These Caprese skewers keep the classic ingredients of a traditional Caprese salad, but are transformed into an easy and fantastic appetizer or snack. They’re so flavorful and pretty, perfect for a brunch, holiday, summer get together, or any occasion!
Caprese Skewers are always a winner! Whether you need a quick and impressive appetizer for a get together, or just a simple afternoon snack.
During the summer months, I make these all the time when I have garden tomatoes and basil, but the colors alone are so perfect for Christmas that I make them then, too, and just buy the produce. No shame in that!
Ingredients you need for Caprese Skewers
You only need a handful of simple ingredients!
- Small mozzarella balls
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar cooked down into a glaze)
- Seasonings (Italian, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes)
They’re so simple, but are crazy tasty and look so lovely on a platter.
Recipe Tips for Caprese Skewers
- Use small cherry tomatoes about the same size as the mozzarella balls, so the skewers are evenly balanced.
- Very small basil leaves are best, otherwise they can overpower the other flavors.
- Cut in half and fold your basil leaves if you they are larger than 1-inch.
- For best flavor, marinate the mozzarella balls overnight before assembly.
Recipe Variations
- Don’t want to bite into big pieces of basil? Slice up the leaves and add them to the marinade instead of threading on the skewers.
- Replace the basil with small baby spinach leaves.
- Instead of two cherry tomatoes and one mozzarella ball, flip it and thread two mozzarella balls and only one cherry tomato.
- Short on time? Buy mozzarella balls that are already marinated.
- Swap out the cherry tomatoes for cantaloupe balls and add in some prosciutto. So good!
How to make Balsamic Glaze
Balsamic glaze is a balsamic reduction, which has a thicker consistency, stronger flavor, and better for drizzling. It’s now a fairly common item in most grocery stores, but if you can’t find it, you can easily make up a batch. It’s super easy.
To make balsamic glaze, add one cup of balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, set on simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it reduces to a syrup consistency. You can check by dipping a spoon in the balsamic and if it covers the back of it, it’s done. As it cools, it will thicken a bit more.
Everyone loves these little skewers packed with refreshing classic flavors, and of course nobody can ever resist finger food on a stick!
If you love these, make sure to check out my Watermelon Mini Kabobs and Mini Tortellini Kabobs, too!
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 mozzarella balls (Ciliegine) , drained and patted dry
- 24 small cherry tomatoes (not grape tomatoes)
- 24 small fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 12 (4-inch) party skewers
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, cracked red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and salt. Add in the mozzarella balls and gently toss to coat. (For best flavor, let these marinate in the fridge overnight before assembly.)
- Assemble the skewers in this order: thread a cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, marinated mozzarella ball, another fold basil leaf, and another cherry tomato. Place on a serving platter.
- Drizzle skewers with a little balsamic glaze.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For recipe tips and variations, please refer to the full article.
- I recommend serving these the day they're assembled, otherwise the basil leaves will wilt and can turn brown around the edges.
Nutrition
Lindy @TheKozyNook says
I will take these the when we attend a concert in the park, the next time we entertain and as an appetizer on one of our romantic evenings. They are so versatile and simple to prepare. Thank you for the delicious idea.
Stephanie says
These sound awesome! And are perfect for so many kinds of occasions! Your kids eat so well, sometimes I’m jealous!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Love this creative recipe! So delicious!
Mom says
Very clever, versatile, and a good idea for a picnic, too.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
These would be perfect here. Hubby loves olives and I love the rest!
Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking says
Okay, I’m hoping to move within the next week… Will you pack me a lunch too if I provide the dessert? ;) Pinned!
Melanie says
This is my kind of food. Anything I can munch on while sipping a glass of wine is perfection in my book. And it’s healthy too!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
Oh, how I wish this had been dinner!!! Love.
Amanda says
What a fun recipe! I love it!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
How funny, my kids are the same way about throwing anything out of their lunch boxes, I tell them I’d rather them bring home trash than toss out another little container. I can’t think of a better lunch box treat in the world, caprese salad is my fav food in the world!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
These would be perfect for my lunch! So good!!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
What a brilliant idea to use serve these to kids in their lunch boxes. And the fact that the vinaigrette is portable, a single serving, and the packaging is disposable makes it even better. What a fun lunch that won’t get soggy. I’m sure your daughter made all the other kids wish they had her lunch!
Liz says
Forget the lunch box, I want these for MY lunch!!! Love the single serving dressing idea, too.
Stephanie @ Back For Seconds says
Such a fun idea to make skewers! Great lunchbox idea too, thanks!
Lana@NeverEnoughThyme says
I haven’t seen these single serving packs of vinaigrette, but what a wonderful idea they are! Perfect for so many occasions and certainly delicious with your beautiful caprese skewers.
christine says
I have seen similar recipes but w/out the bread. I love the addition of the bread on here.
Christine at Cook the Story says
I love those bite sized mozzarella balls!
Karly says
Oh, love these! What a delicious lunch box idea!
jan winning says
God…I love those mozzarella balls…..
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! On a Diet says
Caprese is one of my favorite party appetizers to make and I love your variation on this theme! My kids would gobble these up in no time!!
Heather // girlichef says
Oh, those little packets are perfect for lunchboxes…and you just be my kids lunch box hero (why have I never thought to put little caprese-somethings in them?)! And I will take them for football, too.
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
I’ve never seen these packets before today…I’m getting some stat because we have 3 lunch boxes that would put them to good use!!!!
Cassie says
I have been loving these little packets! These skewers are so fun!