Easy Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe with Balsamic Glaze Perfect for Summer Parties
A quick and fresh appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer parties and easy to assemble in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 cherry or grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 20 fresh basil leaves, whole
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- About 20 wooden or bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon (15 g) honey or brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low simmer. Stir occasionally and let it reduce until thickened and syrupy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Toss the tomatoes and mozzarella: In a medium bowl, combine 20 cherry tomatoes and 20 fresh mozzarella balls. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to coat evenly without bruising the tomatoes.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one tomato, then a basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball onto each wooden skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with extra basil leaves or a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Notes
Soak skewers in water for 10 minutes before assembling to prevent burning if grilling. Make balsamic glaze ahead and store in fridge for up to a week. Handle tomatoes and mozzarella gently to avoid bruising. Optional grilling for 1-2 minutes per side adds smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 5.5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 3.5
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4.5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, summer appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, party food