Oh my gosh, you have to try these Caprese skewers! They’re my go-to when I need something quick, fresh, and absolutely delicious. I first made them for a last-minute girls’ night years ago, and now they’re requested at every gathering. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients already!
These little skewers pack all the classic Caprese flavors – juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – in perfect bite-sized portions. The balsamic drizzle? Absolute magic. They come together in about 10 minutes flat, but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you see how easy and impressive these are, you’ll be making them all summer long!
Why You’ll Love These Caprese Skewers
Let me count the ways these skewers will become your new obsession:
- Speed demon: Ready in 10 minutes flat – faster than ordering takeout!
- Freshness overload: That pop of tomato, creamy mozzarella, and basil is summer on a stick
- Crowd pleaser: Works for fancy parties and lazy picnics
- No cooking required: My kind of recipe when it’s too hot to turn on the oven
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge
Seriously, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t go back for seconds (or thirds… no judgment).
Ingredients for Caprese Skewers
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of it – just 6 ingredients for flavor fireworks! But listen, quality matters here (I learned that the hard way after a sad, rubbery mozzarella incident). You’ll need:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes – go for the sweetest, juiciest ones you can find
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (the small “pearl” size, drained and patted dry – moisture is the enemy!)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves – whole, not chopped, so they stay pretty
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze – not regular vinegar, the thick syrupy stuff
- 1 tbsp good olive oil – your fanciest bottle, this is where it shines
- Salt and pepper – just a pinch, but don’t skip it!
See? Nothing weird or complicated – just fresh, happy ingredients waiting to become magic.
How to Make Caprese Skewers
Okay, let me walk you through the easiest 10 minutes of your life! The secret is keeping everything dry (trust me, soggy skewers are sad skewers). First, give those cherry tomatoes a good rinse and pat them bone-dry with paper towels. Same goes for the mozzarella pearls – drain them well and blot away any excess moisture. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into a watery mess!
Assembling the Skewers
Here comes the fun part – threading! Grab your skewers (I use 6-inch wooden ones) and start with a tomato, then slide on a mozzarella ball, and finish with a basil leaf. Repeat until you’ve used all your ingredients. Keep them evenly spaced – about ½ inch apart looks gorgeous. Pro tip: fold the basil leaves slightly as you thread them to show off their pretty ruffled edges!
Finishing Touches
Now for the grand finale! Arrange your skewers on a pretty platter (white porcelain makes the colors pop). Right before serving, drizzle with that luscious olive oil and balsamic glaze – don’t be shy! A light sprinkle of flaky salt and cracked black pepper is the perfect finishing touch. Watch how fast these disappear – I usually make double what I think I’ll need!
Tips for Perfect Caprese Skewers
After making these skewers approximately a million times (okay, maybe just a hundred), I up some up some foolproof tricks:
- Chill your ingredients – Cold tomatoes and mozzarella stay fresher longer on the serving table
- Make them last minute – Basil wilts fast, so assemble within 30 minutes of serving
- Double the drizzle – Keep extra balsamic glaze on the side for dippers
- Go vertical – Stand skewers in a tall glass for a stunning centerpiece display
><>Short skewers work best – 4-6 inches lets people grab and go without awkward balancing
Oh! And if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes first to prevent scorching if you’re serving outdoors. You’re welcome!
Variations for Caprese Skewers
Here’s where you can get creative! While I adore the classic version, sometimes I mix it up:
- Pesto party: Swap the balsamic for a drizzle of homemade pesto – game changer!
- Meat lovers: Add thin prosciutto ribbons between the mozzarella and tomato
- Zesty twist: A sprinkle of lemon zest over the finished skewers wakes up all the flavors
- Spicy kick: Tiny chili flakes or a chili-infused oil for heat lovers
The beauty? You can’t mess these up – just follow your tastebuds!
Serving Suggestions
These skewers shine brightest when paired with simple, fresh accompaniments. My favorite way? Arrange them alongside crusty grilled bread rubbed with garlic – perfect for soaking up that delicious balsamic-olive oil drizzle. For drinks, a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling lemon water makes the flavors pop. They’re also fantastic with antipasto platters or as a starter before pasta dishes. Honestly, they disappear so fast you might not need anything else!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the honest truth – these skewers are absolute perfection when served fresh. The basil starts wilting and the tomatoes lose their pop if they sit too long. But if you must prep ahead, assemble them (without drizzles!) and refrigerate for max 2 hours. Any longer and you’ll get sad, soggy skewers – and nobody wants that! No reheating needed (or recommended) – just pull them out, add your final touches, and watch them disappear.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s keep it real – we’re not counting calories when something tastes this good! But for those who like to know, each skewer comes in around 60 calories with 4g fat. Remember, nutrition varies based on your specific brands and how generous you are with that balsamic drizzle (no shame in my game!).
FAQ About Caprese Skewers
I get so many questions about these skewers at parties – here are the ones I hear most often!
Can I make these ahead?
Honestly? They’re best fresh. But if you must prep early, keep components separate: store washed tomatoes in one container, mozzarella in another (with paper towels to absorb moisture), and basil in a damp paper towel. Assemble right before serving – your basil will thank you!
No balsamic glaze – help!
No worries! Simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tbsp honey until it reduces by half (about 10 minutes). Or use pesto for a herby twist. In a real pinch? A tiny drizzle of good soy sauce adds umami magic!
Can I use bigger tomatoes?
Sure! Just cut grape or Roma tomatoes into quarters. But cherry tomatoes? They’re the MVPs here – that perfect pop-in-your-mouth size keeps these skewers elegant and mess-free.
How long do leftovers last?
*sigh* They rarely last, but if you have stragglers, remove basil (it gets slimy), store in an airtight container for max 24 hours. The tomatoes will soften, but still taste delicious chopped into salads!
Final Thoughts
Go make these skewers immediately – I promise they’ll become your new secret weapon! Tag me when you do so I can see your beautiful creations. Now excuse me while I go make another batch…
Print
10-Minute Caprese Skewers: Irresistible Fresh Bites
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and fresh Caprese skewers perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry cherry tomatoes.
- Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry.
- Thread one tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer.
- Arrange skewers on a serving plate.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use wooden or metal skewers.
- Best served fresh.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Caprese skewers, easy appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil
