Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Entertaining with Balsamic Glaze
Fresh Caprese skewers combine juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with a tangy-sweet homemade balsamic glaze. This quick and easy appetizer is perfect for casual gatherings and last-minute entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (about 300 grams), washed
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- About 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 20–25 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Make the balsamic glaze: Pour ½ cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar if desired. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and syrupy.
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse and dry grape tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain and pat dry mozzarella balls to avoid sogginess.
- Season the tomatoes and cheese: In a mixing bowl, gently toss tomatoes and mozzarella with 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Assemble the skewers: Layer one grape tomato, one folded basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball on each skewer. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
- Arrange and drizzle: Lay skewers on a serving platter and drizzle with cooled balsamic glaze. Optionally, add a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh while mozzarella is soft and tomatoes are juicy. If preparing ahead, keep glaze separate and drizzle just before serving.
Notes
Keep ingredients dry to help glaze stick. Assemble skewers just before serving to prevent basil wilting and mozzarella sogginess. Watch balsamic glaze closely to avoid burning. For a warm variation, briefly grill skewers 1-2 minutes per side before drizzling glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Caprese skewers, appetizer, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, basil, easy entertaining, party food