Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade with Sweet Balsamic Drizzle
These Fresh Caprese Skewers are a simple, elegant, and addictive bite-size appetizer featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a sweet balsamic pearl drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, they bring fresh Italian flavors with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 20 mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), about 0.5 oz (15 g) each
- 20 cherry or grape tomatoes, rinsed and halved if large
- 20 fresh basil leaves, medium-sized
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Sweet balsamic pearls for drizzling
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks, about 3-4 inches long
Instructions
- Rinse about 20 cherry tomatoes (around 10 oz / 280 g). Halve larger tomatoes to keep bites manageable and pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a medium bowl, toss tomatoes with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Rinse and gently pat dry about 20 fresh basil leaves. Choose medium-sized leaves that can fold easily on skewers without tearing.
- On each wooden skewer, thread 1 cherry tomato, 1 mozzarella pearl (about 0.5 oz / 15 g), and 1 folded basil leaf. Repeat until all ingredients are used, making about 20 skewers.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Using a spoon or dropper, drizzle the sweet balsamic pearls evenly over the skewers.
- Optionally, add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for an extra flavor pop.
- Assemble skewers no more than 30 minutes before serving to keep basil fresh and mozzarella from weeping. Store loosely covered in the fridge if making ahead and add balsamic pearls just before serving.
Notes
Assemble skewers no more than 30 minutes before serving to keep basil fresh and mozzarella from weeping. Add balsamic pearls just before serving to preserve their texture. Wooden skewers can be soaked in water if grilling (not recommended here). For vegan options, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu and use balsamic glaze instead of pearls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: Caprese skewers, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic pearls, easy appetizer, Italian finger food, summer snack