Caprese Skewers Recipe: Easy Fresh Mozzarella Tomato Basil Appetizer
These Caprese Skewers are a quick, fresh, and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Perfect for parties, weeknight snacks, or healthy lunches, they bring a taste of Italy to any table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings (2 skewers per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes (about 20–24)
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 20–24 leaves)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
- Mini cucumbers, sliced (optional)
- Small pieces of prosciutto or salami (optional)
- Roasted red peppers, cut into strips (optional)
Instructions
- Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry with paper towels.
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and dry thoroughly. Cut any oversized tomatoes in half.
- Pick through basil leaves, choosing the smallest, brightest ones. Fold large leaves if needed.
- Thread one cherry tomato onto a skewer or toothpick, followed by a basil leaf and a mozzarella ball. Repeat for each skewer.
- Lay finished skewers on a serving platter in a neat, overlapping pattern.
- Drizzle olive oil over the skewers.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and black pepper.
- Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Notes
Dry mozzarella thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Use the freshest basil for best flavor and presentation. Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, but add oil and salt just before serving. For extra flavor, marinate mozzarella in olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes before assembling. Customize with optional add-ons like prosciutto, cucumbers, or roasted peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 5
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