Caprese Skewers
Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil threaded onto skewers for the perfect bite-sized appetizer. Drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze, this is a crowd-pleasing classic that's ready in minutes.
For 6 servings
5 steps.
- 1
Prepare the ingredients
- a.Gently rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them very dry as well; this is crucial to prevent watery skewers and helps the oil and glaze adhere better.
- 2
Assemble the skewers
- a.Take a 6-inch wooden skewer and thread on one cherry tomato. Next, take a large basil leaf, fold it in half or into a small bundle, and thread it onto the skewer. Finally, add one mozzarella ball. Repeat this process until you have 24 completed skewers.
- 3
Arrange the skewers on a large platter or serving board
- a.For a stable presentation, you can slice a tiny piece off the bottom of one tomato on each skewer to create a flat base.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Just before serving, drizzle the skewers evenly with the extra virgin olive oil, followed by the balsamic glaze.
- 5
Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- a.Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the highest quality ingredients you can find, as the simple flavors are the star of this dish.
- 2Patting the mozzarella balls dry is a key step; it prevents the skewers from becoming watery and helps the dressing stick.
- 3If you don't have balsamic glaze, make your own by simmering 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar over low heat until it reduces by half and thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Let it cool completely before using.
- 4For a more colorful presentation, use a mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes.
- 5To prevent the skewers from rolling on the platter, slice a tiny bit off the bottom of one of the end tomatoes to create a flat base.
Adapt it for your goals.
Pesto Drizzle
Instead of plain olive oil, mix it with a teaspoon of high-quality pesto before drizzling for an extra layer of basil and garlic flavor.
Prosciutto WrappedProsciutto Wrapped
For a savory, salty addition, wrap each mozzarella ball with a small piece of prosciutto before skewering.
Fruity TwistFruity Twist
Add a piece of cantaloupe, peach, or a pitted Kalamata olive to each skewer for a sweet or briny contrast.
Marinated MozzarellaMarinated Mozzarella
For deeper flavor, marinate the mozzarella balls in olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano for at least 30 minutes before assembling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Source of Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, providing monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Provides Calcium and Protein
Fresh mozzarella cheese offers a good source of protein for muscle maintenance and calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of four Caprese Skewers contains approximately 150-180 calories, primarily from the mozzarella cheese and extra virgin olive oil.