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Easy Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe with Sweet Balsamic Reduction

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A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with a homemade sweet balsamic reduction. Perfect for entertaining and crowd-pleasing with simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint (about 300 grams) cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup (about 150 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (mini bocconcini or ciliegine size)
  • About 20 fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
  • 6-inch (15 cm) wooden or bamboo skewers

Instructions

  1. Make the balsamic reduction: Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) 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, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Prep the ingredients: Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water and pat dry. Slice mozzarella balls in half if large. Season tomatoes lightly with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper if using.
  3. Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each 6-inch skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  4. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction generously over them. Optionally, add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  5. Let the skewers sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Watch the balsamic reduction carefully near the end to prevent burning. If it thickens too much after cooling, gently warm it or stir in a splash of water to loosen. Use fresh mini bocconcini mozzarella for best texture. Assemble skewers with a little space to avoid bruising basil or squishing mozzarella. Let skewers rest after drizzling to meld flavors. For a warm variation, grill skewers briefly on medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic reduction, appetizer, easy recipe, party food, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-mini-caprese-skewers-recipe-with-sweet-balsamic-reduction-tutorial/