Although Caprese Skewers may be the perfect summer appetizer, you can actually enjoy them any time of year!
Whenever I’m entertaining guests, I love to serve caprese skewers. They are the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors in one easy-to-hold package. Whether I make mini skewers, like in this recipe, or prepare them on longer skewers, these tasty treats always vanish from their platter almost as quickly as I put them out.
I like using smaller basil leaves around the same size as the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. If you only have larger leaves, though, you can cut them to size so they are not overpowering. Making these skewers takes only a few minutes, and it’s also a fun task for little hands, if you have younger children at home.
Although these skewers are ideal for parties, they are also the perfect lunchbox or midafternoon treat. Send them to school, bring them to work, or serve them on an after-school platter with some slices of deli meat, assorted fruit, and a few crackers!
Are Caprese Skewers Healthy?
Caprese skewers are a wholesome appetizer that you can feel good about sharing with others. The cheese contains calcium, and the basil and tomatoes have a number of vitamins and minerals. They are naturally gluten-free, but remember to check the label on your balsamic glaze because some brands may add gluten to it. If you’re vegan, you can substitute the mozzarella balls by cutting plant-based mozzarella into cubes. I tried this once, and my guests didn’t even realize they weren’t eating dairy. Some noticed a slight difference in taste, but no one realized the “cheese” was made with cashews.
Ways To Level Up Your Caprese Skewers
These caprese skewers make a beautiful visual statement on your buffet table with their contrasting red, white, and green colors from the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. You can even mix it up by alternating red, purple, and yellow cherry tomatoes for more color. Quality olive oil and balsamic glaze are key to getting the most flavor out of these skewers. Choose Italian or Greek extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. Consider taking your skewers to the next level by adding a marinated and grilled shrimp, marinated artichoke heart, or olive along with the cheese and tomatoes. Using freshly ground sea salt and pepper, as directed in the recipe, also enhances the flavor immensely.
FAQs & Tips
You can refrigerate leftover caprese skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days without the glaze. It’s best to add the glaze and olive oil right before serving, so be sure to store the glaze separately. The basil may wilt after 12 hours, so you may want to remove it if refrigerating leftover skewers longer than that, and replace it with fresh leaves before serving. I don’t recommend freezing any leftovers, as it would negatively affect the flavor and texture upon thawing.
Balsamic glaze is made by boiling balsamic vinegar to reduce it and adding sugar (usually brown sugar or honey). It is a sweeter, thicker version of balsamic vinegar, with an intensified flavor that is perfect for drizzling over food. The glaze will cling to food, whereas the vinegar will slide off. You can make your own balsamic glaze by boiling 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and adding 1/4 cup of brown sugar or 1/2 tablespoon of honey. Continue cooking until it coats a spoon in a thick syrup, about 20-30 minutes.
My favorite way to use leftover skewers is to add them to salads, such as this Italian Salad. Omit the cherry tomatoes in the directions, and slide the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella off your skewers and into the salad. Yum!
Serving Suggestions
Since caprese skewers are a perfect dish to add to a buffet, serve them alongside other classic appetizers like Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs, Grape Jelly Meatballs, Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites, and Prosciutto And Melon. Oh, and don’t forget the Salt-And-Pepper Chicken Wings. With tasty bites like these, your party is sure to be a hit.
Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- 12 mini mozzarella balls
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 toothpicks
- 24 cherry tomatoes
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a bowl, drizzle olive oil over the mini mozzarella balls, and then sprinkle Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder on top.
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Toss to coat evenly, and then let the mozzarella balls marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
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Thread one cherry tomato, one mini mozzarella ball, one fresh basil leaf, and another cherry tomato onto each toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
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Place the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, and then sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve right away.
Nutrition
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