Irresistible Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze in 10 Minutes

Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute go-to party lifesaver – these gorgeous Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze! I discovered these beauties when I needed a last-minute appetizer for a friend’s bridal shower, and now they’re my signature dish. The best part? No cooking required – just fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves threaded onto skewers with that sweet-tangy balsamic drizzle. I’ve made these for everything from fancy dinners to backyard BBQs, and every single time, people go crazy for them. Seriously, the platter is always empty before I can even sneak one for myself!

Why You’ll Love These Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Trust me, these skewers are about to become your new party MVP. Here’s why:

• Effortless elegance: They look fancy but take just 10 minutes to assemble
• Fresh burst of flavor: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil – a perfect trio
• No-cook magic: No oven needed, just fresh ingredients and skewers
• Crowd-pleaser: Works for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike
• Party perfect: The ideal finger food that won’t leave guests waiting

I’ve watched these disappear at every gathering – they’re that good!

Ingredients for Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible skewers – and I promise, every ingredient matters! I learned the hard way that skimping on quality makes a huge difference in the final result.

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Look for firm, plump ones – I like the mixed color ones for extra visual pop!
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls: The small “pearl” size works perfectly – drain well and pat them dry (trust me, slippery cheese is no fun to skewer)
• 20 fresh basil leaves: Whole, vibrant green leaves – I pick the medium-sized ones that’ll wrap nicely around the mozzarella
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze: Store-bought is fine (no shame!), but homemade takes just 10 extra minutes if you’re feeling fancy
• 20 wooden skewers (6-inch): The short ones are perfect for one-bite appetizers – soak them first if you’re worried about splintering

See? Just five simple ingredients for the most impressive-looking appetizer in your arsenal!

How to Make Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – assembling these beauties! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that’ll make your skewers look restaurant-worthy.

Preparing the Ingredients

First things first – dry ingredients are happy ingredients! Wash those cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. Wet tomatoes will make your skewers soggy (learned that the hard way at my first attempt!).

For the mozzarella pearls, drain them well and give them a gentle pat dry too. I like to lay them out on a clean kitchen towel for about 5 minutes – this helps absorb any excess moisture so they’ll stay put on the skewers.

Pick through your basil leaves and choose the prettiest, medium-sized ones. Give them a quick rinse if needed, but be gentle – basil bruises easily! Dry them thoroughly too.

Assembling the Skewers

Here’s where the magic happens! Take a skewer and thread on:

1. One cherry tomato (push about halfway up the skewer)
2. Fold a basil leaf in half and slide it on next
3. Finish with a mozzarella pearl at the top

Leave about an inch at the bottom of each skewer so guests can grab them easily. Space everything evenly – I aim for about 1/4 inch between each ingredient. Repeat until all your skewers are loaded with deliciousness!

Serving the Caprese Skewers

Arrange your skewers on a pretty platter – I like to fan them out in a circular pattern. Now here’s my secret: wait until right before serving to drizzle with the balsamic glaze! This keeps the presentation crisp and prevents the basil from wilting.

Use a spoon to zig-zag the glaze over the skewers, or get fancy with a squeeze bottle if you have one. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

After making these skewers more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Fresh is best: Splurge on the freshest mozzarella you can find – the creamier texture makes all the difference
• Skewer smart: Thread basil leaves between the tomato and cheese to keep them from wilting too fast
• Chill out: Pop assembled skewers in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving – everything holds together better
• Glaze timing: Drizzle that balsamic magic right before serving for maximum visual impact
• Size matters: Use 6-inch skewers – long enough to grab, short enough to eat in one perfect bite

Follow these, and you’ll have guests begging for your secret!

Variations for Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists I’ve experimented with over the years:

• Prosciutto-wrapped: Add a thin slice of prosciutto before the mozzarella for a salty kick (my husband’s favorite!)
• Tomato swap: Try yellow pear tomatoes or grape tomatoes for color variety – they look stunning on a platter
• Herb alternatives: Swap basil for fresh spinach leaves or even mint when you want something different
• Glaze options: Experiment with honey-balsamic glaze or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

The beauty of these skewers is how easily you can make them your own – have fun with it!

Serving Suggestions for Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

These skewers shine brightest when served with a crisp white wine – I love them with Pinot Grigio! They’re perfect alongside other Italian appetizers like bruschetta or antipasto platters. For dinner parties, I often use them as a beautiful starter before pasta dishes. The colors just pop against a simple white platter!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the deal with these skewers – they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh! You can assemble them up to 2 hours ahead and keep them chilled in the fridge (covered loosely with plastic wrap). But honestly, I wouldn’t push it much longer than that – the basil starts to wilt and the mozzarella can get a bit watery. No need to freeze or reheat – these are meant to be cool, refreshing bites!

Nutritional Information for Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Just so you know – these numbers are estimates since ingredients vary by brand. Each skewer has about 45 calories, with 2g protein and 3g fat. The fresh ingredients make these a lighter appetizer option that still feels indulgent!

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about these Caprese skewers – here are the ones that pop up most often:

Can I assemble these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them up to 2 hours before serving – just hold off on the balsamic glaze until the last minute. Keep them covered in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh and pretty.

What’s a good substitute for balsamic glaze?
In a pinch, you can reduce regular balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey (simmer until syrupy). Or try a drizzle of pesto for a fun twist – it’s delicious with the mozzarella!

Can I use larger tomatoes?
You bet! Just cut cherry tomatoes in half or use grape tomatoes. For big tomatoes, cut them into bite-sized chunks – though they might be a bit juicier to skewer.

How do I keep the basil from wilting?
The trick is to assemble close to serving time and keep them cool. Also, make sure your basil leaves are completely dry before skewering – moisture is the enemy here!

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