Easy Balsamic Caprese Tomato Skewers: Best 5-Minute Appetizer
These Easy Balsamic Caprese Tomato Skewers are the ultimate no-cook appetizer, featuring fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil drizzled with a sticky balsamic glaze. Ready in just 5 minutes, they’re perfect for parties and make you look like a pro with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (24 skewers) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine), drained and patted dry
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (mixed colors if desired), rinsed and patted dry
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, large and vibrant
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 24 (6-inch) bamboo skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: If using large mozzarella balls, cut into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Drain mozzarella pearls well. Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Pick the largest basil leaves, rinse gently, and pat completely dry.
- Assemble the skewers: Take a skewer or toothpick. Start with a tomato, then add a basil leaf (fold in half if large), then add a piece of mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Makes about 24 skewers.
- Arrange on a platter: Place skewers in a single layer on a serving platter. Do not stack.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the skewers using a spoon or small pitcher.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers in a zigzag pattern for even coating.
- Season generously: Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over everything.
- Serve immediately: Best eaten within 30 minutes of assembling. For make-ahead, prep ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
Notes
For best results, let mozzarella and tomatoes come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before assembling. Pat all ingredients dry to prevent slipping. If making ahead, assemble up to 2 hours in advance but do not add olive oil, balsamic glaze, or salt until just before serving. To make your own balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons brown sugar until reduced by half (about 15 minutes).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: caprese skewers, balsamic tomato skewers, easy appetizer, no-cook appetizer, party appetizer, mozzarella skewers, 5-minute appetizer