Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade Appetizers with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
Fresh Caprese skewers with sweet balsamic glaze are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a homemade sweet balsamic reduction.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20–25 cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
- 20–25 fresh mozzarella balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine), drained
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for tossing tomatoes
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20–25 wooden or bamboo skewers, about 6 inches long
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Balsamic Glaze: Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons (30 g) brown sugar into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Let it simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prep the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: In a mixing bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Drain the mozzarella balls well on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Assemble the Skewers: Take a wooden skewer and thread one cherry tomato, followed by a fresh basil leaf folded in half, then a mozzarella ball, and finish with another cherry tomato or basil leaf if you prefer. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
- Finishing Touch: Arrange the skewers on your serving platter. Drizzle the cooled sweet balsamic glaze generously over the top. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil over everything. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt if available.
- Serve: Enjoy fresh at room temperature. Can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving; bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Drain mozzarella well to avoid sogginess. Assemble skewers close to serving time to keep basil fresh. Homemade balsamic glaze is preferred over store-bought for better flavor and control over sweetness. Skewers can be grilled briefly for a smoky flavor but avoid overcooking basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 5.5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4.5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, easy appetizer, homemade, finger food, party snack