Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Balsamic Glaze Appetizer
A fresh twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, these bite-sized skewers combine creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze for a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 ripe cherry tomatoes
- 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 20 medium fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- About 20 small wooden or bamboo skewers (6-inch length)
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon sugar or honey if desired. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Drain mozzarella balls on paper towels. Rinse and dry basil leaves carefully. Rinse and pat dry cherry tomatoes.
- Assemble skewers by threading one cherry tomato, followed by a folded basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball. Repeat if skewers are longer.
- Place skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Spoon or drizzle cooled balsamic glaze evenly over skewers. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Optionally add lemon zest or extra black pepper before serving. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours, keeping glaze separate until serving.
Notes
Simmer balsamic glaze slowly to avoid bitterness. Drain mozzarella thoroughly to prevent soggy skewers. Fold large basil leaves for neat skewers. Let skewers rest 10 minutes before glazing for better flavor melding. Keep glaze separate if prepping ahead to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, easy recipe, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, party food, quick snack