There is something magical about a recipe that is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. Caprese skewers are exactly that. They are bright, colorful, and bursting with taste, combining juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves in every bite. Drizzled with a touch of balsamic glaze, these skewers are perfect for a quick snack, an appetizer for a dinner party, or a fun addition to a picnic. They are effortless to assemble, look gorgeous on a platter, and satisfy both your taste buds and your eyes.
I first discovered this recipe while preparing a summer potluck with friends. I wanted something that would feel special but not require hours in the kitchen. I remember wandering through the farmer’s market, picking up vibrant red tomatoes and fresh basil, and thinking how simple ingredients can create something so elegant. As I threaded the ingredients onto skewers, my friends kept sneaking bites before the platter even made it to the table. It was love at first taste, and Caprese skewers have been a go-to recipe in my kitchen ever since.
Why You’ll Love This
First, the flavor combination is irresistible. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes perfectly complements the creamy, mild mozzarella, while the fresh basil adds a hint of aromatic brightness. When you drizzle it all with balsamic glaze, it creates a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that feels gourmet, but without any complicated cooking.
Second, these skewers are incredibly easy to prepare. There is no cooking involved, just a little chopping and threading. Even if you are short on time, you can whip up a batch in less than fifteen minutes, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or quick weekday snacks.
Third, they are versatile and fit into a variety of lifestyles. Caprese skewers are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. You can easily include them in meal prep for a healthy lunchbox option, bring them to a potluck, or enjoy them as a light snack without any guilt.
Finally, they are visually stunning. The red, white, and green colors create a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress guests. They are picture-perfect for Instagram, blog posts, or any festive table setting, making them just as fun to serve as they are to eat.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine Type: Italian, Appetizer
Servings: 8 skewers (about 16 bites)
Estimated Cost: $10
Equipment Needed:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl for glaze
- 8-10 small wooden or bamboo skewers
- Measuring spoons
- Optional: small platter for serving
Ingredients
- 16 cherry tomatoes, washed and patted dry
- 16 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, store-bought or homemade
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of dried oregano or crushed red pepper for extra flavor
Notes:
- Swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes if preferred.
- Mini mozzarella balls can be replaced with cubed regular mozzarella.
- Basil is best fresh. If unavailable, try baby spinach or arugula for a slightly different flavor.
- Store skewers in the fridge uncovered for up to 4 hours before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by prepping all your ingredients. Wash the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, and drain the mozzarella balls. Pat everything dry with a paper towel to prevent the skewers from getting soggy. Having all your ingredients ready makes the assembly process smooth and enjoyable.
- Thread the skewers in a repeating pattern. Start with a cherry tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, then a basil leaf. Continue until the skewer is full, leaving about an inch of space at the bottom for easy handling. This creates a visually appealing, alternating pattern of red, white, and green.
- Lay the assembled skewers on a platter. Make sure they are evenly spaced to avoid squishing the ingredients. The presentation is half the fun, and a neat arrangement makes them look professional without any extra effort.
- Drizzle olive oil over the skewers. Use a spoon to distribute it evenly, coating each piece lightly. The olive oil adds richness and helps bring all the flavors together.
- Add balsamic glaze. This can be drizzled in a zigzag pattern over the skewers for a beautiful presentation. The glaze provides a sweet and tangy kick that elevates the simple ingredients to something extraordinary.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to ensure a balanced flavor. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano or crushed red pepper to add a subtle kick. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for a short time before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (2 skewers):
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 4% DV
Tips for Success
Always use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes make a huge difference in flavor and presentation.
Thread ingredients carefully. Avoid overcrowding the skewer, as this can make them difficult to handle and less visually appealing.
Pat ingredients dry. Excess moisture from tomatoes or mozzarella can dilute flavors and make the balsamic glaze slide off.
Use a high-quality balsamic glaze. It adds a lovely sweetness and tang that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead. Keep them uncovered in the fridge and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving.
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely. Mini mozzarella works best, but feta cubes or halloumi pieces can also be used for a twist on the classic flavor.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, most kids love the simple flavors. You can cut cherry tomatoes in half for smaller bites or leave out the balsamic glaze if preferred.
Can I make a larger batch for a party?
Definitely. Simply scale the ingredients and skewers as needed. Keep them chilled and drizzle glaze just before guests arrive for the best presentation.
Variations and Substitutions
You can experiment with different flavors by adding prosciutto slices or a few slices of avocado between the tomato and mozzarella. For a seasonal twist, try using heirloom cherry tomatoes in varying colors. If you prefer a different herb, swap basil for fresh mint or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Caprese skewers pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, or a refreshing iced tea. Serve alongside crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or pasta dishes to make a complete Italian-inspired meal. They are also perfect as an appetizer for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings.
Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- 16 cherry tomatoes washed and patted dry
- 16 small mozzarella balls bocconcini, drained
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze store-bought or homemade
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of dried oregano or crushed red pepper for extra flavor
Instructions
- Start by prepping all your ingredients. Wash the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, and drain the mozzarella balls. Pat everything dry with a paper towel to prevent the skewers from getting soggy. Having all your ingredients ready makes the assembly process smooth and enjoyable.
- Thread the skewers in a repeating pattern. Start with a cherry tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, then a basil leaf. Continue until the skewer is full, leaving about an inch of space at the bottom for easy handling. This creates a visually appealing, alternating pattern of red, white, and green.
- Lay the assembled skewers on a platter. Make sure they are evenly spaced to avoid squishing the ingredients. The presentation is half the fun, and a neat arrangement makes them look professional without any extra effort.
- Drizzle olive oil over the skewers. Use a spoon to distribute it evenly, coating each piece lightly. The olive oil adds richness and helps bring all the flavors together.
- Add balsamic glaze. This can be drizzled in a zigzag pattern over the skewers for a beautiful presentation. The glaze provides a sweet and tangy kick that elevates the simple ingredients to something extraordinary.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to ensure a balanced flavor. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano or crushed red pepper to add a subtle kick. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for a short time before serving.
Notes
These Caprese skewers are a delightful combination of flavor, simplicity, and beauty. They bring joy to any table, whether you are serving a casual snack for your family or impressing guests at a party. Give them a try, and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors that make this recipe so special. Thank you for joining me in the kitchen, and I hope your skewers bring as much happiness to your table as they do to mine.
