Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes (Balsamic Glaze: 5-10 minutes optional) | Serves: 6-8 (about 15-20 skewers)
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 25-30) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or left whole if small)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1 large bunch fresh basil leaves, picked
- For Balsamic Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Make Balsamic Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended): In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has thickened to a syrupy consistency. It will thicken more as it cools. Set aside to cool completely.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread one cherry tomato onto a small wooden skewer. Follow with a fresh basil leaf, then one mozzarella ball, then another basil leaf, and finally, another cherry tomato. Repeat until all ingredients are used or skewers are full.
- Arrange: Arrange the assembled Caprese skewers artfully on a serving platter.
- Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze generously over the skewers. (Alternatively, serve the glaze on the side for dipping).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Caprese Skewers are the epitome of elegant simplicity! They require absolutely no cooking (unless you make your own glaze), come together in just 5 minutes, and look incredibly impressive on any party platter. They’re a healthy, fresh, and vibrant appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially during the rich holiday season.
What It Tastes Like
Each bite is a burst of fresh, harmonious flavors. You get the sweet juiciness of the ripe tomatoes, the delicate creaminess of the fresh mozzarella, and the aromatic, slightly peppery kick of fresh basil. The balsamic glaze adds a crucial sweet and tangy depth that elevates all the other ingredients.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve at room temperature for the best flavor. They’re perfect as a stand-alone appetizer, part of an antipasto platter, or a light lunch.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the skewers up to 2-3 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. The balsamic glaze can be made days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but the basil may wilt.
Helpful Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Use the freshest basil, ripest cherry tomatoes, and good quality fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Don’t skip the balsamic glaze! It makes all the difference. Store-bought balsamic glaze is also a great time-saver.
- Skewer Size: Use small skewers (like cocktail picks) for easy individual serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use large mozzarella balls? You can, but you’ll need to cut them into bite-sized pieces. Bocconcini (small balls) are ideal.
- What if I don’t have fresh basil? Fresh basil is essential for the authentic Caprese flavor. Dried basil won’t work as a substitute here.
- Can I add other ingredients? Some people like to add a small piece of prosciutto or a black olive, but traditionally, it’s just tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Conclusion
When you need an appetizer that’s both stunning and ridiculously easy, these Caprese Skewers are your answer. They’re a fresh, flavorful, and vibrant addition to any holiday party or Christmas brunch, proving that elegant food doesn’t have to be complicated!
