Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade Appetizer with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
These fresh Caprese skewers offer a vibrant, bite-sized take on the classic salad, featuring creamy mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sweet balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (if making glaze)
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Creamy fresh mozzarella balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine), about 12-15 small balls
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, ripe and firm, about 12-15
- Fresh basil leaves, whole, about 12-15 leaves
- Sweet balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade by simmering 1 cup balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar until thickened)
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks, about 12-15
Instructions
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls to prevent sogginess.
- If making glaze, pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool. Alternatively, use store-bought glaze.
- Thread one mozzarella ball, followed by a folded basil leaf, then a cherry tomato onto each wooden skewer or toothpick. Repeat layering if skewers are longer.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Lightly sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drizzle the sweet balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving for a glossy finish.
- Optionally, add a few drops of extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.
Notes
Assemble skewers just before serving to keep basil fresh and prevent tomatoes from releasing too much juice. If mozzarella is too soft or watery, gently squeeze with paper towel before skewering. The balsamic glaze should be thick but pourable; add a splash of water if too thick. For vegan option, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan cheese. Seasonal variations include swapping tomatoes for roasted peaches or nectarines.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Caprese skewers, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, easy recipe, party food, vegetarian