Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Vibrant Snack with Balsamic Reduction
Fresh Caprese skewers are a quick, easy, and vibrant snack featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with a homemade balsamic reduction. Perfect for any occasion, these skewers are light, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 ripe and firm cherry tomatoes (grape tomatoes work too)
- 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 20 whole fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
- About 20 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic reduction: Pour ½ cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar if desired. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and syrupy, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain mozzarella balls. Halve large cherry tomatoes if needed. Pat all ingredients dry.
- Place basil leaves in a small bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Toss gently to coat.
- Assemble skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one folded basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each wooden skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the assembled skewers.
- Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction generously over the skewers.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes before grilling or broiling to prevent burning. Assemble skewers close to serving time to keep basil fresh and mozzarella from becoming soggy. Warm balsamic reduction gently if it thickens too much after cooling. For vegan option, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 6070
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 45
Keywords: Caprese skewers, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic reduction, easy snack, appetizer, vegetarian, gluten-free