Easy Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe with Balsamic Glaze Drizzle for Parties
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers, finished with a sweet-tart balsamic glaze. Perfect for parties and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (about 250g) cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar reduced to glaze or store-bought balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20–25 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze (if making homemade): Pour ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Rinse and dry the basil leaves thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Drain the mozzarella balls in a fine strainer for a few minutes to remove excess liquid.
- In a mixing bowl, lightly toss cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls with a pinch of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional olive oil.
- Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), one mozzarella ball, and finishing with another cherry tomato on each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers neatly on a serving platter, spacing them apart.
- Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with extra cracked black pepper or torn basil leaves.
Notes
Assemble skewers just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess. If prepping ahead, season ingredients but wait to skewer and glaze until 10-15 minutes before serving. Use fresh basil leaves and drain mozzarella well. For a warm variation, briefly grill skewers 1-2 minutes per side before glazing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, appetizer, party food, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze, easy recipe, finger food, summer recipe