Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade Appetizer with Sweet Balsamic Drizzle
Fresh Caprese skewers combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and aromatic basil leaves, finished with a sweet balsamic glaze for a quick, elegant appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 g) creamy fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 pint (about 300 g) cherry or grape tomatoes
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or bamboo skewers (about 6 inches / 15 cm long)
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Rinse and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly to avoid watery skewers.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Assemble the skewers by threading one tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf (folded if large) onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used, making about 12-15 skewers.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze generously over them. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures. If preparing ahead, keep the glaze separate and drizzle just before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature mozzarella for best flavor and texture. Dry basil leaves thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Reduce balsamic vinegar gently over low heat to avoid bitterness. Store balsamic glaze separately if preparing ahead to keep skewers fresh. Wooden skewers can be soaked in water before grilling to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 7080
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 100150
- Fat: 56
- Saturated Fat: 23
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 0.51
- Protein: 45
Keywords: Caprese skewers, fresh appetizer, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, easy recipe, party food, vegetarian, gluten-free