Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Refreshing Appetizer with Balsamic Glaze
Fresh Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are a light, simple, and flavorful appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, finished with a sweet-tart balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick assembly and ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (if making glaze)
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 300 g) cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar (for homemade glaze)
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar (for homemade glaze)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or bamboo skewers, about 4 inches
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze (if making your own): Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons (25 g) of brown sugar into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer gently until reduced by half and syrupy—about 15-20 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and let cool. (Skip this step if using ready-made glaze.)
- Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil: Rinse 1 pint (about 300 g) of cherry tomatoes and a handful of fresh basil leaves. Pat dry thoroughly to avoid soggy skewers.
- Drain the mozzarella: Drain 8 oz (225 g) of fresh mozzarella balls and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove extra liquid.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread a cherry tomato first, then a basil leaf (folded if large), followed by a mozzarella ball onto a wooden skewer. Repeat until the skewer is filled, leaving about an inch at the end for handling. Typically, 3-4 pieces per skewer works well.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter. Drizzle lightly with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Optional final touch: Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper or a few flakes of sea salt right before serving.
Notes
Pat tomatoes and mozzarella dry to prevent soggy skewers and help the glaze stick better. Assemble skewers close to serving time for freshest flavor. If making glaze, simmer slowly to avoid burning. Store assembled skewers without glaze in the fridge up to 24 hours; add glaze just before serving. For dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with firm tofu or plant-based cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 6070
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 100150
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 23
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 0.51
- Protein: 45
Keywords: Caprese skewers, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, easy appetizer, summer snack, Italian appetizer