These insanely easy Caprese skewers will be your new go-to for all things entertaining!
These bite-sized beauties combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil leaves.
But when you add that seasoned olive oil and homemade balsamic glaze? They’re next-level amazing!
They’re fresh, vibrant, and just downright fun to eat. I mean, who doesn’t love food on a stick?!
Why You’ll Love These Caprese Skewers
Quick & Easy: From prep to assembly, this appetizer comes together in minutes. Perfect for hassle-free entertaining!
Classic Taste: You get all the elements of a classic Caprese salad in a fun, poppable form.
Fresh & Vibrant: The combo of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil delivers one delightfully refreshing bite.
Party Perfect: From backyard barbecues to sophisticated soirees, these skewers are perfect for mingling, no plates or forks needed!
Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes: The perfect size! Grape tomatoes also work.
- Mozzarella Balls: They’re small, creamy, and chewy. For the best size, opt for Ciliegine mozzarella balls.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: They add a burst of freshness to each bite.
- Olive Oil: It coats the ingredients with a richer flavor and helps the seasonings adhere to the skewers.
- Italian Seasonings: They enhance the overall flavor with a Mediterranean touch.
- Balsamic Vinegar: For the homemade balsamic glaze. It ties everything together with a sweet, tangy touch.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: It balances the vinegar’s acidity and thickens the glaze.
How to Make Caprese Skewers
These skewers couldn’t be easier to put together.
1. Simmer the balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the mixture reduces by half and thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
2. Mix. Whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
3. Assemble the skewers. Skewer one cherry tomato, one folded basil leaf, one mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf, and another cherry tomato.
4. Drizzle the seasoned olive oil evenly over the skewers. Next, drizzle with the homemade balsamic glaze.
5. Garnish. Top with extra Italian seasoning or freshly chopped basil on top if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Caprese Skewers
Who says appetizers have to be complicated? These Caprese skewers are proof that simplicity will steal the show! Still, I’ve included some tips to ensure they turn out picture-perfect.
- Quality is key. Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor.
- Size matters, too. For the ideal bite, choose cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves that are similar in size. You can also fold the basil leaves in half.
- Create a color contrast. Consider using both red and yellow cherry tomatoes for a vibrant presentation.
- Amp up the flavor. Enhance the flavor by marinating the mozzarella balls in the olive oil and Italian seasoning mixture for at least 15 minutes.
- Save some time. For convenience, you can skip the homemade balsamic glaze and use store-bought.
- Mix it up! For creative twists, skewer prosciutto, avocado slices, marinated artichokes, or even cubes of crusty bread. For a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a little heat.
How to Store
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy these skewers within 24 hours.
To Store: Place the leftover skewers without the glaze or olive oil mixture in an airtight container. Or, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Store the leftover glaze and oil mixture in separate air-tight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Caprese Skewers
12
servings20
minutes10
minutes52
kcalThese easy Caprese skewers are guaranteed to impress! With tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic glaze, everyone will love them.
Ingredients
24 cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
12 fresh mozzarella balls, drained
24 fresh basil leaves
12 4-inch wooden skewers
- For the Seasoned Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the Homemade Balsamic Glaze:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- On each skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one folded basil leaf, one mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf, and another cherry tomato.
- Place the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the seasoned olive oil evenly over the skewers, ensuring each ingredient gets a touch of flavor. Finish with a drizzle of the homemade balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle additional Italian seasoning or freshly chopped basil on top if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Alternate ingredients. Be sure to place a basil leaf between the tomato and mozzarella for a balanced flavor and visual contrast.
- Drizzle just before serving. Add the seasoned olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving. This helps prevent the basil from wilting.
