Fresh Caprese Skewers with Sweet Balsamic Drizzle
A quick and easy appetizer featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers, finished with a homemade sweet balsamic drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, these skewers offer a fresh, light, and satisfying bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 300 g) cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine)
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the sweet balsamic drizzle:
- 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet balsamic drizzle: Pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon honey if using. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prep the fresh ingredients: Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls well and pat dry with paper towels. Gently wash and dry basil leaves.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer, repeating the pattern 3-4 times per skewer. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
- Season and dress: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the skewers. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle the cooled sweet balsamic glaze evenly over the skewers.
- Final touch and serve: Let the skewers sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for 15-20 minutes before threading to avoid burning if grilling. If balsamic glaze hardens after cooling, gently warm before drizzling. Assemble skewers close to serving time to prevent basil wilting. For dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan mozzarella. Grilling skewers briefly adds smoky flavor and softens mozzarella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic drizzle, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, party snack, gluten-free, vegetarian