Easy Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe with Balsamic Glaze for Perfect Party Bites
These Easy Mini Caprese Skewers combine sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a tangy homemade balsamic glaze for a quick, fresh, and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (about 300 grams) cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces (225 grams) mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- About 20 small fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- About 20 wooden or bamboo skewers, 4-inch (10 cm) length
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Glaze (10-15 minutes): Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1-2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer until thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Ingredients (5 minutes): Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, pat dry. Drain mini mozzarella balls. If tomatoes are large, cut in half. Season tomatoes and mozzarella lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Assemble the Skewers (10 minutes): Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), then one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Finishing Touches (2 minutes): Lightly brush skewers with olive oil if desired, then drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the assembled skewers just before serving.
- Serve immediately arranged on a platter for best texture and freshness.
Notes
Keep the balsamic glaze warm but not hot while assembling to drizzle smoothly. Assemble skewers without glaze and refrigerate up to 4 hours; add glaze just before serving. Avoid overcooking glaze to prevent bitterness. Use mini mozzarella balls for convenience and consistent bite size. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with firm tofu cubes marinated in herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 2.5
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Caprese skewers, mini caprese, balsamic glaze, party appetizers, easy snacks, finger food, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil