Oh, appetizers! My absolute favorite part of any get-together, honestly. And if you’re anything like me, you love something fresh, bright, and bursting with that classic Italian flavor without spending ages in the kitchen. That’s exactly why these Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are my go-to. They look so elegant on a platter, but trust me, they’re ridiculously easy to whip up. I remember bringing these to a summer barbecue last year, and they were gone in a flash – everyone was asking for the recipe! They’re just the perfect little bite to kick things off.
Why You’ll Love These Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These skewers are just the *best*, seriously! Here’s why you’ll be making them all the time:
- Speedy Gonzales: We’re talking 15 minutes, people! Perfect for when company shows up unexpectedly.
- So Easy, It’s Ridiculous: No complicated steps, no cooking. Just assemble and drizzle! Anyone can make these.
- Freshness Overload: That combo of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil is pure summer happiness.
- Flavor Fiesta: The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze is the perfect little hug these skewers need.
- Party Perfect: They look fancy enough for any occasion but are simple enough for a casual get-together.
Ingredients for Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Okay, the beauty of these Caprese skewers is that you don’t need a whole pantry full of fancy stuff. Just a few high-quality ingredients really shine here. You’ll want:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Grab the ripest, brightest ones you can find!
- 1 container (8 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini): Make sure they’re the little ones, all nice and perfectly bite-sized. Drain ’em well!
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Big, beautiful leaves are the best. I usually just fold them a couple of times before spearing them.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze: You can buy this pre-made, and it’s super convenient.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a good quality extra virgin olive oil for a little richness.
- Salt, to taste: A little sprinkle makes all the flavors pop!
- Black pepper, to taste: Freshly ground is always best, but whatever you’ve got works!
How to Prepare Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Alright, get ready for the easiest appetizer hack ever! Honestly, putting these Caprese skewers together is more like a fun little craft project than actual cooking. Just grab your skewers – I love using those cute little bamboo ones, but toothpicks work in a pinch! – and let’s get building.
Assembling the Caprese Skewers
So, the magic happens when you thread everything onto the skewer. Start with a cherry tomato, then slide on one of those lovely little mozzarella balls. Now, for the basil – if your leaves are super big, just fold one in half or thirds to make it fit nicely. Then, thread that folded basil leaf on. You can usually get one of each per small skewer, or if you’re using longer ones, just repeat the tomato-mozzarella-basil combo. It’s like little edible rainbows!
Finishing Touches for Your Caprese Skewers
Once you’ve got them all assembled and lined up on your prettiest platter – maybe check out how we did these easy Tennessee onions for inspiration on presentation! – it’s time for the grand finale. Drizzle that gorgeous balsamic glaze all over them. Don’t be shy! Then, give everything a light little shower of olive oil. Finish it off with just a tiny pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. Seriously, that’s it. They are best enjoyed right away, so people can taste all that amazing freshness!
Tips for Perfect Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Okay, so you’ve got the basic idea down, but let me give you a couple of my favorite little secrets to make these Caprese skewers absolutely unforgettable. First off, ingredient quality is HUGE here. Grab the best, ripest cherry tomatoes you can find, and really good fresh mozzarella balls. Those little bocconcini are perfect, but make sure they’re nicely drained so your skewers aren’t swimming in liquid! And basil? Fresh, fragrant basil is non-negotiable. If you can find those cute little Italian globe basil leaves, even better!
Now, about that balsamic glaze. While the store-bought stuff is a lifesaver, making your own is honestly SUCH a thrill and tastes even better. Just simmer some regular balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it thickens up enough to coat the back of a spoon. It’s kind of like making a little syrup, super simple. You can even add a tiny pinch of cranberry or a dash of honey if you want to play with the flavor, though the basic glaze is divine. These are also SO good with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right at the end!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Caprese Skewers
Let’s chat ingredients for a sec, because while these Caprese skewers are super simple, a few details really make them sing! The fresh mozzarella balls, called bocconcini, are definitely the way to go because they’re already perfectly bite-sized. If you can only find a larger ball of fresh mozzarella, no worries! Just cube it up into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Make sure to pat them dry really well with a paper towel so the glaze and oil can cling properly.
As for the basil, you want those lovely, aromatic leaves. If they’re massive, just folding them a few times is all you need. And that balsamic glaze? While store-bought is a total time-saver, reducing your own balsamic vinegar is pretty fun and makes the flavor super intense. Just simmer it gently in a small pan until it thickens – it’s easier than you think! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even swap out some of the basil with a small sprig of fresh mint for a different twist, or add a tiny, tiny dice of red onion for a little kick!
Serving and Storage for Your Caprese Skewers
Honestly, these Caprese skewers are happiest when they’re served pretty much right after you make them. That fresh mozzarella and basil are just at their peak! So, try to assemble them a little before your guests arrive, maybe 15-30 minutes tops. Just arrange them nicely on your platter, do the drizzle and seasoning, and they’re good to go. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be okay for a day or so, but just a heads-up, the basil might start to wilt a bit and things won’t be quite as vibrant and fresh-tasting. Still yummy, though!
Frequently Asked Questions about Caprese Skewers
Got questions about these little bites of heaven? I’ve got answers!
Can I make Caprese skewers ahead of time?
You totally can, but here’s the scoop: they’re *really* at their best when served fresh. I usually assemble mine about 30 minutes before guests arrive. If you need to make them a bit earlier, assemble them but hold off on the balsamic glaze and olive oil until just before serving. The basil can get a little sad if it sits around too long, you know?
What kind of balsamic glaze should I use?
Oh, this is an easy one! You can grab a bottle of balsamic glaze from pretty much any grocery store – it’s usually in the vinegar aisle or with the salad dressings. It’s already thickened and sweet, so it’s super convenient. But honestly, making your own is a breeze and tastes amazing! Just simmer some regular balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it reduces by about half and gets nice and syrupy. It’s honestly worth trying at least once!
Can I add other ingredients to my Caprese skewers?
Absolutely! That’s the fun part of these Caprese skewers, they’re so adaptable. Some folks like to add a little ribbon of prosciutto for a salty kick, or maybe a tiny cube of marinated artichoke heart. A thin slice of cucumber can add a nice crunch, or even a little bit of grilled halloumi cheese works wonders. If you love a little heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the top right before serving is fantastic! Oh, and don’t forget to check out these Caprese Omelettes if you love these flavors in a different way!
Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates since everyone’s ingredients can vary a bit! For each Caprese skewer, you’re looking at about 30 calories, 2g of fat (1g saturated), 1g of protein, and 2g of carbs. They’re super light and fresh, making them a guilt-free party pleaser!
Print
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and fresh Caprese skewers with a sweet balsamic glaze, perfect for appetizers or a light snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 container (8 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one folded basil leaf onto each small skewer. Repeat if using longer skewers.
- Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the skewers.
- Lightly drizzle with olive oil.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can reduce your own balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- These skewers are best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, Italian, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy appetizer