Oh, Caprese skewers – my absolute go-to when I need an impressive appetizer in a pinch! These little beauties have saved me at countless parties when I realized (oops!) I forgot to plan a starter. The magic is in their simplicity: juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil stacked on a skewer, finished with that glorious balsamic drizzle. They look like you spent hours, but trust me, they come together in about 10 minutes flat. Last summer, I brought them to my neighbor’s BBQ, and they disappeared faster than the burgers! That perfect bite of Italian flavors – sweet, tangy, and fresh – always wins people over.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Caprese Skewers
Let’s gather those simple, fresh ingredients that make these skewers shine! You’ll need:
- 12 plump cherry tomatoes – look for the brightest red ones
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) – about 1″ diameter
- 24 fresh basil leaves – the bigger, the better for wrapping
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze – my secret weapon for that perfect drizzle
- 12 wooden skewers (6-inch works great) – or fancy toothpicks if you’re feeling posh
That’s it – just five ingredients for the easiest, most crowd-pleasing appetizer in my repertoire!
How to Make Caprese Skewers
Okay, let’s make these gorgeous Caprese skewers together – I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet! The secret is in the assembly, and I’ll walk you through my foolproof method that always gets compliments.
Preparing the Ingredients
First things first – give those cherry tomatoes a quick rinse and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Wet tomatoes make everything slide around! Then drain your mozzarella balls (I like to give them a gentle squeeze in the strainer) and dry them too. Tear off about 24 perfect basil leaves – go for the medium-sized ones that’ll wrap nicely around the mozzarella.
Assembling the Skewers
Here’s where the magic happens! Take one skewer and start with a tomato, then fold a basil leaf in half (shiny side out – it’s prettier!) and thread it on, followed by a mozzarella ball. Repeat until all your skewers have this perfect little tomato-basil-cheese stack. I like to arrange them in a circular pattern on my favorite white platter – it makes the colors pop!
Serving Caprese Skewers
Now for the grand finale – right before serving (and I mean right before – we don’t want soggy basil!), drizzle that luscious balsamic glaze in zigzags across all the skewers. A ceramic platter or marble slab works beautifully here. Pro tip: keep extra glaze on the side for dipping – my guests always ask for it!
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10-Minute Caprese Skewers: Your Irresistible Party Lifesaver
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 12 skewers
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caprese skewers are a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 12 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes.
- Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry.
- Thread one tomato, one basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer.
- Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for best results.
- If balsamic glaze is unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar by simmering until thickened.
- Assemble skewers shortly before serving to prevent basil from wilting.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Why You’ll Love These Caprese Skewers
Let me count the ways these become your new party superhero:
- 10-minute magic – Faster than ordering takeout!
- Impressively elegant – Looks like you fussed for hours
- Burst of freshness – That tomato-basil-mozzarella combo never gets old
- Crowd-pleaser – Even picky eaters can’t resist
- No-cook lifesaver – Perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven feels impossible
Seriously, once you see how quickly these disappear at parties, you’ll be making them every weekend like I do!
Tips for Perfect Caprese Skewers
After making these dozens of times (and learning from a few disasters!), here are my can’t-miss tips: Always splurge on the freshest mozzarella you can find – the creamy texture makes all the difference. No balsamic glaze? Just simmer ½ cup of balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half. My biggest lesson? Assemble these beauties no more than an hour before serving – basil turns black if it sits too long! A quick spritz of olive oil keeps everything glistening until showtime.
These Caprese Skewers are the ultimate party lifesaver—fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella all drizzled with balsamic glaze in bite-sized perfection. If you’re looking to mix things up with another crowd-favorite skewer, try our BLT Kabobs — they’re salty, crispy, and just as easy to prep for your next gathering.
Variations for Caprese Skewers
Want to mix things up? Try wrapping the mozzarella in prosciutto for a salty twist – my husband calls these “Caprese in a tuxedo!” Swap basil with fresh oregano or mint leaves for a fun herbal change. Sometimes I use honey or reduced pomegranate juice instead of balsamic glaze for a sweet surprise. The best part? You can’t mess them up!
Serving Suggestions
These skewers shine brightest when served with other Italian antipasti – think prosciutto-wrapped melon or grilled ciabatta slices. For wine pairings, a crisp Pinot Grigio or light-bodied Chianti makes the flavors sing. Trust me, your guests will think you’re running a little trattoria!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the honest truth – these Caprese skewers are at their absolute best fresh! But if you must store them, pop them in the fridge covered with plastic wrap for no more than 2 hours before serving. No reheating needed (thank goodness!) – that basil would wilt terribly. My advice? Just assemble right before guests arrive for that perfect bite!
Nutritional Information
Each Caprese skewer packs about 70 calories – not bad for such a flavorful bite! You’re looking at 4g of protein from that creamy mozzarella, 3g carbs (mostly from the tomato), and 4g fat. Of course, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients – especially if you go wild with the balsamic drizzle like I sometimes do! But honestly, with fresh ingredients this good, who’s counting?
Need more quick and stunning appetizer ideas? Browse our Pinterest boards for trending party bites, handheld treats, and no-fuss flavor combos your guests will rave about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Caprese skewers ahead?
You can prep the ingredients ahead (washing tomatoes, draining mozzarella), but wait to assemble until about an hour before serving. Basil turns sad and dark if it sits too long! I sometimes make little ingredient piles on the platter and assemble at the last minute when I’m feeling fancy.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
No worries! Just simmer ½ cup regular balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half (about 10 minutes). It’ll thicken as it cools. I’ve even used a drizzle of honey in a pinch – the beeswax kind gives a lovely floral note!
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of bocconcini?
Absolutely! Just cube fresh mozzarella into 1-inch pieces. The key is using that soft, fresh cheese – the rubbery stuff just won’t give you that dreamy creamy texture we’re after.
How do I keep them from sliding off the skewers?
I give each tomato a tiny flat spot with my knife so it sits better. And don’t overload them – one of each ingredient per skewer is perfect. If they’re still wiggly, a quick chill in the fridge firms everything up nicely.
Alright, friend – now it’s your turn to work some Caprese skewer magic! I can’t wait for you to experience how these simple ingredients transform into the most talked-about appetizer at your next gathering. When you make them (and I know you will!), snap a photo of your beautiful skewer arrangement and tag me – I love seeing your kitchen creations! Whether it’s a fancy dinner party or just a lazy Sunday picnic, these little flavor bombs never disappoint. Happy skewering!