Easy Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe with Perfect Balsamic Drizzle Tutorial
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves, finished with a homemade balsamic glaze and olive oil drizzle. Perfect for any occasion and ready in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers (about 6-7 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, preferably firm and ripe
- 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained well
- About 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar for reduction
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle
- Pinch of sea salt, to season
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- About 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks for assembling
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
- Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently.
- Drain the mozzarella balls well and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Add mozzarella balls and toss lightly.
- Assemble skewers by threading one cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf (if large), then a mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat for all skewers.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle balsamic glaze evenly over each skewer, then drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little more freshly ground black pepper or flaky sea salt on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Drain and pat dry mozzarella to prevent soggy skewers. Use fresh basil leaves and assemble close to serving time for best texture. If balsamic glaze thickens too much after cooling, stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen. Can be made vegan by substituting mozzarella with tofu or vegan cheese and using maple syrup in balsamic reduction.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 skewers per
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 150200
- Fat: 1012
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 68
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 810
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy appetizer, party food, summer recipe