Caprese Skewers are fresh, colorful, and an all-around excellent appetizer or side. Sticks of bite-sized balls of mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and whole basil leaves are served with a drizzle of balsamic glaze that adds just the right amount of tanginess for a savory-sweet, cheesy skewer that you can serve at any and all occasions this summer.
As an added bonus, you can whip these quick and easy mozzarella tomato skewers up in just 15 minutes! So whether you’re prepping ahead or tossing this Caprese salad inspired appetizer together at the last minute, they’re ready to go when you need them. These Italian skewers are perfect for a fancy black-tie cocktail party or a casual summer barbecue. Either way — they are sure to impress!
Why You'll Love these Caprese Skewers
- Quick and easy. Caprese skewers are so easy to make. All you need to do is season the mozzarella balls, thread the ingredients onto cocktail picks and drizzle with balsamic glaze. You can prep and serve these within roughly 15 minutes!
- Perfect proportions. These mozzarella tomato skewers have just the right ratio of succulent tomato to chewy mozzarella and vibrant, fresh basil for a balanced bite every single time.
- Easy to serve and eat. Want something guests can grab-and-go, walk around with, or pick up with their hands? These caprese skewers are perfect for parties, cookouts, and more — think of it as salad on a stick!
- Fresh Italian flavor. Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes and herbs with mozzarella cheese, and these Italian skewers are a portable, finger-food version that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of the Italian countryside.
Ingredient Notes
To make these quick and easy Caprese Skewers, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- mozzarella balls - this bite-sized cheese is also known as bocconcini. Feel free to subsittute with a round of mozzarella cheese and slice into 1-inch cubes.
- cherry tomatoes - opt for ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use red tomatoes or grab an assortment of colors (like we did!). You can also substitute with grape tomatoes or halved plum tomatoes.
- fresh basil - you can use another soft herb if you don’t have basil, but it will change the overall taste of the skewers.
- extra virgin olive oil
- Italian seasoning - any blend of rosemary, thyme, sage, basil, and oregano will work.
- balsamic reduction - store-bought or homemade balsamic reduction/glaze are both okay to use! See our Tomato Bruschetta recipe for instructions on how to make homemade balsamic glaze using balsamic vinegar.
- salt and pepper
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and cocktail picks.
How to Make the Best Caprese Skewers
- Season mozzarella balls. Transfer mozzarella balls in a mixing bowl and toss well with olive oil and Italian seasoning.
- Assemble. Thread a cherry tomato, folded basil leaves, mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf, and another cherry tomato onto cocktail picks (or 6-inch wooden skewers). Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Serve. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Recipe Variations
- Add other ingredients. Feel free to add other ingredients to your Caprese skewers such as olives, grilled vegetables, or avocado.
- Give it a sweet makeover. For a hint of sweetness, substitute the cherry tomatoes with ripe, sliced strawberries. The combination of juicy strawberries, mozzarella cheese, and basil creates a unique twist on the traditional Caprese skewers.
- Infuse with pesto. Toss the mozzarella balls with basil pesto to intensify the basil flavor, or leave out the basil leaves completely.
- Grill them. Take your skewers to the grill and lightly char the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese to add delicioius texture and a smoky flavor.
- Make a salad. Instead of threading onto skewers, take the ingredients and toss them together into a salad. For an appetizer verstion, serve the salad in small individual cups.
- Make a bruschetta. Slice up a frech baguette and toast the slices in a 350F preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Then, top with the caprese ingredients instead and drizzle. with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a delicious Caprese bruschetta.
How to Serve
These Caprese Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. If serving as part of a larger spread, pair them with some of these complimentary dishes:
- Antipasto Skewers
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Tomato Bruschetta
- Italian Chicken Skewers
- Whipped Ricotta Crostini
- Charcuterie Board
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Make ahead for easy hosting. You can prep these skewers 2-3 days ahead of an event if you’re on a time crunch — just assemble them as instructed, but leave out the balsamic reduction until you’re ready to serve them. It’s easiest to arrange them on the serving platter and then wrap the whole platter with plastic cling wrap.
- Serve the balsamic on the side. You can also opt to serve the balsamic reduction as a dip or sauce option on the side instead of glazing the skewers. This means the leftovers will last longer and guests can decide if they’d rather have them plain or with glaze!
- Serve as an appetizer or a side dish. These skewers are incredibly versatile, so you can set them out ahead of the main course to hold over hungry guests or you can choose to serve them as a side option in a spread.
- Serve immediately. Caprese skewers are best enjoyed fresh, so assemble and serve them immediately. This ensures that the ingredients retain their freshness and the flavors are at their peak.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Transfer leftover caprese skewers (without the balsamic glaze added) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. Skewers that have the balsamic added are only good in the refrigerator for 1 day.
How to Freeze
It’s not recommended to freeze these Caprese skewers, but you can freeze the ingredients individually in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the skewers.
More Summer Appetizer Recipes
- 50 Easy Summer Appetizers
- Antipasto Skewers
- Whipped Ricotta
- Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara
- Zucchini Bites
- Homemade Taquitos
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Recipe
Caprese Skewers
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caprese Skewers are fresh, colorful, and an all-around excellent appetizer or side. Sticks of bite-sized balls of mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and whole basil leaves are served with a drizzle of balsamic glaze that adds just the right amount of tanginess for a savory-sweet, cheesy skewer that you can serve at any and all occasions this summer.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces mozzarella balls (bocconcini) (20 one-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 pint cherry tomatoes (40 pieces)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (40 pieces)
- 20 cocktail picks (6-inch wooden skewers)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Transfer mozzarella balls in a mixing bowl and toss well with olive oil and Italian seasoning.
- Thread a cherry tomato, folded basil leaves, mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf, and another cherry tomato onto cocktail picks (or 6-inch wooden skewers).
- Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Notes
How to store: Transfer leftover caprese skewers (without the balsamic glaze added) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. Skewers that have the balsamic added are only good in the refrigerator for 1 day.
How to freeze: It’s not recommended to freeze these Caprese skewers, but you can freeze the ingredients individually in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the skewers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: Italian
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