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Caprese Skewers: Easy 20-Min Festive Appetizer
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Caprese skewers: A classic Italian appetizer that combines Sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil is layered on skewers, seasoned simply, and drizzled with rich balsamic reduction just before serving.
Table of Contents
For a Successful Caprese Skewers Recipe:
- Ingredient Quality – Use ripe but firm cherry tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella for authentic taste and texture.
- Minimal Seasoning, Maximum Flavor – A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze enhances freshness without overpowering.
- Perfect Timing – Assemble up to 4 hours ahead (or 24 with careful storage), glazing just before serving to keep basil bright.
- Optional Flavor Boost – Marinate the tomatoes and mozzarella separately for a deeper flavor, as recommended by the recipe developers.
Recipe Overview
Details
Servings
10
Prep time
20
Calories
46
Nutrition Information (Per Skewer)
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
Serving Size 2 skewers (40-50g)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 46kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3g5%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 8mg3%
- Sodium 217mg10%
- Potassium 36mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 1g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.1g1%
- Sugars 0.4g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 233 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
What You Will Need
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Optional Flavor Enhancements
Step-by-Step Guide
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine mozzarella pearls with 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic (if using), a pinch of sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature.
- If marinating, prick tomatoes with a toothpick, then toss in balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 1 hour, or refrigerate up to 24 hours. Pat dry before skewering.
- Thread a tomato, followed by mozzarella, then a basil leaf (fold larger leaves in half). Repeat until all skewers are made.
- Place skewers on a platter. Drizzle lightly with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
- Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze or reduction to prevent basil discoloration.
Prepare mozzarella (optional flavor boost)
Prepare tomatoes (optional flavor boost)
Assemble skewers
Arrange and season
Add balsamic glaze
Homemade Balsamic Reduction
- Combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half and syrupy, 10–15 minutes. Cool completely before drizzling.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- 4 hours ahead: Assemble and refrigerate on a tray lined with paper towel, covered loosely with plastic wrap.
- 24 hours ahead: Only if marinated tomatoes/mozzarella are stored separately; assemble day-of.
Leftovers: Best eaten fresh; basil wilts quickly.
Variations
- Peach & Prosciutto Caprese Skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes with peach slices, mozzarella, and prosciutto.
- Marinated Caprese Skewers: Marinate both tomatoes and mozzarella for enhanced depth.
- Classic Minimalist: Keep seasoning to olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze — let the quality of the ingredients shine.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or an antipasto platter.
- Pair with sparkling wine or chilled Prosecco for a classic Italian touch.
Caprese Skewers: Easy 20-Min Appetizer
Course: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: EasyServings
10
2 skewers (40-50g)Prep time
30
minutesCooking time
40
minutesCalories
300
kcalTotal time
1
hour10
minutesThese festive caprese skewers with balsamic glaze combine juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil. Marinated option and make-ahead tips are available.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
20 ripe cherry tomatoes, similar in size to mozzarella balls
20 fresh mozzarella pearls or mini bocconcini, preferably buffalo milk
20 fresh basil leaves, small and tender
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, high quality
½ tsp coarse sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2–3 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction (store-bought or homemade — see method)
20 bamboo skewers or cocktail picks (4–6 inches long)
- Optional Flavor Enhancements
1 small garlic clove, minced, for marinating the mozzarella
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar for marinating tomatoes (poke with toothpick first)
Thin slices of prosciutto or cubes of ripe peach for variation
Directions
- Prepare mozzarella (optional flavor boost)
- In a bowl, combine mozzarella pearls with 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic (if using), a pinch of sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare tomatoes (optional flavor boost)
- If marinating, prick tomatoes with a toothpick, then toss in balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 1 hour, or refrigerate up to 24 hours. Pat dry before skewering.
- Assemble skewers
- Thread a tomato, followed by mozzarella, then a basil leaf (fold larger leaves in half). Repeat until all skewers are made.
- Arrange and season
- Place skewers on a platter. Drizzle lightly with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
- Add balsamic glaze
- Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze or reduction to prevent basil discoloration.
Notes
- Choose quality ingredients – Use ripe but firm cherry tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella (or high-quality cow’s milk mozzarella), and fresh, vibrant basil for the best flavor.
- Balsamic glaze timing – Always drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to keep basil leaves bright and fresh.
- Marinade for depth – For a flavor boost, marinate mozzarella in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for 15–30 minutes, and optionally marinate tomatoes in balsamic vinegar for up to 24 hours.
- Make-ahead tip – Assemble skewers up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate on a paper towel–lined tray, loosely covered. For longer prep (up to 24 hours), store components separately and assemble day-of.
- Serving size – This recipe makes 20 skewers, serving 10 people at 2 skewers per portion (approx. 40–50 g).
- Creative variations – Try adding thin peach slices and prosciutto for a sweet-savory twist, or swap basil with mint for a fresh herbal note.
- Presentation idea – Arrange skewers in a circular wreath for Christmas, on a white platter for color contrast, or on a wooden board for a rustic feel.
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