Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle

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These bite-sized caprese skewers deliver the classic tomato, mozzarella, and basil combination in an easy-to-eat appetizer format.

A quick balsamic glaze ties everything together and elevates the presentation without any extra effort.

Why You’ll Love It

  • No cooking required
  • Assembles in 15 minutes
  • Elegant presentation for parties
  • Fresh, light, and flavorful
  • Easy to scale for any crowd size
  • Can be prepped ahead

Ingredients

For the Skewers:

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine), drained
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 30-40 small leaves)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Balsamic Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

Optional:

  • Prosciutto slices, torn into pieces
  • Fresh cracked pepper for finishing
  • Store-bought balsamic glaze instead of homemade

Steps

  1. If making homemade balsamic drizzle, pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
  2. Add honey if using and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vinegar has reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool completely — it will thicken further as it cools.
  5. While the glaze cools, prepare the skewer ingredients.
  6. Drain the mozzarella pearls and pat dry with paper towels.
  7. Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes.
  8. Gently wash the basil leaves and pat completely dry.
  9. Thread the ingredients onto bamboo cocktail picks or small skewers in this order: tomato, basil leaf (folded in half), mozzarella pearl.
  10. If adding prosciutto, thread a small piece between the basil and mozzarella.
  11. Arrange the completed skewers on a serving platter.
  12. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  13. Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

Use the best quality mozzarella you can find — fresh mozzarella makes a significant difference.

If cherry tomatoes are too large, cut them in half and skewer cut-side out for visual appeal.

Store-bought balsamic glaze works perfectly and saves time — look for it near the vinegars.

For larger appetites, use regular-sized fresh mozzarella balls cut into cubes and longer wooden skewers.

Small basil leaves work best — if yours are large, tear them into smaller pieces.

Avoid refrigerating tomatoes if possible, as cold dulls their flavor.

Serving Ideas

Stand skewers upright in a shallow bowl filled with dried beans for an impressive display.

Arrange flat on a platter lined with fresh basil leaves.

Serve alongside crusty bread and additional olive oil for dipping.

Pair with Italian wines like Pinot Grigio or Prosecco.

Include as part of an antipasto spread with cured meats and olives.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Assemble skewers up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate covered with plastic wrap.

Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Store the balsamic drizzle in an airtight glass jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Do not drizzle with olive oil or balsamic until just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Leftover skewers can be refrigerated overnight — chop the ingredients and toss into a salad the next day.

Simple Elegance

Caprese skewers are proof that great appetizers do not require complicated techniques.

Quality ingredients and a beautiful presentation do all the work for you.

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