Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
Fresh Caprese skewers combine cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves threaded on skewers and drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze for a quick, elegant appetizer perfect for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if making glaze)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine), drained
- 20 fresh basil leaves, whole and washed
- ½ cup sweet balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- About 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water and pat dry. Drain the mozzarella balls well on paper towels to remove excess liquid.
- If making homemade balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Skip this step if using store-bought glaze.
- Take a skewer or toothpick and thread on one cherry tomato, followed by a folded basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the sweet balsamic glaze generously over the skewers just before serving.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour before serving. If chilled, let the glaze sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before drizzling to loosen.
Notes
Drain mozzarella thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Keep heat low when making balsamic glaze to prevent burning. Assemble skewers just before serving for best freshness. Basil can be substituted with mint or oregano for a twist. For vegan option, replace mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese skewers, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, easy appetizer, summer snack