Mini Caprese Skewers

Mini Caprese Skewers are a delightful, bite-sized version of the classic Caprese salad, featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. These skewers are a perfect appetizer or snack, offering a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite!

I first made these when I wanted a quick, fresh appetizer for a summer gathering. The combination of creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic basil on a skewer made it so easy to enjoy all the classic Caprese flavors without the mess. They were an instant hit and disappeared faster than I could make them!

What’s great about these Mini Caprese Skewers is how customizable they are. Add a slice of prosciutto for a savory twist, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for richness, or sprinkle with sea salt for an added crunch. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or a light side dish, these skewers are always a crowd favorite!

Perfect for:

Appetizers
Mocktail parties
Summer gatherings
BBQs
Italian food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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

Classic Italian Flavor: The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil creates a fresh, savory taste that’s a crowd favorite.
Colorful and Vibrant: These skewers are visually stunning, with bright red, white, and green colors that make them a showstopper on any platter.
No Cooking Required: This is a no-cook recipe, making it quick and easy to prepare for last-minute gatherings.
Bite-Sized Delight: These mini skewers are the perfect portion size for guests to enjoy without any mess.
Fresh and Light: The freshness of the ingredients makes this a light and refreshing option for warmer months.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create an appetizer that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the skewers in advance and store them in the fridge for easy serving.
Customizable Toppings: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, or add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: These skewers are ideal for passing around at parties and sharing with friends and family.
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free: A great option for vegetarians and those following a gluten-free diet.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: N/A
Servings: 12 servings (approximately 2 skewers per person)
Calories per serving: Approximately 50-60 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 3g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

For the Skewers:

12 cherry tomatoes
12 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
12 fresh basil leaves
12 wooden skewers

For the Balsamic Glaze:

½ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Mozzarella: Provides a rich, creamy contrast to the bright tomatoes and basil.
Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant, peppery note to each skewer.
Balsamic Vinegar: A sweet and tangy drizzle that enhances the flavors of the tomatoes and cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Skewers:

Assemble Skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each wooden skewer.
Arrange on a Platter: Place the skewers on a serving platter in a single layer, ready for drizzling.

Prepare the Balsamic Glaze:

Heat Vinegar and Honey: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer Until Thickened: Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens into a syrup-like consistency.
Cool: Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly before using.

Drizzle and Serve:

Drizzle with Glaze: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the skewers as a light appetizer or snack.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Mini Caprese Skewers:

As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter at your next cocktail party for a fresh and light option.
For a Picnic: Pack these skewers for a fun and easy outdoor meal.
As a BBQ Side: Pair with grilled meats or seafood for a balanced plate.
As an Afternoon Snack: Perfect for a light snack in the afternoon or before dinner.
With Fresh Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping in the balsamic glaze.
For a Summer Gathering: These skewers are perfect for a backyard barbecue or a beach day.
As a Healthy Snack: Low in calories but packed with flavor, these skewers make for a nutritious snack.
For an Elegant Touch: Serve them at a formal dinner party or wedding reception for an elegant starter.
With Extra Toppings: Add a sprinkle of sea salt, cracked black pepper, or a dash of olive oil for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients – For the best flavor, opt for fresh, in-season tomatoes and basil. The quality of these ingredients will elevate the overall taste of your skewers.
Balsamic Glaze Drizzle – Add a touch of elegance by drizzling balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving. It adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the dish.
Choose the Right Mozzarella – Use fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) for a creamy texture that complements the tomatoes and basil perfectly.
Skewer Variety – If you’re feeling creative, swap out the cherry tomatoes with roasted peppers, or use different types of cheese, such as burrata, for a unique twist.
Seasoning Matters – Don’t forget to season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. It enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Add a Touch of Olive Oil – A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil will add richness and a beautiful shine to the skewers.
Alternate Skewer Colors – To make your skewers even more visually appealing, try alternating red tomatoes with yellow or heirloom varieties.
Prepare Ahead of Time – You can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just wait until serving to drizzle on the balsamic glaze.
Keep It Fresh – If you’re making these for an event, cover the skewers with a damp paper towel before refrigerating to keep the basil fresh and vibrant.
Use Skewers with a Twist – To make your skewers more fun, choose colorful or themed skewers (wooden, stainless steel, or even bamboo) that match your event decor.

Recipe Variations

Caprese Skewers with Prosciutto: Add a slice of prosciutto to each skewer for a savory, salty twist.
Add Pesto: Drizzle with pesto for a burst of herby flavor.
Vegan Version: Swap the mozzarella for vegan cheese or tofu for a plant-based version.
Grilled Skewers: Grill the assembled skewers for a smoky flavor.
Mini Skewers: Use smaller skewers for bite-sized snacks that are easier to eat.
Add Olives: Include green or black olives for a Mediterranean touch.
With Roasted Red Pepper: Add roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky addition.

Special Equipment

Wooden Skewers: Ideal for threading the ingredients and making easy-to-serve portions.
Small Saucepan: For reducing the balsamic vinegar and honey into a glaze.
Serving Platter: For presenting the skewers in a visually appealing way.
Basting Brush: Optional for brushing extra glaze onto the skewers for added flavor.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different vinegar for the glaze?
You can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but balsamic gives the best flavor.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes, assemble the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze the skewers?
It’s best to serve these fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the mozzarella and tomatoes.
Can I make the balsamic glaze without honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave as a substitute for honey.
How long do these skewers last in the fridge?
They’re best eaten within 1-2 days, as the mozzarella can soften.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of bocconcini?
Yes, you can use regular mozzarella, but bocconcini is the perfect size for these skewers.
Can I add more vegetables to the skewers?
Sure! Consider adding cucumbers, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra crunch and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no gluten-based ingredients.
What can I serve with these skewers?
Serve them with Italian meats, pasta dishes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I drizzle the balsamic glaze ahead of time?
It’s best to drizzle the glaze just before serving to prevent it from soaking into the ingredients.

Conclusion

Mini Caprese Skewers are a simple, fresh, and delicious bite-sized appetizer that perfectly captures the flavors of summer. With sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant fresh basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze, these skewers are not only visually appealing but bursting with vibrant, tangy flavor.

This recipe is easy to customize—swap out mozzarella for burrata for an extra creamy touch, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for enhanced flavor, or even marinate the tomatoes in olive oil and herbs for an added depth of taste. Serve these mini skewers as an appetizer or a fun addition to your party spread!

I can’t wait to see how your Mini Caprese Skewers turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!