Name: Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 to 18 (4-inch) wooden skewers; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes; 1 (12-ounce) container miniature cherry-sized fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine); 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 36 leaves); Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Picture this: sweet cherry tomatoes bursting with juice, silky fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves all in one bite. That's the magic of my Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe, a simple yet stunning snack or appetizer that never fails to impress. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for any gathering or just a quick, tasty bite at home.

There are eight skewers on a round white plate, each skewer has three layers: a shiny red cherry tomato on top, a bright green basil leaf in the middle, and a smooth white mozzarella ball on the bottom. The skewers are drizzled with dark brown balsamic glaze and sprinkled with black pepper. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe feels like summer on a skewer. I love how effortlessly it comes together, yet feels fancy enough to bring to parties or enjoy as a delightful snack. Plus, it’s a colorful, fresh combination that pleases the eye and the palate alike.

Quick and Easy: It takes just a few minutes to assemble, no cooking required.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of basil, mozzarella, tomato, and balsamic is a classic for a reason—it’s delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family snacks to elegant hors d’oeuvres, these skewers fit right in.
Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients or add your own special touch.

The image shows several skewers, each with three layers repeated in order: a shiny red cherry tomato on top, a bright green basil leaf in the middle, and a smooth white mozzarella ball below the leaf. The skewers rest on a white marbled surface, with a few drops of olive oil and balsamic glaze drizzled over the mozzarella and tomatoes. Some pieces have ground black pepper sprinkled on them, adding small dark specks. The overall look is fresh and colorful, with the red, green, and white layers clearly visible and contrasting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one shines on its own but blends perfectly to create a dish that’s fresh, balanced, and utterly satisfying. I always recommend buying the freshest produce you can find for best flavor.

Flat lay of fresh cherry tomatoes still on the vine, a handful of bright green fresh basil leaves, a small cluster of smooth, white miniature mozzarella balls in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing dark glossy balsamic glaze, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cherry or grape tomatoes: They're sweet, juicy, and the perfect bite-sized color pop on the skewer.
Miniature fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Soft, creamy, and tender—these little gems contrast beautifully with the tomatoes.
Fresh basil leaves: The herbal brightness cuts through the richness of the cheese and balances the sweetness of the tomato.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A light drizzle adds silkiness and rounds out the flavors with a fruity note.
Balsamic glaze: Its sweet-tart punch elevates the whole skewer, adding depth and elegance.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: The finishing seasonings that bring all the flavors alive.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe is how adaptable it is. While the classic combo is unbeatable, you can customize it to suit your taste—or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to get creative!

Variation: I sometimes swap out the cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor, especially during the off-season.
Dietary twist: Try adding a small slice of prosciutto for a salty punch, or use vegan mozzarella if you’re avoiding dairy.
Seasonal flair: In colder months, you can add roasted red peppers or olives to the skewers for a cozy feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

I start by rinsing the cherry tomatoes and patting them dry—wet tomatoes can make the skewers soggy. Then, I pick through the basil to use only the freshest, healthiest leaves. Don’t forget to gently pat the mozzarella balls dry, too, especially if they're packed in water.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

Using 4-inch wooden skewers, I alternate threading the ingredients in this order: 1 tomato, 1 basil leaf (fold it in half if it's big), 1 mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finally, 1 more tomato. This not only looks beautiful but balances the flavors in each bite.

Step 3: Dress and Season

Once all the skewers are assembled and arranged on a platter, I drizzle them lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and generous swirls of balsamic glaze. A sprinkle of kosher salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper are the final touches that bring out every layer of flavor.

Top Tip

Through many get-togethers and parties, I’ve learned a few tricks to making these skewers shine every time. These tips have saved me from soggy mozzarella and bland balsamic disasters!

Pat Dry Ingredients: Always make sure your mozzarella and tomatoes are well-drained and patted dry to avoid watery skewers.
Layering Matters: Folding larger basil leaves keeps them from overpowering the delicate mozzarella and balances texture.
Choose a Good Balsamic Glaze: I recommend a quality, thick balsamic glaze rather than a runny vinegar for that signature sweet-tart punch.
Serve Fresh: These skewers taste best fresh but can be made a couple of hours ahead if kept covered and refrigerated.

How to Serve Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe

Garnishes

For presentation, I like to add a few whole basil leaves scattered on the platter for that fresh green pop. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt and a few freshly cracked peppercorns on top just before serving for a rustic touch.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair beautifully with crusty bread or garlic crostini, making them ideal for a light lunch or appetizer. I also serve them alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon to complement the fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these caprese skewers upright in a decorative glass filled with coarse salt or whole peppercorns. It’s a fun way to serve them buffet-style and adds a bit of wow factor without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find it best to store leftover skewers in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Keep them refrigerated and enjoy within a day or two — after that, the basil wilts and the tomatoes get mushy.

Freezing

Since mozzarella and fresh basil don’t freeze well, I don’t recommend freezing this dish. Freshness is key to the flavor and texture of these skewers.

Reheating

These skewers are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you want a warm twist, try layering the ingredients in a warm salad instead!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of balsamic glaze?

Regular balsamic vinegar is thinner and more acidic, which can make the skewers soggy and overpower the delicate flavors. A balsamic glaze is thicker, sweeter, and more balanced, so I recommend using that for the best results.

What’s the best way to keep basil fresh while assembling?

I like to rinse the basil gently and pat it dry with paper towels. Fold larger leaves when threading to prevent tearing, and keep the skewers covered and refrigerated if not serving immediately to maintain basil’s vibrancy.

Can I prepare Caprese Skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the skewers a couple of hours before serving. Just keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator and drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving to keep everything fresh.

What can I serve alongside these Caprese Skewers?

They pair wonderfully with crusty bread, fresh green salads, or even grilled meats. For parties, I also like serving them with charcuterie boards or light pasta dishes to complement the fresh flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that’s as easy to make as it is to love. It’s fresh, vibrant, and always gets compliments whenever I bring it to a party or whip it up for a quick snack. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—it’s little bites of sunshine that anyone can create without fuss but with plenty of flavor.