Caprese Skewers: A Simple & Delicious Appetizer Recipe

Caprese skewers are a classic Italian appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to create perfect Caprese skewers every time, along with variations and tips for making them even more special.

## What are Caprese Skewers?

Caprese skewers are essentially miniature Caprese salads on a stick. They feature fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine – the creamy mozzarella, the sweet tomatoes, the aromatic basil, and the tangy balsamic create a perfect harmony.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward. Even beginner cooks can easily whip up a batch of Caprese skewers in minutes.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You only need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Caprese skewers are perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a light lunch.
* **Beautiful Presentation:** These skewers are visually appealing and make a great addition to any party platter.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences by adding different ingredients or sauces.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes. Heirloom varieties add extra flavor.
* **Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini):** Look for high-quality bocconcini packed in water. Drain them well before using.
* **Fresh Basil Leaves:** Fresh basil is essential for the classic Caprese flavor. Use small to medium-sized leaves.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish. You can buy it pre-made or make your own.
* **Extra Virgin Olive Oil:** A drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances the flavors.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Wooden Skewers:** Choose skewers that are the appropriate length for your serving dish.

## Equipment

* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the tomatoes and basil.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for slicing (if necessary).
* **Bowl (Optional):** For tossing the ingredients with olive oil.
* **Serving Platter:** For arranging the skewers.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make perfect Caprese skewers:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes. If they are particularly large, you can halve them. This is mostly for aesthetic purposes as it ensures the tomato size is similar to the mozzarella ball size.
* **Mozzarella Balls:** Drain the bocconcini well and pat them dry with paper towels. If the bocconcini are very large, consider using smaller ciliegine-sized mozzarella balls.
* **Basil Leaves:** Wash and dry the basil leaves. If the leaves are very large, you can gently fold them in half before threading them onto the skewers.
* **Skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning if you plan to grill them.

**2. Assemble the Skewers:**

* Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each skewer. Repeat the pattern until the skewer is full, leaving a small space at the end for easy handling. A typical skewer will hold 3-4 of each ingredient. The order doesn’t drastically change the flavor, so you can change it to be more aesthetically pleasing.
* Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.

**3. Drizzle and Season:**

* Drizzle the skewers with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as the mozzarella can sometimes be a little salty already.

**4. Serve Immediately:**

* Caprese skewers are best served immediately after assembly. This ensures the ingredients are fresh and the mozzarella is at its best.

## Tips for Making the Best Caprese Skewers

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of your Caprese skewers. Choose the freshest, ripest tomatoes, the best mozzarella, and the most fragrant basil you can find.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers:** Leave a little space between each ingredient on the skewer to allow for easy handling and to prevent the skewers from becoming too heavy.
* **Soak Wooden Skewers:** Soaking wooden skewers in water before using them will prevent them from burning if you plan to grill the skewers.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance, but wait to drizzle them with balsamic glaze until just before serving to prevent the basil from wilting. Store them covered in the refrigerator.
* **Serve at Room Temperature:** While storing in the fridge is fine, serving at room temperature really helps the flavors shine through. Take them out about 30 minutes before serving.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can use a balsamic vinaigrette or even a squeeze of lemon juice to add a touch of acidity to the skewers.

## Variations and Additions

Here are some ways to customize your Caprese skewers:

* **Add Prosciutto:** Wrap a small piece of prosciutto around each mozzarella ball for a salty and savory twist.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Try using feta cheese, goat cheese, or even grilled halloumi cheese instead of mozzarella.
* **Add Olives:** Add pitted black or green olives to the skewers for a briny flavor.
* **Include Artichoke Hearts:** Marinated artichoke hearts add a tangy and slightly acidic element.
* **Add Pesto:** Drizzle the skewers with pesto instead of balsamic glaze for a different flavor profile. Homemade pesto is best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
* **Grilled Caprese Skewers:** Grill the skewers for a few minutes per side for a smoky flavor. Be careful not to overcook the mozzarella.
* **Spicy Caprese Skewers:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil for a little heat.
* **Fruit Additions:** Incorporate fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a sweet and colorful twist. The sweet fruit pairs surprisingly well with the other savory ingredients.
* **Roasted Tomatoes:** For a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor, roast the cherry tomatoes before adding them to the skewers. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting.
* **Different Balsamic Glaze Flavors:** Experiment with different flavors of balsamic glaze, such as fig balsamic or pomegranate balsamic.
* **Marinated Mozzarella:** Marinate the mozzarella balls in olive oil, herbs, and garlic before assembling the skewers for added flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Caprese skewers are a versatile appetizer that can be served in many ways:

* **As an Appetizer:** Serve them at parties, potlucks, or barbecues.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
* **As a Light Lunch:** Serve them alongside a salad or a bowl of soup for a light and refreshing lunch.
* **On a Charcuterie Board:** Add Caprese skewers to a charcuterie board for a colorful and flavorful addition.
* **With Wine:** Pair them with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While Caprese skewers are best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time:

* **Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil.** Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
* **Drain the mozzarella balls.** Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the balsamic glaze.** Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Assemble the skewers no more than a few hours before serving to prevent the basil from wilting. Store assembled skewers, covered, in the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

Caprese skewers are best consumed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the basil may wilt and the mozzarella may become slightly watery.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per skewer)

* Calories: 50-70
* Fat: 4-6g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 10-15mg
* Sodium: 20-40mg
* Carbohydrates: 2-4g
* Fiber: 0-1g
* Sugar: 1-3g
* Protein: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Recipe Card

**Caprese Skewers Recipe**

**Yields:** Approximately 12-15 skewers
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pint cherry tomatoes
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
* 24-30 fresh basil leaves
* 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Wooden skewers

**Instructions:**

1. Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry.
2. Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each skewer. Repeat the pattern until the skewer is full.
3. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
4. Drizzle the skewers with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.

**Notes:**

* Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
* Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning if grilling.
* Assemble the skewers no more than a few hours before serving.
* Get creative with variations, such as adding prosciutto, olives, or pesto.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Caprese skewers! They’re the perfect appetizer for any occasion.