Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Vibrant Appetizer with Balsamic Glaze
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for gatherings and summer evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20–25 cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
- 20–25 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves, whole and bright green
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, preferably flaky sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to sprinkle
- 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar for glaze
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks, 3-inch or longer
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let it thicken and reduce to about 1/3 cup (80 ml), about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prep the ingredients: Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes. Drain fresh mozzarella balls on paper towels. Pick fresh basil leaves, discarding any bruised ones.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato onto a skewer or toothpick, fold a basil leaf in half or thirds if large and add it, then add a mozzarella ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving.
Notes
If making ahead, assemble skewers without oil, salt, pepper, or glaze and refrigerate up to 4 hours. Add seasonings and glaze just before serving. Warm glaze gently if too thick. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with firm tofu or plant-based cheese. Avoid assembling too far ahead to keep basil fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 7090
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 100150
- Fat: 57
- Saturated Fat: 23
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 0.51
- Protein: 45
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, summer appetizer