Caprese Skewers
These Caprese skewers have the components of traditional Caprese salad, but are transformed into an easy, delicious, and pretty appetizer!
Servings: 12 appetizers
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