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!
We love to serve these along with our Mini Tortellini Kabobs or as part of an Antipasto Charcuterie Board.
An Easy Cold Appetizer
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!
Everyone loves these little skewers packed with refreshing classic flavors, and of course nobody can ever resist finger food on a stick!
Caprese Salad Skewers Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients. They’re so simple, but are crazy tasty and look so lovely on a platter.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- 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)
Recipe Tips
- 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.
- 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!
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:
- Mini Tortellini Kabobs
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Cannoli Dip
- Spring Rolls
- Mini Cheese Balls
- Cold Veggie Pizza Appetizer
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!
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
- 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!
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?
Sure, of course! The different colors would be very pretty.
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?
I’ve made these for a few parties now and they are very popular!
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!
These sound awesome! And are perfect for so many kinds of occasions!
Love this creative recipe! So delicious!
Love these for Christmas! Also good idea for a picnic, too.
I made these but put cherry tomatoes on some and an olive on others. Everyone loved them!
Okay, I’m hoping to move within the next week… Will you pack me a lunch too if I provide the dessert? ;) Pinned!
We serve these at Christmas every year with a nut and cheese board, and also wine!
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.
We make these for Christmas every year – the colors are perfect and they’re so easy and delicious!
I can’t think of a better lunch box treat in the world, caprese salad is my fav food in the world!
These would be perfect for my lunch! So good!!
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!
We make these all the time for game day. They’re always one of the first apps to disappear!
Such a fun idea to make skewers! Great lunchbox idea too, thanks!
What a wonderful idea these are! Perfect for so many occasions and certainly delicious with your beautiful caprese skewers.
I have seen similar recipes but w/ bread. I love that these don’t have bread.
I love those bite sized mozzarella balls!
My family loved these – even my little kids!
I love these. I could fill up on the mozzarella balls along, but the cherry tomato and balsamic glaze are just over the moon…
Caprese is one of my favorite party appetizers. I make these for game day all time – always a hit!
Perfect for lunchboxes and game day.
Love these for lunch boxes!
These skewers are so fun!