Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Some appetizers require work. These caprese skewers require a cutting board and 15 minutes. They are the answer to every party food situation where you want something that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and does not stress you out to make.

Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze. That is it. And yet people always ooh and aah over them like you did something impressive. You kind of did, honestly. Simple done right is impressive.

The Balsamic Glaze

You can buy pre-made balsamic glaze at most grocery stores and it works perfectly fine here. But if you have 10 minutes, making your own from balsamic vinegar simmered down with a little honey is really satisfying and tastes even better. It gets thick and glossy and slightly sweet with that deep tangy flavor. Once you make it yourself you will use it on everything.

Ingredient Quality Matters Here

This is one of those recipes where there is nowhere to hide, so use the best ingredients you can. Ripe cherry tomatoes, good fresh mozzarella packed in water, real basil leaves not dried, and a decent extra virgin olive oil. The flaky sea salt at the end is not optional in my opinion. It makes everything pop.

Party Tips

Make the glaze up to a week ahead and store in the fridge. Assemble the skewers up to 2 hours before your party and cover loosely. Do not drizzle the glaze until right before serving so everything stays pretty.

Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil threaded onto skewers and drizzled with balsamic glaze. No-cook, beautiful, and done in 15 minutes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 skewers

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine) or regular fresh mozzarella cut into chunks
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• flaky sea salt to taste
• cracked black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar for the glaze
• 1 tbsp honey for the glaze
• small skewers or toothpicks

Method

 

1. Make the balsamic glaze: combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Thread each skewer with a cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat the order for longer skewers.
3. Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Finish with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use the best quality mozzarella and tomatoes you can find – this recipe is all about fresh ingredients. Glaze can be made ahead.

These are such a crowd-pleaser. Let me know how your guests react!

So glad you are here. Pam