Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade Balsamic Glaze Drizzle
A simple and refreshing appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers, drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick gatherings and summer parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
- Wooden or bamboo skewers, about 12 inches long, soaked in water for 10 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour ½ cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar. Stir gently until dissolved. Simmer gently until reduced by half, about 10-15 minutes, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, then pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls well to remove excess moisture.
- Assemble skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), one mozzarella ball, and finishing with another tomato onto each skewer.
- Place assembled skewers in a shallow dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently turn to coat evenly.
- Just before serving, drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the skewers in a thin layer.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving. Bring to room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes before use to prevent burning if grilling. Assemble skewers without basil and glaze if making ahead; add just before serving to keep fresh. Watch balsamic glaze carefully to avoid burning. For a smoky flavor, grill skewers 2-3 minutes per side before drizzling glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 skewers
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, summer snack