Caprese Skewers

By Amy Flanigan

Updated

Prep 20 minutes
Servings 12 appetizers

By Amy Flanigan

Updated

Jump to Recipe

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 Christmas, Sunday brunch, a summer get together, or any occasion!

3 caprese skewers on white plate

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5 STAR REVIEW

Lindy says, “I take these when we attend a concert in the park, when 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 recipe!”

Whether you need a quick and impressive appetizer for a get together, or just a simple afternoon snack, these Caprese Skewers are always a winner packed with refreshing classic flavors. And of course nobody can ever resist finger food on a stick!

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.

We love to serve these along with our Mini Tortellini Kabobs or as part of an Antipasto Charcuterie Board.

4.97 from 28

Caprese Skewers

Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 appetizers
close up of 3 caprese skewer appetizers on white plate
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These Caprese skewers have the components of traditional Caprese salad, but are transformed into an easy, delicious, and pretty appetizer!

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
  • 24 small fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze, (see note)
  • 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

Balsamic Glaze. Balsamic glaze is fairly common in grocery stores, but if you can’t find it, it’s really easy to make. 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. Allow to cool completely before using.
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. If you 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.
Use spinach leaves. Replace the basil with small baby spinach leaves.
Change the amounts. 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.
Try cantaloupe and prosciutto instead. Swap out the cherry tomatoes for cantaloupe balls and add in some prosciutto. So good!
Serve same day. I recommend serving this appetizer the day they’re assembled, otherwise the basil leaves will wilt and can turn brown around the edges.

Nutrition

Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 221IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

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overhead picture of 3 Caprese skewers on white plate

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.

Can I Make Mini Caprese Skewers Ahead?

For best flavor, we recommend letting the mozzarella balls marinate in the fridge overnight before assembly. Once the mini caprese skewers are assembled, it’s best to serve them the same day, otherwise the basil leaves will wilt and can turn brown around the edges.

More Cold Appetizers:

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 TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!

close up caprese skewer appetizer with balsamic glaze

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About Amy Flanigan

Well, hey there! Amy here, founder and COO at BellyFull. If you’re looking for tried and true, fuss-free, budget-friendly, delicious, every day recipes, you’ve come to the right place.

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33 Comments
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Sls
September 18, 2024 3:03 pm

Do you drain and pat dry the mozzarella before you marinate or before you skewer?

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Amy@BellyFull
September 19, 2024 10:51 am
Reply to  Sls

before you marinate

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Eve
December 13, 2023 10:20 pm

Huge hit on Christmas Eve! I used reindeer skewers and placed on a bed of thyme. Beautiful and oh so tasty! Thank you!

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B. Owens
December 1, 2023 8:46 am

This recipe was so fun and my dinner guests loved it! I added cubed apples and oranges on some of the skewers. Thank you.

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Wendy
September 15, 2023 9:42 am

Theses are delicious!

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Emily
June 25, 2023 6:11 pm

These were so good–a huge hit at the party I took them to! Marinating the mozzarella made all the difference. Thank you!

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Winniebear
December 19, 2022 10:22 am

My Son and I will be doing Christmas dinner a bit differently this year. We’re creating an appetizer spread. This may be a silly question but will yellow and orange cherry tomatoes work as well as red ones?

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Amy @Belly Full
December 19, 2022 11:54 am
Reply to  Winniebear

Sure, of course! The different colors would be very pretty.

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Cogirl
December 11, 2022 2:57 pm

It tasted very good and everyone liked it, but following the recipe instructions mine looked very different from the pictures. Because I let the cheese marinate in the oil/herb mixture overnight in the fridge meant that they were covered with it when I put them together. The pictures show nice bright white cheese balls with a few pieces of fresh herbs on top. Is there a missing step that removes the dried herbs?

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Breanne
October 20, 2022 2:30 pm

I’ve made these for a few parties now and they are very popular!

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Lindy
October 10, 2014 10:39 am

I take these when we attend a concert in the park, when 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 recipe!

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Stephanie
October 6, 2014 1:57 pm

These sound awesome! And are perfect for so many kinds of occasions!

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Lori
October 2, 2014 9:06 am

Love this creative recipe! So delicious!

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Sharon Hensen
October 2, 2014 6:39 am

Love these for Christmas! Also good idea for a picnic, too.

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Valerie
October 1, 2014 5:01 am

I made these but put cherry tomatoes on some and an olive on others. Everyone loved them!

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Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking
September 30, 2014 9:07 pm

Okay, I’m hoping to move within the next week… Will you pack me a lunch too if I provide the dessert? ;) Pinned!

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Melanie
September 30, 2014 7:18 pm

We serve these at Christmas every year with a nut and cheese board, and also wine!

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Dorothy
September 30, 2014 6:13 pm

I made these, but I didn’t need appetizers, so instead of skewers I just mixed everything together in a big bowl. Lol. I would definitely make the skewers as appetizers, though.

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Amanda
September 30, 2014 6:02 pm

We make these for Christmas every year – the colors are perfect and they’re so easy and delicious!

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Gwen
September 30, 2014 5:15 pm

I can’t think of a better lunch box treat in the world, caprese salad is my fav food in the world!

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Angie
September 30, 2014 4:31 pm

These would be perfect for my lunch! So good!!

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Renee - Kudos Kitchen
September 30, 2014 3:24 pm

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!

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Liz
September 30, 2014 1:42 pm

We make these all the time for game day. They’re always one of the first apps to disappear!

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Stephanie
September 30, 2014 1:06 pm

Such a fun idea to make skewers! Great lunchbox idea too, thanks!

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Lana
September 30, 2014 12:15 pm

What a wonderful idea these are! Perfect for so many occasions and certainly delicious with your beautiful caprese skewers.

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christine
September 30, 2014 10:03 am

I have seen similar recipes but w/ bread. I love that these don’t have bread.

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Christine at Cook the Story
September 30, 2014 8:07 am

I love those bite sized mozzarella balls!

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Karly
September 30, 2014 8:06 am

My family loved these – even my little kids!

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jan winning
September 30, 2014 7:55 am

I love these. I could fill up on the mozzarella balls along, but the cherry tomato and balsamic glaze are just over the moon…

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Anne-Marie
September 30, 2014 7:43 am

Caprese is one of my favorite party appetizers. I make these for game day all time – always a hit!

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Heather Barker
September 30, 2014 7:24 am

Perfect for lunchboxes and game day.

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Marjory
September 30, 2014 6:25 am

Love these for lunch boxes!

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Cassie
September 30, 2014 6:22 am

These skewers are so fun!

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