Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers are a quick, fresh appetizer made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fragrant basil. Finished with olive oil, balsamic glaze and a little sea salt, these colorful bites bring the familiar flavors of Caprese salad to a party-friendly format. They take about 15 minutes to prepare and are best served chilled or at cool room temperature.

Ingredients for Caprese Skewers

• Grape or cherry tomatoes: Use 24 small tomatoes. Red, yellow and orange varieties all work well.
• Fresh basil: Prepare 24 leaves and fold larger leaves so they fit neatly on the skewers.
• Mozzarella balls: Use 12 mini mozzarella balls, also known as ciliegine. If you cannot find small balls, cut fresh mozzarella into bite-size cubes.
• Olive oil: A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil is optional.
• Balsamic glaze: Add a small drizzle for sweetness and tang. This is optional, as are flaky sea salt and other seasonings.

You will also need 12 small skewers or sturdy toothpicks. Cocktail picks are a convenient choice for serving individual portions. Pat wet mozzarella and tomatoes dry before assembling to help the ingredients stay in place.

How to Make Caprese Skewers

1. Gather the ingredients and arrange them within easy reach.
2. Thread a tomato, a folded basil leaf and a mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat the order or vary it to suit the size and shape of your picks.
3. Arrange the skewers on a serving plate. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.
4. Serve right away, or refrigerate until serving time.

This recipe makes 12 skewers, or 4 servings, and takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If preparing for a gathering, assemble them on the day of serving and keep them covered in the refrigerator until guests arrive.

Caprese Skewers: Tips and Variations

• Choose colorful tomatoes: A mix of red, yellow and orange tomatoes makes the platter look festive and seasonal.
• Adjust the seasoning: Add cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning or a little balsamic vinegar. A small drizzle of honey can add sweetness.
• Flavor the mozzarella: Before assembling, toss the mozzarella in a small amount of oil-based marinade. Keep the amount modest so the skewers are not difficult to handle.
• Add cured meat: Fold a small piece of prosciutto, pepperoni or salami onto each pick for a savory variation.
• Try fruit: Small cubes of cantaloupe or watermelon, or a strawberry, add a fresh contrast to the cheese and basil.

For the freshest texture, make the skewers a few hours before serving rather than far in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the glaze shortly before serving to maintain a neat presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Caprese Skewers made of?

They are typically made with cherry or grape tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil. Olive oil, balsamic glaze and sea salt are optional finishing touches.

What goes well with Caprese Skewers?

Serve them with bruschetta, pizza, calzones or artichoke dip as part of an appetizer spread. For easier entertaining, pair them with other dishes that can be prepared ahead and served in small portions.

Recipe Summary

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 24 grape tomatoes
• 24 basil leaves
• 12 mozzarella balls
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
• Sea salt, to taste
• 12 skewers

Instructions

Thread tomatoes, folded basil leaves and mozzarella balls onto the skewers. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then add sea salt. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information

The listed nutrition estimate is per serving: 232 calories, 18 g fat, 6 g saturated fat, 0.1 g polyunsaturated fat, 0.2 g monounsaturated fat, 30 mg cholesterol, 162 mg sodium, 249 mg potassium, 4 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar and 16 g protein. It also lists 976 IU vitamin A, 14 mg vitamin C, 314 mg calcium and 0.4 mg iron. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be treated as an estimate. Ingredient choices and serving sizes can affect the final values.

For a simple make-ahead party bite, Caprese Skewers combine tomatoes, mozzarella and basil with very little preparation. Assemble them on the day, chill until needed and add the optional dressing just before serving.