hey there! Today, we’re bringing a little sunshine to the table with one of my go-to party appetizers: Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze. These bite-sized beauties are bursting with flavor, simple to assemble, and absolutely perfect for entertaining—no matter the season.
Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, I’ve taken the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil and threaded them onto skewers to make it easy to enjoy that fresh combo in a fun, handheld version. Oh, and don’t forget the balsamic glaze—that sweet, tangy finish makes these little bites irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: They come together in under 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute prep.
- Few Ingredients: You only need 5 main ingredients—and chances are, you already have some of them in your kitchen.
- Impressively Delicious: The combination of juicy tomatoes, soft mozzarella, fresh basil, and that sweet balsamic glaze will make your taste buds sing.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s summer BBQs, fancy holiday parties, or a fun weekend gathering, these skewers never disappoint.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet—perfect for a burst of freshness. Pick the ripest ones you can find for a better flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): Creamy, soft, and mild. You can find small mozzarella balls that are just the right size for skewers.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil adds that peppery, sweet freshness to balance out the richness of the cheese and tartness of the tomatoes.
- Olive Oil: A nice drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances the flavors of every bite.
- Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy, this adds the perfect finishing touch. You can buy it pre-made or easily reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar on the stovetop.
- Optional: Salt & Pepper for seasoning to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get started? Let’s make these Caprese Skewers together.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the tomatoes and basil leaves, and drain the fresh mozzarella balls.
- Assemble the Skewers: Take a small wooden skewer or toothpick, and start by threading a tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, and then fold a basil leaf in half and thread it on. Repeat with another tomato and mozzarella ball if your skewers are long enough.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Once you’ve assembled all your skewers, give them a gentle drizzle of olive oil to bring everything together.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Finally, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers. You can do this just before serving for the freshest appearance.
- Optional Seasoning: A pinch of sea salt and a crack of black pepper help the flavors pop even more.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Making Your Own Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, you can make your own by reducing 1 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon of sugar until it thickens. Easy peasy!
- Keep It Fresh: Assemble these skewers just before your guests arrive. While the ingredients can sit out for a while, fresh is always best.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep all the ingredients a couple of hours ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble right before serving for maximum freshness.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Swap the Mozzarella: For a vegan-friendly option, try using plant-based mozzarella or leave the cheese off entirely and focus on the tomato and basil combo.
- Try Different Tomatoes: While cherry or grape tomatoes are classic, feel free to mix it up with heirloom varieties for different colors and flavors.
- Pair with a White Wine: These skewers are beautifully paired with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
FAQs
Can I make these skewers in advance?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients a few hours ahead and assemble them just before serving for the freshest presentation.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The basil may wilt a little, but they’ll still taste delicious.
What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
No worries! Toothpicks work just as well, or you could even serve these as a chopped Caprese salad with everything tossed together on a platter.
Printable Recipe Card
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12 skewers
- 12 grape or cherry tomatoes
- 12 fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- Prepare the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Thread onto skewers: tomato, mozzarella, basil leaf, and repeat.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
There you have it—simple, delicious Caprese Skewers that look as good as they taste! Whether it’s a casual snack or a party appetizer, these little bites are sure to impress. Let me know in the comments if you gave them a try, or feel free to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram! I can’t wait to see your creations!
