Easy Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe with Balsamic Glaze for Summer Parties
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers, drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 20 skewers (serves 6-8) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 250g)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine)
- One small bunch fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (120ml)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (25g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml), optional
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- About 20 wooden or bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: Pour ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar or honey. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened to syrupy consistency (10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and cool.
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently under cold water. Pat dry completely. Drain mozzarella balls; cut larger balls in half if needed.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread one skewer with cherry tomato, fresh basil leaf (folded if large), mozzarella ball, repeating 2-3 sets per skewer. Arrange on a serving platter.
- Season Lightly: Sprinkle skewers with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil if desired.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle cooled balsamic glaze evenly over skewers just before serving.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: Best served fresh but can be made up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for 10-15 minutes before use to prevent splintering if grilling or leaving out in sun. Hold off on adding balsamic glaze until just before serving to avoid sogginess. Use a small fork or tongs to thread ingredients to avoid squishing tomatoes. The balsamic glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 skewers
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 150200
- Fat: 1012
- Saturated Fat: 45
- Carbohydrates: 68
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 911
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, summer appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy party recipe