Easy Caprese Skewer Appetizers with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
Simple, fresh Caprese skewers with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, finished with a sweet homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick gatherings and crowd-pleasing appetizers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), about 1 inch diameter
- 20 cherry or grape tomatoes, about 1 inch size
- 20 fresh basil leaves, whole
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks (6-inch length)
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar into a medium saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- In a medium bowl, lightly toss tomatoes and mozzarella balls with a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (optional).
- Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each wooden skewer or toothpick.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle evenly with the sweet balsamic glaze.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. If chilled, bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not let the balsamic vinegar boil rapidly to avoid bitterness. Fold basil leaves to prevent slipping off skewers. If glaze thickens too much after cooling, warm gently before drizzling. Assemble skewers close to serving time for best freshness. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan mozzarella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese skewers, appetizer, balsamic glaze, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, party snack, gluten-free