Caprese Skewers Recipe

Learn how to make these homemade Caprese skewers – the best easy no-bake appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Perfect for entertaining, these skewers deliver authentic Italian flavors in minutes with a simple balsamic reduction that elevates ordinary ingredients to extraordinary.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

24 skewers

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g pearl mozzarella (bocconcini)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow if available)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 bunch fresh basil leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the balsamic reduction:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml balsamic vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Additional:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp flaky sea salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 skewer

🔥 Calories: 63 calories

🥑 Fat: 4 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 2 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 2 g

🍭 Sugar: 1.5 g

🍗 Protein: 4 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 10 mg

🧂 Sodium: 45 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">24 wooden skewers (about 10cm long)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by preparing your balsamic reduction. Pour 200ml of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey into a small saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon (about 8-10 minutes). This reduction process concentrates the flavor and creates a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely – it will thicken further as it cools.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This prevents them from splintering when you thread on your ingredients. Meanwhile, drain the pearl mozzarella and pat dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will make your skewers soggy, so this step ensures everything stays fresh and intact.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes if they're large; otherwise, leave them whole if they're similar in size to your mozzarella balls. Select medium-sized basil leaves, gently washing and thoroughly drying them. The contrasting sizes and colors will make your skewers visually appealing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Now for the assembly: thread ingredients onto each skewer in an alternating pattern. Try starting with a mozzarella ball, followed by a basil leaf (folded in half if large), then a cherry tomato, repeating once more to have 2-3 of each component per skewer. The basil leaf should be folded around the mozzarella or tomato to showcase its beautiful green color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle them lightly with extra virgin olive oil, then spoon the balsamic reduction over the top or serve it in a small bowl for dipping. The oil helps the balsamic cling to the ingredients while adding richness. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For the best flavor, allow the skewers to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes and allows the mozzarella to soften slightly. If preparing ahead, assemble the skewers without the oil, balsamic reduction, salt, and pepper, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Add the finishing touches just before serving.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Caprese Skewers Recipe?

Caprese Skewers require pearl mozzarella (bocconcini), cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. These simple ingredients combine to create an elegant Italian appetizer with balanced flavours and vibrant colours.

How to cook Caprese Skewers Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Caprese Skewers Recipe by first making a simple balsamic reduction with vinegar and honey. Then thread pearl mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and folded basil leaves onto skewers in an alternating pattern. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, the balsamic reduction, and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper for an impressive no-bake appetizer.

How do you make balsamic glaze for Caprese appetizers?

Make balsamic glaze by simmering 200ml balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy enough to coat the back of a spoon. Allow to cool completely before using, as it will continue to thicken to the perfect drizzling consistency.

Can I prepare these Italian appetizer skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to 2 hours before serving. Store them covered in the refrigerator, but wait to add the olive oil, balsamic reduction, salt and pepper until just before serving. This prevents the basil from wilting and maintains the freshest flavour and presentation.

What's the best way to serve mozzarella and tomato skewers at a party?

Arrange the skewers in a circular pattern on a white platter for visual impact. Serve at room temperature (let them sit out 10-15 minutes before serving) with the balsamic reduction drizzled overtop or in a small dipping bowl. This enhances flavours and allows guests to easily grab individual skewers.

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