Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze 🍅🧀🌿
These Mini Caprese Skewers with a drizzle of balsamic glaze are the epitome of fresh-meets-fancy. With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves stacked on a toothpick, this appetizer is visually striking and deliciously simple. Perfect for parties, brunches, or even weekday snack boards. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Appetizer 💚
- ✅ Elegant but Easy: Minimal ingredients, big visual appeal.
- ✅ Fresh & Healthy: Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-carb.
- ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and chill until serving.
- ✅ Perfect for Entertaining: Bite-sized, mess-free, and universally loved.
🍅 Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1 package (8 oz) mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) 🧀
- Fresh basil leaves, washed and dried 🌿
- Toothpicks or 4-inch skewers 🧷
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste 🧂
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade) 🍇
- Optional: extra virgin olive oil, for light drizzle 🫒
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Expanded)
- Prepare the ingredients:
Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Pat them dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half so they sit nicely on the skewers. If the mozzarella balls are large, cut them in half to match the tomato size. - Assemble the skewers:
- Take a toothpick or mini skewer.
- Start by threading a half cherry tomato (cut side up), followed by a folded fresh basil leaf.
- Next, add one mozzarella ball (or half, if large).
- Finish with another cherry tomato half (cut side down) to form a neat mini sandwich.
- Repeat the process until all skewers are assembled.
- Season:
Lightly sprinkle the skewers with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Optionally, drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. - Add the balsamic glaze:
Just before serving, drizzle each skewer with balsamic glaze in a zigzag motion or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. This adds a tangy-sweet balance that elevates every bite. 🍇 - Chill or serve:
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge (covered) for up to 2 hours before your event. Remove 10 minutes before serving to bring to room temperature.
💡 Tips & Serving Variations
- ✨ Homemade balsamic glaze: Simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tbsp honey until reduced by half.
- ✨ Switch it up: Use marinated mozzarella or add a prosciutto ribbon for extra flavor.
- ✨ Festive option: Arrange skewers in a wreath shape on a platter with rosemary sprigs for holidays.
- ✨ Kids’ version: Swap in mini mozzarella sticks and sweet grape tomatoes for fuss-free fun.
🧀 Nutritional Benefits
This light appetizer is full of antioxidants (thanks to tomatoes and basil), calcium and protein from mozzarella, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil. It’s a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired bite that’s as good for your body as it is for your palate.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Assemble up to 4 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
- ✅ Storage: Store leftovers (if any!) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- ✅ Balsamic tip: Always add glaze just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- ✅ Transporting: Stick skewers into a halved melon or head of cabbage to keep upright en route!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these with grape tomatoes instead of cherry?
Yes! Grape tomatoes work just as well. Slice them in half or use whole if they’re bite-sized.
What if I can’t find mozzarella balls?
You can cube a block of fresh mozzarella into small pieces. Just make sure they’re not too soft to hold their shape.
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
No—glaze is thicker and sweeter due to reduction. You can make it at home or purchase it in most grocery stores.
Fresh, Elegant & Crowd-Pleasing 💚
These mini Caprese skewers are proof that simple ingredients can create show-stopping bites. 💬 Let me know how yours turned out or tag your party tray on Pinterest! ✨