Easy Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe with Perfect Balsamic Glaze Drizzle
A quick and simple appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers, finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
- 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 20 fresh basil leaves, whole and bright green
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prep the ingredients: Rinse 20 cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Drain 20 fresh mozzarella balls and place on paper towels to absorb moisture. Pick 20 fresh basil leaves, removing any tough stems.
- Season the components (optional): Lightly toss tomatoes and mozzarella with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange and drizzle: Lay skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze evenly over the skewers.
- Final touches: Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt or fresh ground pepper on top. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Drain mozzarella well to prevent soggy skewers. Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to keep skewers fresh and prevent sogginess. The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Warm gently before use if hardened. Serve skewers at room temperature for best flavor. Optional grilling adds smoky flavor but be gentle to avoid melting mozzarella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 4.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, summer snack