This caprese skewers recipe makes the ultimate mini appetizer that is as delicious as it is beautiful. The best part? It’s party ready in 15 minutes.
Fresh, Fast, Crowd-Pleasing
- Flavor: Mini caprese skewers are fresh, creamy, and tangy, with a balance of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich mozzarella in every bite.
- Skill: Beginner friendly and easy to assemble (even for kids!), this caprese appetizer does not call for cooking or mixing bowls, and the simple threading requires minimal cleanup.
- Tools: A short ingredient list, along with simple tools such as toothpicks or appetizer skewers plus a serving platter, make this a budget friendly option.
- Serving: Make this 24 skewer recipe for caprese skewers ahead of time and chill. Simply finish with oil and balsamic before serving, so it’s perfect for appetizer platters, charcuterie boards, cookouts, showers, and holiday spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Grape tomatoes are firm, ripe and oblong shaped so they are skewer perfect! Choose red, yellow, or heirloom colors.
- Use mini mozzarella balls, called bocconcini, because they are similar in size to grape tomatoes and easy to skewer.
- Fresh, small basil leaves give this dish its signature bruschetta inspired flavor and adds to the colorful presentation.
- Balsamic glaze is thicker than balsamic vinegar so it will stick to the skewers best. Apply sparingly.
- Extra virgin olive oil gives the skewers a rich Mediterranean inspired flavor.
- Salt brings out the flavor of the tomatoes and mozzarella, while black pepper adds a light kick that keeps each bite balanced and fresh.
Variations
- Cherry tomatoes can replace grape tomatoes, just keep in mind they are slightly juicier.
- Fresh mozzarella, that comes in large balls, can replace mini bocconcini. Cut into bite sized cubes.
- Use fresh mint leaves instead of basil for a different flavor profile.
- Add small chunks of salami, prosciutto, olives, or even a piece of tortellini to caprese salad skewers for a heartier appetizer.
- No glaze? Make your own homemade version by reducing ½ cup of balsamic vinegar with 1 teaspoon of sugar over medium heat. Allow to reduce, then cool until thickened.
- Plain balsamic vinegar can replace the glaze for a lighter finish.
- In place of olive oil, I like to experiment with herb-infused oil. I might use garlic or chili oil if I have it on hand.
- Serve olive oil and balsamic on the side, instead of drizzling, so guests can decide for themselves.
How to Make Caprese Skewers
- Add a cherry tomato, basil leaf, and one bocconcini ball to each skewer.
- Arrange on a platter (full recipe below).
- Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftover caprese salad skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They are best if stored before any drizzle has been added.
- Reinvent those leftovers, no reheating required! Chop everything up and spread over homemade bread or make ricotta toast. Or just use as a quick salad topping, pasta add in, or lunch bowl addition.
- Do not freeze because tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella will not thaw well.
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Did you make this Caprese Skewers Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Caprese Skewers Recipe
These caprese skewers are fresh, colorful, and party-ready. Tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella are finished with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a simple appetizer everyone reaches for.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 24 basil leaves or 12 large basil leaves, halved
- 24 grape tomatoes about 2 cups, or cherry tomatoes
- 24 mini bocconcini balls approximately 12 ounces
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction, or good balsamic vinegar, plus 1 Tablespoon more for dipping if desired
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Rip large basil leaves in half.
- Add 1 tomato, 1 piece of basil, and 1 bocconcini ball to each toothpick or skewer.
- Place skewers on a platter. Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze*. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with additional balsamic glaze and olive oil for dipping if desired.
Notes
- *If preferred, allow everyone to drizzle with oil and balsamic glaze, or dip into the glaze, as they serve themselves.
- Do not cut large basil leaves as they will turn brown. Instead, tear them to the appropriate size.
- Make Caprese skewers in advance and refrigerate, then drizzle with balsamic just prior to serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers and remove from skewers to use in other recipes or as a salad topping.
- Do not freeze.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 79 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 163IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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