Easy Caprese Skewers Recipe

Caprese skewers are like a little bite-sized burst of fresh Italy right on a stick. Seriously, this recipe is all about simplicity meeting super fresh flavors—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic that just ties everything together like a perfect little bow. It’s one of those recipes that’s so straightforward, yet somehow nails the appetizer game every single time, whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or just want to treat yourself after a long day.

My husband is a major fan of anything finger food, and these skewers have become his go-to snack. I remember the first time I threw them together, thinking they’d be a quick pick-me-up, but nope—they disappeared in no time during our movie night. Now, they’re basically a staple around here whenever we have friends over, or even when it’s just the two of us wanting something light but tasty. Plus, the kids surprisingly love the little mozzarella balls—who knew?

How to Make It

Okay, so don’t overthink this. Grab some cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini style usually work best), and those small basil leaves—you could even use big ones but just tear them up. Take a skewer or toothpick and just poke a tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat until you’ve got as many as you want. Then, here’s the secret: drizzle a good glug of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil on top. If you want, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper to make it pop. Easy, right? These babies are best fresh, but you can make them a little ahead if you keep them covered in the fridge.

✔Ingredient Notes

– Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy little bursts of sunshine. Choose firm but ripe ones—mushy tomatoes are a tragedy.
– Mozzarella Balls: Bocconcini is the MVP here. Fresh and creamy but not too watery. Drain well or your skewers will get soggy.
– Basil Leaves: Fresh and fragrant—the heart of the flavor. If your basil is sad and brown, toss it and get some new leaves.
– Balsamic Vinegar: Choose a good quality one, maybe a little syrupy. Cheap balsamic can taste sharp or weird, and that’s no fun.
– Olive Oil: Extra virgin, fruity, and definitely not the one you keep in the pantry “for cooking” only. This is a drizzle, so it needs to be good.
– Salt & Pepper: Don’t skip this. A little sprinkle wakes everything up like magic.

✔Recipe Steps

1. Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently so they stay fresh and pretty.
2. Drain mozzarella balls well to avoid watery skewers.
3. Thread a cherry tomato onto a toothpick or small skewer, then add a basil leaf, followed by a mozzarella ball. Repeat until you have as many skewers as you want.
4. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
5. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil generously over the skewers.
6. Sprinkle with salt and cracked black pepper just before serving.

What to Serve It With

These skewers are mostly an appetizer, but they play nice with crusty bread, prosciutto, or even a light pasta salad. They also make a cool side dish for grilled chicken or fish. Honestly, throw them out at your next BBQ, and watch people swoon.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Don’t skimp on fresh ingredients—old basil is the kiss of death. Draining the mozzarella is key unless you want watery skewers. And don’t throw on the vinaigrette too early or the skewers get soggy—wait until right before you serve.

✔Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (ha, good luck), cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to a day. They’re best eaten cold or at room temp. I’ve even eaten these leftovers for breakfast—don’t judge. The flavor mellows overnight but still delicious.

✔Variations and Substitutions

I’ve swapped out cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes or even small heirlooms when I wanted a color pop. Goat cheese instead of mozzarella is a little tangy switch-up but good if you’re feeling adventurous. No fresh basil? Mint works surprisingly okay. I tried using a maple syrup drizzle instead of balsamic once… uh, not so much. So, stick with balsamic if you want it classic and killer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Caprese Skewers Recipe

Delicious and fresh Caprese skewers perfect for any appetizer or party snack.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 20 each cherry tomatoes
• ▢ 20 each mini mozzarella balls
• ▢ 20 each fresh basil leaves
• ▢ 2 tbsp balsamic glaze for drizzling
• ▢ 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Thread cherry tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball onto each skewer.
• Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
• Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over skewers, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best freshness. Perfect for summer gatherings.