Fresh Caprese Skewers with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers, drizzled with a homemade sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for entertaining and light snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 skewers (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, washed
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, whole
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 16–20 wooden or bamboo skewers (6-inch), soaked in water for 10 minutes if grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it gently bubble and reduce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Soak the wooden or bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes if you plan to grill or broil them to prevent burning (optional).
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, then pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer. Repeat for double layers if desired.
- Arrange the skewers neatly on a serving platter. Drizzle lightly with olive oil if using.
- Drizzle the sweet balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Optional: Briefly grill the skewers for 1-2 minutes per side before glazing for a smoky flavor.
Notes
Do not drizzle the balsamic glaze too early to avoid wilting the basil. Pat ingredients dry to prevent sogginess. Soak skewers if grilling to prevent burning. The glaze thickens as it cools, so avoid over-reducing. For a smoky flavor, grill skewers briefly before glazing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 skewers per
- Calories: 180220
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 1215
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 810
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1012
Keywords: Caprese skewers, appetizer, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, party food, summer appetizer