Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers are a fresh, bite-sized version of the classic Caprese salad, made with ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant fresh basil. Drizzled with balsamic glaze or olive oil, these skewers are light, refreshing, and full of flavor. They’re a perfect appetizer for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings, offering a burst of freshness in every bite.

I first made Caprese Skewers when I wanted a quick, no-cook appetizer that would be both colorful and delicious. The simple combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil never disappoints, and the skewers make it easy to serve and enjoy without any mess. The balsamic glaze ties everything together with a touch of sweetness and acidity, making each skewer irresistible.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences—try adding olives, cucumber, or even prosciutto for a twist. Caprese Skewers are not only visually stunning but also light and refreshing, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Perfect for:

Mocktail parties
Summer gatherings
Picnics
Appetizers
Caprese salad lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Caprese Skewers will become your go-to appetizer:

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil creates an explosion of flavor.
Easy to Assemble: These skewers are quick and simple to put together, making them a great option for last-minute entertaining.
Healthy and Light: Packed with fresh vegetables and cheese, they’re a nutritious and guilt-free snack.
Elegant Presentation: The vibrant colors and skewered arrangement make these bites an eye-catching addition to any spread.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of the tomatoes, the richness of the mozzarella, and the brightness of the basil create a harmonious flavor profile.
Customizable: You can add a variety of ingredients like olives or prosciutto to suit your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family get-together or a fancy cocktail party, these skewers fit right in.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance for stress-free hosting or picnics.
Great for Sharing: These skewers are small and easy to share, making them perfect for group settings.
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian: This dish accommodates many dietary preferences and restrictions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 9g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Skewers:

1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 package (8 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
Fresh basil leaves (about 20-25 leaves)
Wooden skewers or toothpicks

For the Balsamic Glaze:

½ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey

Ingredient Highlights

Cherry Tomatoes: Offer a burst of sweetness and juiciness to balance the creamy cheese.
Fresh Mozzarella: Its mild and creamy texture pairs perfectly with the other fresh ingredients.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant herbal note that enhances the other ingredients.
Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of glaze provides a tangy sweetness that elevates the flavors of the skewers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Balsamic Glaze:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey.
Simmer and Reduce: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let it reduce for 5-7 minutes, until thickened.
Cool: Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Skewers:

Thread Ingredients: Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer.
Repeat: Continue threading the ingredients until all skewers are assembled.

Serve:

Drizzle the Glaze: Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze.
Serve: Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Caprese Skewers:

As a Party Appetizer: Serve them at your next mocktail party for an easy-to-eat appetizer.
With Fresh Pesto: Add a small bowl of pesto for dipping.
For a Picnic: Pack them in a container for a refreshing, portable treat.
As a Light Lunch: Pair with a side of mixed greens for a quick and healthy lunch.
With Charcuterie: Serve alongside a variety of cured meats for a complete spread.
For BBQs: These skewers are perfect alongside grilled meats and veggies.
As a Starter for Dinner Parties: Present them as an elegant starter before a meal.
For Meal Prep: Assemble them in advance and store in the fridge for a grab-and-go snack.
As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a healthy afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

Balsamic Glaze Consistency: Make sure the glaze is thick enough to coat the skewers without dripping too much.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and tomatoes.
Serve Immediately: These skewers are best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
Basil Storage: If you need to store the basil leaves, wrap them in a damp paper towel and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before assembling.
Skewer Variety: If you prefer, use small skewers or even mocktail toothpicks for a bite-sized version.

Recipe Variations

Balsamic Glaze Caprese Skewers: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers for a sweet and tangy finish, enhancing the flavor of the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Avocado Caprese Skewers: Add chunks of ripe avocado between the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes for a creamy twist on the classic.
Pesto Caprese Skewers: Swap fresh basil leaves for a drizzle of basil pesto to bring an extra layer of herby richness to the skewers.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Caprese Skewers: Wrap slices of prosciutto around the mozzarella balls for a savory, salty contrast to the sweet tomatoes.
Grilled Caprese Skewers: Grill the skewers for a smoky flavor, adding a light char to the mozzarella and tomatoes for a unique twist.
Spicy Caprese Skewers: Add a few slices of jalapeño or drizzle a spicy hot sauce over the skewers for a kick of heat.
Cucumber Caprese Skewers: Add fresh cucumber slices between the tomatoes and mozzarella for a refreshing crunch and cool flavor.
Roasted Red Pepper Caprese Skewers: Replace basil with roasted red pepper strips for a sweet, smoky element that complements the creamy mozzarella.
Greek-Inspired Caprese Skewers: Substitute mozzarella with feta cheese and add Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist on the classic recipe.
Honey-Drizzled Caprese Skewers: For a sweet contrast, drizzle honey over the skewers, pairing it with fresh basil for a unique flavor profile.

Special Equipment

Skewers – Wooden or metal skewers for threading the ingredients.
Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for chopping the ingredients.
Sharp Knife – To slice the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil cleanly.
Bowl – For mixing the olive oil, balsamic glaze, or dressing.
Tongs – To easily handle and serve the skewers.
Serving Platter – A beautiful dish to present the skewers.
Measuring Spoons – For precise amounts of dressing or seasoning.
Small Brush – For brushing olive oil or balsamic glaze onto the skewers.
Basil Picker – A tool to easily pluck whole basil leaves without tearing them.
Corkscrew – If using fresh mozzarella packed in brine, a corkscrew can help remove the seal.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought balsamic glaze for homemade, but the homemade version has a richer flavor.
Can I make these skewers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with burrata or feta for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the mozzarella from getting soggy?
Make sure to assemble the skewers just before serving to avoid moisture from affecting the cheese.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add cucumber, bell pepper, or zucchini for extra crunch and flavor.
What can I use instead of basil?
You can use arugula or mint as a flavorful alternative to basil.
Can I make these skewers without balsamic glaze?
Yes, they can be enjoyed plain or with olive oil and sea salt.
How can I make these skewers spicier?
Add a slice of jalapeño or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Can I make these skewers vegan?
Yes, by using vegan cheese and ensuring the balsamic glaze is free of any non-vegan ingredients.

Conclusion

Caprese Skewers are a fresh and vibrant appetizer that brings together the classic Italian flavors of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, all in one easy-to-serve bite. These skewers are perfect for summer parties, picnics, or any casual get-together. The combination of creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze, creates a simple yet stunning dish that’s bursting with flavor.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each skewer is packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients that need little more than a sprinkle of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and a touch of balsamic reduction. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that ties everything together beautifully.

I’d love to see your Caprese Skewers creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your colorful skewers. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you made this dish your own with extra ingredients or flavors!