Fresh Flag Caprese Skewers with Easy Homemade Balsamic Glaze
A simple and elegant appetizer featuring ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick to assemble.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 cherry tomatoes, ripe but firm
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 20 fresh basil leaves, whole
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- Fine sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, optional
- About 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks (5-inch/12 cm)
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly. Drain mozzarella balls on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Assemble the skewers: On each skewer, thread one cherry tomato, followed by a folded basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball. Repeat if skewers are longer or keep one of each per skewer.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze evenly over the skewers.
- Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Use high-quality balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for best flavor. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes if grilling. Assemble skewers no more than an hour before serving to keep ingredients fresh. The balsamic glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week and reheated gently before use. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, summer recipe, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy appetizer