Caprese Skewers Recipe

Caprese skewers are a quick, no-cook appetizer that feels fancy but is truly a breeze to put together. I love how they combine the freshness of summer tomatoes with the richness of mozzarella—perfect for last-minute gatherings or a lazy weekend snack. But what keeps me coming back is how flexible they are; you can change up the herbs or add a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to think outside the salad bowl.

Why I keep making these skewers over and over

They remind me that good things don’t need to be complicated. The burst of fresh, bright flavors cuts through the chaos of a busy day. Plus, they’re always a hit at gatherings, sparking conversations and smiles. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a small, easy victory—simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable.

Breaking down the ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add a burst of freshness and color.
• Fresh basil leaves: Aromatic and fragrant, they lift the whole skewer with herbal brightness.
• Mozzarella balls: Creamy, mild, and soft—look for the small bocconcini for ease.
• Balsamic vinegar: Sweet and tangy, it gets reduced into a glossy, smoky glaze.
• Sea salt flakes: A finishing touch that enhances every flavor, adding a subtle crunch.
• Olive oil (optional): A splash can add richness if you like it extra lush.
• Honey (optional): A small drizzle makes the glaze a tad sweeter, balancing acidity.

Tools and equipment for perfect skewers

• Wooden skewers or small bamboo sticks: To thread ingredients and hold everything together.
• Saucepan: To simmer and reduce the balsamic vinegar into glaze.
• Small spoon or brush: To drizzle or spread the balsamic glaze.
• Serving platter: To display your skewers attractively.

Step-by-step to a Flavorful Caprese Skewer

Step 1: Gather your ingredients and tools first—makes everything smoother.

Step 2: Thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each skewer, about 2 cm apart.

Step 3: For the balsamic glaze, simmer 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar until thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Arrange the skewers on a platter, drizzle with the glaze, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Step 5: Serve immediately to keep the mozzarella fresh and the basil vibrant.

Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese skewers are a vibrant, no-cook appetizer that showcase the fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. The dish is assembled by threading ingredients onto skewers and finished with a sweet balsamic glaze, resulting in a colorful, bite-sized presentation with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The final look is bright, glossy, and inviting, ideal for gatherings or casual snacking.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar for glaze
• 8 pieces cherry tomatoes juicy and sweet
• 8 leaves fresh basil leaves aromatic and fragrant
• 8 pieces mozzarella balls small bocconcini size
• to taste sea salt flakes for sprinkling
• 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for drizzling
• 1 teaspoon honey optional, for sweetness

Equipment

• Wooden skewers or small bamboo sticks
• Saucepan
• Small spoon or brush
• Serving platter

Method

 

1. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the balsamic vinegar, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Thread a cherry tomato onto a skewer, followed by a basil leaf, and then a mozzarella ball. Repeat until all skewers are assembled, about 2 centimeters apart.
4. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter, creating an attractive display.
5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers, letting it pool slightly for a glossy finish.
6. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt flakes, and if desired, lightly drizzle with olive oil and a small touch of honey for added richness and sweetness.
7. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and the appealing glossy appearance of the skewers.

Cooking checkpoints and tips to keep in mind

• Ensure mozzarella is at room temperature for better flavor and softer texture.
• The balsamic glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—if it’s too runny, simmer longer.
• Watch the tomatoes and basil for bruising or wilting—use fresh, firm ingredients.
• Skewers should be assembled gently to keep everything intact and looking neat.

Common pitfalls and how to fix them

• Mozzarella is too firm or rubbery.? USE fresh mozzarella to avoid a rubbery texture.
• The balsamic glaze is too watery.? Reduce balsamic longer for a thicker glaze.
• Tomatoes are squished or leaking.? Handle tomatoes gently to prevent bruising.
• Ingredients are cold and dull the flavor.? Let ingredients reach room temperature before assembling.

This simple assembly of fresh ingredients feels like a little celebration every time I make it. The way the basil scent marries with the sweet tomato and creamy mozzarella—it’s a little burst of summer, no matter the season. I love how easy it is to customize with different herbs or a splash of lemon for brightness. Dive in and make it your own, because sometimes, the simplest bites are the most memorable.

Olivia

Hi there! I’m Olivia Chen-Williams, a 54-year-old late-blooming cook, career coach, and the face behind Turn Around At 50 – a food blog that proves it’s never too late to start something new (even if your first attempt burns to a crisp!).