Fresh Italian Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
A simple, fresh, and colorful appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, bocconcini mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze served on skewers. Perfect for quick snacks or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus 10-15 minutes if making balsamic glaze)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, preferably ripe and juicy
- 8 oz (225g) bocconcini mozzarella balls, drained well
- 20–24 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- ¼ cup (60ml) balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20–24 wooden skewers or toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes if grilling
Instructions
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain bocconcini mozzarella well using a fine sieve or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to marinate.
- If making homemade balsamic glaze: Pour ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar, and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and cool.
- Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a bocconcini ball onto each skewer. Repeat the sequence if skewers are longer, ending with a tomato.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the balsamic glaze. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or cracked black pepper.
- Serve fresh at room temperature. Let flavors mingle for 10 minutes before serving if possible.
Notes
Use the freshest basil leaves and drain mozzarella thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Drizzle olive oil for richness. Make balsamic glaze low and slow to avoid bitterness. Assemble skewers ahead but add glaze just before serving. Optionally grill briefly for smoky flavor but watch to prevent melting cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese skewers, Italian appetizer, balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, easy appetizer, summer snack