Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade with Sweet Balsamic Drizzle
These fresh Caprese skewers combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves with a sweet balsamic drizzle for a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers (about 6-7 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (250g) cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- About 20 medium fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120ml) sweet balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness in the balsamic drizzle)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt or kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- About 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic drizzle: Pour ½ cup (120ml) of sweet balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of honey if desired. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and thickened to a syrupy consistency (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prep the tomatoes and mozzarella: Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls and pat lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the cheese and tomatoes: In a mixing bowl, gently toss mozzarella and tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each wooden skewer or toothpick. Repeat until about 20 skewers are made.
- Arrange and drizzle: Lay skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic reduction evenly over the skewers. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a light crack of black pepper.
- Serve immediately: Best enjoyed fresh to keep basil vibrant and mozzarella tender. Store briefly in the fridge if needed, but drizzle just before serving.
Notes
Drain mozzarella well to avoid soggy skewers. Reduce balsamic vinegar slowly over medium heat to prevent burning. Assemble skewers no more than an hour before serving to keep basil fresh. Balsamic drizzle can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: Caprese skewers, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic drizzle, easy appetizer, summer snack, party food