Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade Appetizer with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
A simple and fresh appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves drizzled with a homemade sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick gatherings or summer snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and patted dry
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6–8 inch wooden or bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes before use
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar. Heat gently over medium-low, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture reduces by half (about 10-12 minutes). The glaze should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prep the ingredients: Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes. Halve any large tomatoes if desired. Drain and pat dry mozzarella balls. Wash and dry basil leaves, removing thick stems.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato onto a skewer, followed by a basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball. Repeat until skewer is full (3-4 pieces). Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle and season: Generously drizzle the sweet balsamic glaze over the skewers. Add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill: Best enjoyed right away to keep basil vibrant and mozzarella fresh. If preparing ahead, cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours, then drizzle glaze just before serving.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes before use to prevent burning if grilling. If glaze thickens too much when cooled, warm gently before drizzling. Avoid overcrowding skewers to keep them neat and easy to eat. For vegan version, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu and honey with maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 skewers per
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, appetizer, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, summer snack