Description
These Mini Caprese Skewers are a burst of summer on a stick, combining juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Drizzled with balsamic glaze, they offer a delightful contrast of flavors that will impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (about 12 ounces) cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 20–25 leaves)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 12–15 wooden skewers or toothpicks (about 6 inches long)
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the cherry tomatoes under cold water and patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This ensures they’re clean and ready to go. Set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Next, drain the mozzarella balls thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. This is crucial because watery mozzarella can make your skewers soggy. If you’re using larger balls, cut them in half for easy skewering.
- Now, grab your fresh basil leaves and gently wash them. Pat them dry carefully with a paper towel. You want them to maintain their vibrant color and flavor without any excess water.
- Take your wooden skewers or toothpicks, and begin assembling your skewers. Start with a cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf, and then a mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern until your skewer is filled, usually about 3-4 sets per skewer. Aim for a balance of each ingredient on every skewer.
- Once all the skewers are assembled, arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. This adds a beautiful gloss and enhances the flavor. Be sure to do this right before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Finally, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This step is key! The seasoning brings all the flavors together, so don’t skip it.
- Serve immediately, and watch them disappear! If you notice any leftover skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day. However, they are best enjoyed fresh!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Choose the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor. You can substitute grape tomatoes for cherry tomatoes and use low-fat mozzarella or marinated feta for different variations.