Irresistible Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
A quick and easy appetizer featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on skewers, drizzled with a tangy-sweet homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 skewers (about 6-8 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20–25 cherry tomatoes, washed (preferably vine-ripened)
- 20–25 fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine size)
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- ½ cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20–25 wooden or bamboo skewers (6-inch length), soaked in water for 10 minutes if grilling
Instructions
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently under cold water and pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls well to avoid excess moisture. (About 5 minutes)
- If making homemade balsamic glaze: Pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or honey. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy (10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and cool.
- In a small bowl, drizzle cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly. (2 minutes)
- Assemble skewers by threading one cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, and finishing with another cherry tomato. Repeat until all ingredients are used. (10-15 minutes)
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the top. Optionally, add a sprinkle of sea salt and more black pepper. (2 minutes)
- Serve immediately for best flavor. Optionally chill skewers for 15 minutes before serving to meld flavors and firm mozzarella.
Notes
If making balsamic glaze, reduce vinegar slowly over medium heat and stir often to prevent burning. Fold larger basil leaves for easier threading. Assemble skewers close to serving time to keep basil fresh. Skewers can be prepared ahead without glaze and refrigerated up to 24 hours. For grilling, soak skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 skewers
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, easy recipe, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, party food, vegetarian