Fresh No-Melt Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Perfect Party Appetizer with Balsamic Glaze
These fresh no-melt Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze are a quick, easy, and mess-free appetizer perfect for parties and warm weather. Featuring no-melt mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- No-melt mozzarella balls (bocconcini), small and firm
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, ripe and firm
- Fresh basil leaves, medium-sized
- Balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra virgin olive oil, a splash
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or bamboo skewers, about 4 inches long
- Honey or brown sugar (for homemade balsamic glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons (1 oz) of honey or brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer until the liquid reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Let cool completely.
- Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes with a paper towel. Halve large tomatoes for bite-sized balance.
- Drain the no-melt mozzarella balls in a colander and gently press with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Wash and dry basil leaves, discarding any bruised or torn ones.
- Assemble the skewers by threading a cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball. Repeat the pattern if skewers are long enough, ending with a tomato for color.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving. Optionally, drizzle extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes before assembling if you plan to grill or char them. Assemble skewers ahead but add balsamic glaze just before serving to keep basil fresh and prevent sogginess. For a dairy-free version, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes. Variations include adding fresh mint or oregano, swapping tomatoes for strawberries, or lightly grilling skewers for smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 3.5
- Fiber: 0.75
- Protein: 5.5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, no-melt mozzarella, balsamic glaze, party appetizer, easy appetizer, summer snack, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes