Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
A light, refreshing appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves threaded onto skewers and drizzled with a homemade sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (about 2 skewers per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine)
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes if wooden)
Instructions
- Make the Sweet Balsamic Glaze: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons (30 g) brown sugar or honey. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Let simmer gently until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid burning.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes. Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry. Pick fresh basil leaves, discarding any blemished ones.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, a basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball onto each skewer or toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Season & Drizzle: Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Lightly sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle sweet balsamic glaze evenly over skewers. Optionally, add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: Serve right away for best flavor or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and good quality mozzarella for best flavor. Reduce balsamic vinegar slowly over medium heat to avoid bitterness. Fold larger basil leaves to prevent tearing when skewering. Add balsamic glaze just before serving to avoid sogginess. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water if serving warm to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 skewers
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, summer appetizer, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free