Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe with Easy Balsamic Glaze for Perfect Appetizers
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers, drizzled with a tangy-sweet homemade balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 250 grams), washed
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- A generous handful fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional but recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour ½ cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar if using. Stir occasionally and let simmer gently until reduced by half and syrupy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prep the skewers: Drain mozzarella balls if packed in water. Halve cherry tomatoes if large. Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat the pattern once or twice depending on skewer length.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle olive oil evenly over them, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the warm (not hot) balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving.
- Serve immediately for best freshness. If storing, cover loosely and refrigerate, adding glaze just before serving.
Notes
Prepare the balsamic glaze low and slow to avoid burning. The glaze can be made a day ahead and warmed before use. Add glaze just before serving to prevent soggy basil and mozzarella. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 7080
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 45
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, party food