Quick And Easy Caprese Skewers
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Steal the show at your next party with these fresh and vibrant caprese skewers! Made with creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, this easy appetizer brings the classic Caprese salad to a convenient handheld form. Finished with a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze and a touch of black pepper, these tasty little bites will be your new MVP for entertaining.
When it comes to quick and elegant appetizers, my go-to’s are cranberry brie bites and goat cheese stuffed dates. Enter caprese salad skewers, the newest addition to the list. These take everything you love about a classic Caprese salad and turn it into the ultimate handheld bite. They’re refreshingly delicious and always look gorgeous on a party spread!
Serve them as a light appetizer, a side dish for Italian-inspired dinners, or even pack them in a picnic basket for an effortless treat. They’re even great for a quick snack when you want something light and flavorful without having to cook. However you serve them, these caprese skewers won’t disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless appetizer: Assemble, finish off with a glaze, and serve – all in 10 minutes or less. No cooking required!
- Fresh and flavorful: The classic combination of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves makes fresh bites of deliciousness.
- Fun twist on a classic: The easiest, most convenient way to enjoy a classic Caprese salad.
- Light yet satisfying: A refreshing appetizer that won’t weigh you down before the main course.
- Customizable: Add prosciutto, use your choice of seasoning, or experiment with different herbs to suit your mood or the occasion.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge for a stress-free appetizer.
How to Make Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a no-fuss, flavor-packed appetizer that looks just as good as it tastes. They look fancy but are incredibly easy to put together – simply thread the ingredients onto a skewer, add the glaze and seasoning, and serve. Just perfect for busy days and for some last-minute entertaining!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Cherry tomatoes: For that burst of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the cheese. Choose ripe, uniform-sized tomatoes and use a mix of colors if you can for better visual appeal.
- Mozzarella pearls: I love the soft, fresh contrast of mozzarella to the bright tomatoes and fragrant basil. If pearls aren’t available, you can use mozzarella balls called ciliegine (about the size of a cherry tomato) or bocconcini (cut in half), or cubed fresh mozzarella.
- Basil leaves: The classic herb for any Caprese salad, bringing its signature fresh and slightly peppery flavor.
- Balsamic glaze: The thick, tangy-sweet drizzle ties everything together.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor!
Step-By-Step Instructions
5 ingredients, 10 minutes, and 2 simple steps are all it takes to make delicious caprese salad skewers! For now, you can follow the layering instructions below, but you can add your own creative spin and more ingredients in the future.
Step 1: Assemble the skewers
Stick 2 pearls of mozzarella on each skewer. Next, layer on a basil leaf, folded in half if it’s big. Add a cherry tomato then add another basil leaf, folded if needed. Finally, add 2 small mozzarella pearls again.
Repeat with more skewers until you run out of ingredients.
Step 2: Finish with flavor
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with black pepper.
Substitutions
Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves are classic Caprese salad ingredients. In case you’re missing one, or prefer to use alternatives, substitute with the ingredients below. Just make sure to come back next time and try the recommended ingredients to enjoy the well-loved Caprese salad flavor combination!
- Cherry tomatoes: Grape tomatoes work just as well if you can’t find cherry tomatoes, but make sure to choose ripe ones for the best flavor.
- Mozzarella pearls: For extra flavor, opt for marinated mozzarella balls infused with garlic, herbs, or olive oil. In a pinch, substitute with a different cheese like Monterey Jack, fontina, feta, goat cheese, ricotta, provolone, or cheddar.
- Basil leaves: If basil is unavailable, swap in baby arugula for a bit of spice, or fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
- Balsamic glaze: No balsamic glaze? Make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened, or use a touch of honey mixed with balsamic vinegar as a quick alternative.
- Ground black pepper: Substitute with Italian seasoning, freshly cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients count especially when the recipe is simple. Caprese skewers are best made during summer when cherry tomatoes and basil are in season and at their freshest. Using quality ingredients makes a significant difference in taste.
- Squeeze tomato halves: If you’re using bigger tomatoes that you have to cut in half, make sure to squeeze most of the juice and seeds out to avoid the platter from getting too watery.
- Get creative: The 3 main ingredients make a fantastic combination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative – replace some of the tomatoes with fresh strawberries or diced peaches, or use fresh mint leaves instead of basil. Olives, artichokes, or even a slice of prosciutto or salami are also ideal additions.
- Chill before serving: For an extra refreshing treat, chill the skewers in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This will enhance the flavors and make them even more enjoyable.
- Serve on a platter: Presentation matters! Serve your skewers on a beautiful platter and drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the top for a stunning presentation. Add some fresh basil or microgreens as a garnish on your serving platter for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Store This Recipe
Caprese salad skewers are best made fresh or within a few hours of serving. They’re also best consumed on the day.
To make ahead, assemble the skewers up to 4 hours before serving time. Simply cover them with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with black pepper right before serving.
What to Serve with Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers look amazing on an appetizer spread, or as part of a charcuterie board alongside meats, cheeses, bread and crackers, fresh fruits, and nuts. I like pairing them with other easy appetizers like cheese and bacon cob loaf and bacon-wrapped pineapple bites. Serve them with a light Italian wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to enhance the flavors of the dish.
More Easy Appetizers To Try
- Tomato bruschetta
- Cream cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Pineapple cheese ball
- Pull-apart bread
- Sausage rolls
Tasty Caprese Salad Skewers
Ingredients
- 12 individual cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls
- 24 leaves basil fresh
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Stick 2 pearls of mozzarella on each skewer. Layer on a basil leaf, folded in half if it’s big. Add a cherry tomato. Add another basil leaf, folded if needed. Add 2 small mozzarella pearls again. Repeat with more skewers until you run out of ingredients.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with black pepper.
Notes
- The quality of the ingredients count especially when the recipe is simple, because they make a significant difference in taste. Make caprese skewers during summer when cherry tomatoes and basil are in season and at their freshest.
- If you’re using bigger tomatoes that you have to cut in half, make sure to squeeze most of the juice and seeds out to avoid the platter from getting too watery.
- The 3 main ingredients make a fantastic combination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative – replace some of the tomatoes with fresh strawberries or diced peaches, or use fresh mint leaves instead of basil.
- For an extra refreshing treat, chill the skewers in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This will enhance the flavors and make them even more enjoyable.
- Serve your skewers on a beautiful platter and drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the top for a stunning presentation. Add some fresh basil or microgreens as a garnish on your serving platter for a pop of color and freshness.
