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These easy caprese skewers are a 15-minute summer appetizer with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve!
Here’s a fun summer appetizer that pleases nearly everyone: Caprese Skewers! This easy recipe is visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, spearing all the components of a Caprese salad onto a skewer.
To me, there’s nothing better than basil and tomatoes in summer, and combined with seasoned mozzarella and a balsamic glaze: you won’t be able to eat just one!
5 Star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This has become a staple! Whenever I need to bring a little something to a get-together, this is it! I have used it as an appetizer and a side dish. It makes a great presentation; everyone is always impressed! And not to mention, it tastes DELICIOUS! Such a bang for minimal effort!” -Mrs
Ingredients for Caprese Skewers
These Caprese skewers are so simple, you barely need a recipe. What’s more fun than caprese salad on a skewer? We’ve got a few tips for maximum flavor in this pared back combination. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make caprese skewers:
- Cherry tomatoes. A mix of red and orange varieties (sun gold) makes the platter even prettier.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine). These are cherry-sized mozzarella balls sold in tubs of liquid in the deli or specialty cheese section. If you can find marinated mozzarella balls, you can use those too.
- Fresh basil leaves. Small to medium leaves work best. If your only option is large leaves, tear them in half before threading.
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. These simple seasonings add big flavor.
- Olive oil. Just enough to help the seasonings stick to the cheese.
- Balsamic glaze. You can buy a bottle near the vinegars at most grocery stores, or make a homemade balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces to a syrup.
- Short skewers. I use 4-inch wooden cocktail skewers, which fit nicely on a platter.
Love the tomato basil theme? Try Caprese Flatbread, Caprese Pasta Salad, Caprese Sandwich and more.
How to Make Caprese Skewers
Step 1: Season the mozzarella. Drain the cheese and pat the balls dry with a paper towel. Toss the dried mozzarella in a small bowl with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt until every ball is lightly coated.
Step 2: Prep the basil. Fold each basil leaf in half lengthwise. This makes them easier to thread and helps the leaf stay on the skewer instead of flopping around.
Step 3: Assemble the skewers. Thread each one in this order: cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, mozzarella ball, folded basil leaf, cherry tomato. Leave a little wooden handle at one end so you have something to hold when you eat.
Step 4: Drizzle and serve. Arrange the skewers on a platter and zigzag balsamic glaze across the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These caprese skewers are the kind of thing I love as a starter for almost any summer meal. A few pairings I love:
- Alongside easy bruschetta or loaded hummus dip for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread
- With grilled mains grilled salmon or grilled chicken
- At a picnic or potluck
- As part of an antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and crackers
- With a glass of rosé or an Aperol Spritz on a hot afternoon
Make Ahead and Storage
These caprese skewers are great for parties and hold up well when sitting at a buffet table. You can leave out caprese skewers for up to 2 hours at room temperature, then make sure to refrigerate due to the cheese.
You can refrigerate leftover skewers for a few days, but keep in mind: the basil can turn dark over time. If you’re making these ahead, make them no more than 3 hours in advance.
Dietary Notes
This caprese skewers recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Caprese Skewers
These easy caprese skewers are a 15-minute summer appetizer with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 16 small fresh mozzarella balls (Ciliegine), drained
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 32 round cherry tomatoes
- 32 small fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction (purchased or homemade)
- 16 short skewers
Instructions
- Dry the mozzarella and toss in bowl with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and kosher salt.
- Thread each skewer as follows: cherry tomato, basil leaf (folded in half), mozzarella ball, basil leaf, cherry tomato. Place all skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately. Skewers can sit at room temperature up 2 hours (you can refrigerate leftovers but the basil can turn dark over time.). If making ahead, make no more than 3 hours in advance.
More Summer Appetizers to Try
Summer is great for entertaining with parties, picnics, and cookouts! Here are some more fun summer appetizer ideas:
- Try Pan con Tomate (tomato bread), a tasty Spanish tapa
- Opt for Watermelon Tequila Skewers
- Mix up Mexican Inspired Corn Dip
- Grab Eggplant Caponata
- Go for Peach Salsa or Pineapple Salsa
Liked the directions and simplicity of the veggie skewers with mozzarella cheese.
This has become a staple! Whenever I need to bring a little something to a get-together, this is it! I have used it as an appetizer and a side dish. It makes a great presentation; everyone is always impressed! And not to mention, it tastes DELICIOUS! Such a bang for minimal effort!