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Fresh Caprese Salad Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade with Sweet Balsamic Glaze

Caprese salad skewers - featured image

These fresh Caprese salad skewers combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a homemade sweet balsamic glaze for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint (approx. 300g) cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
  • About 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • Sweet Balsamic Glaze:
  • 1 cup (240ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Sweet Balsamic Glaze: Pour 1 cup (240ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to about half the volume, roughly 10-12 minutes. It should be syrupy and coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool; it will thicken further.
  3. Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
  4. Assemble the Skewers: Take a skewer and thread one cherry tomato first, then a basil leaf (folded if large), followed by a mozzarella ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Each skewer should have 3 to 4 pieces depending on size.
  5. Season and Drizzle: Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Lightly sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the sweet balsamic glaze evenly over the skewers. Optionally, add a splash of extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.
  6. Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed fresh to keep the basil vibrant and the mozzarella creamy. If prepping ahead, keep the glaze separate and drizzle just before serving.

Notes

Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes if grilling to prevent burning. Assemble skewers shortly before serving to keep basil fresh and mozzarella from sweating. The glaze can be stored refrigerated for up to two weeks. For vegan version, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze. Optionally sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, skewers, appetizer, balsamic glaze, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, summer recipe, party food