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Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade Appetizer with Balsamic Reduction

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A simple and elegant appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction. Perfect for quick entertaining or a light, fresh snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
  • 16 oz (450 g) fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
  • 20–25 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt or kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • About 20 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes if grilling

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it comes to a gentle boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until the vinegar reduces by half and becomes syrupy enough to coat the back of a spoon. Watch carefully to avoid burning or over-thickening.
  3. Remove from heat and let the balsamic reduction cool slightly; it will thicken more as it cools.
  4. Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water and pat dry. Drain the mozzarella balls well.
  5. Optionally, toss the tomatoes and basil lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
  6. Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each wooden skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used, alternating tomato colors if desired.
  7. Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic reduction generously over the skewers, then drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil on top.
  8. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  9. Serve immediately or chill for up to one hour before serving.

Notes

Keep stirring the balsamic vinegar during reduction to prevent burning. Use fresh basil leaves and assemble skewers close to serving time to prevent wilting. The balsamic reduction can be made a day ahead and gently warmed before use. For grilling, soak skewers in water and grill 1-2 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic reduction, appetizer, Italian appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy party snack

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/fresh-caprese-skewers-recipe-easy-homemade-appetizer-with-balsamic-reduction/