These Caprese Skewers are colorful, sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious. This eye-catching appetizer is quick to assemble, making it perfect for a sunny day.
Recipe Details
I’m a huge fan of these Caprese Skewers for their refreshing flavor. Although they’re enjoyable throughout the year, I especially love them in the summer when tomatoes are at their most flavorful and chilled dishes are in high demand. This simple recipe is sure to please.
- TASTE: Sweet, cheesy, and tangy, these skewers provide a wonderful combination of flavors, enhanced by a hint of savory, peppery seasoning.
- TEXTURE: With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and crunchy basil leaves, these skewers are finished off with a syrupy drizzle that makes them irresistible.
- TIME: Preparing this dish takes only 5 minutes.
- EASE: Featuring few ingredients and no cooking involved, this recipe is quick, easy, and convenient.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Mozzarella- Fresh mozzarella provides a rich and creamy feel. Choose ciliegine-sized pieces, which resemble cherry size and are perfect for skewers.
- Cherry tomatoes- Their size and flavor make these tomatoes perfect for the dish, as their sweetness beautifully complements the other ingredients.
- Basil- Fresh basil contributes a fragrant, herbal aroma.
- Balsamic glaze- This sweet and tangy glaze pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes and cheese.
- Salt and black pepper-
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Make your own balsamic glaze- Create a balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens, then let it cool before drizzling on the skewers.
- Use different tomatoes- Combine yellow and red cherry tomatoes for extra color or opt for grape tomatoes.
- Substitute another cheese- While Caprese traditionally uses mozzarella, try cubed cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey jack for a different flavor.
- Add olive oil- Drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the skewers enhances the richness of this refreshing appetizer.
How to Make Caprese Skewers
- Skewer the cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Begin by draining the mozzarella balls, then stack tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto the skewers.
- Season and glaze. Once the skewers are assembled, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
Pro Tip: For each skewer, I use 2 tomatoes, 2 basil leaves, and 1 mozzarella ball to create a balanced combination that doesn’t overpower the cheese.
Recipe Tips
- Select tomatoes with proper ripeness – Opt for cherry tomatoes that are ripe yet firm. Tomatoes that are overly ripe can be mushy, making them challenging to skewer without breaking.
- Use kosher salt – This salt variety enhances flavors more effectively than iodized salt and contributes a pleasing crunch when it coats other ingredients.
- Apply the glaze just before serving – If the balsamic glaze is added too early, the mozzarella may absorb it, leading to an unappealing discoloration.
FAQs
How far ahead can caprese skewers be prepared?Caprese skewers can be made up to 24 hours in advance. However, it’s advisable to withhold the balsamic glaze and seasonings until just before serving to prevent moisture release from the tomatoes. Making them too early may lead to mushy tomatoes and wilting basil.
Serving Suggestions
These Caprese Skewers are easy to create and irresistibly flavorful, making them perfect for gatherings. They complement a variety of dishes such as salads, dips, grilled meats, and other appetizers.
- Grilled meats: Pair these skewers with Grilled Chicken Kabobs, Flank Steak Tacos, Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs, or Grilled Teriyaki Salmon.
- Salads: Enhance them with Antipasto Salad, Greek Chicken Pasta Salad, Salmon Potato Salad, or Tri-Color Pasta Salad (VIDEO).
- Dips: Serve with a 7 Layer Taco Dip, Hot Artichoke Dip, Easy BLT Dip, or Garlic Cream Cheese Dip.
Additional Appetizers: Round out your meal with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, Baked Brie in Puff Pastry, Easy Piroshki, or Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.
Preparing Ahead of Time
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the skewers a day early and place them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Storage: Store any leftover homemade Caprese Skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Freezing these skewers is not advisable. While the mozzarella and basil will thaw decently, the tomatoes may turn grainy and release excess water.
Delicious Appetizer Alternatives!
-
Smoked Salmon Appetizer Cups -
Chicken Croquettes Recipe -
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms -
Easy BLT Dip
Detailed Recipe Instructions
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1
bunch Basil -
8
oz
Mozzarella balls
ciliengine -
Salt & pepper to taste -
Balsamic glaze
for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by draining the liquid from the mozzarella balls. Then, thread the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella onto the mini skewers.
- For each skewer, you will need 2 tomatoes, 2 basil leaves, and 1 mozzarella ball. After assembling, season with salt and pepper before drizzling with balsamic glaze right before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories:
31
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
1
g
|
Protein:
2
g
|
Fat:
2
g
|
Here is a rewritten version of the nutritional information while preserving its clarity and format:
—
**Saturated Fat:** 1 g | **Polyunsaturated Fat:** 0.01 g | **Monounsaturated Fat:** 0.003 g | **Cholesterol:** 4 mg | **Sodium:** 10 mg | **Potassium:** 32 mg | **Fiber:** 0.1 g | **Sugar:** 0.4 g | **Vitamin A:** 73 IU | **Vitamin C:** 3 mg | **Calcium:** 42 mg | **Iron:** 0.1 mg
—
This arrangement conveys the same nutritional details concisely and effectively.
