Caprese Skewers
A modern classic, Caprese Skewers are the easiest and most delicious summer appetizer. They’ve got creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic glaze, all in a perfectly handheld package that is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
In the spirit of simple is best, Caprese skewers are the classic appetizer that just never disappoints. They effortlessly flex from the most casual to the most elegant gatherings, and are absolutely always a crowd-pleaser.
If you need a super easy, quick, and beautiful way to round out a menu, these are the ticket — any time of year, I say, but especially in the summer when plump cherry tomatoes and leafy fresh basil are at their most bountiful.
My personal dream appetizer spread? Caprese skewers, blackberry or apricot baked brie phyllo cups, pesto flatbreads cut into bite-sized pieces, and BBQ-glazed chicken bacon bites for the meat lovers. Or, crockpot BBQ meatballs for an almost completely hands-off option. Yum!
Ingredient & Substitution Notes
Here are a few notes and shopping tips about the ingredients you’ll need. Find full amounts in the print-friendly recipe card below.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes. Plump, juicy, and perfectly-sized for skewers.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese. The ideal size to pair with cherry tomatoes are Ciliegine, or “cherry-sized” mozzarella. You can make these with plain mozzarella balls or with the “marinated” type that are sold already in a solution of olive oil and herbs. It’s the marinated type shown here.
- Fresh basil. Lots of it. Fragrant and gorgeous.
- Balsamic glaze. You can easily buy this at the grocery store — it’s inexpensive and a bottle lasts forever — or make your own balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it has a thick, syrupy consistency. Either way, it adds a delightful tangy sweetness.
- Flaked sea salt. This is an optional finishing touch, but I can’t resist the sparkle it adds.
You may also choose to drizzle or drip on some extra-virgin olive oil, especially if you’re not using marinated mozzarella. Go wild.
Pro Tip
You can certainly use a regular toothpick for appetizers like this, but using a slightly longer bamboo skewers can make them easier to assemble and also to eat. You can purchase a pack of 100 for less than $5.
Related: Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Tomato and Avocado
The ease of putting these together, of course, is part of the joy and speaks for itself. Thread your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers any way that you like. Arrange on a platter and serve — drizzled with balsamic and sprinkled with sea salt, if you like.
Expert Tips & FAQs
What can I add to mozzarella skewers?
Another beautiful thing about tomato mozzarella skewers is their versatility: it’s easy to add extra goodies to some or all of your spread. Have fun with it! A few ideas:
- Olives: green, Kalamata, Castelvetrano, you name it.
- Folded pepperoni, salami, prosciutto, deli turkey, etc.
- Cooked tortellini of any variety.
- Mint leaves in place of or in addition to the basil.
- Small cubes or slices of strawberry, peach, or nectarine.
- Cubed or scooped balls of cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or mango.
Can I make Caprese skewers ahead?
Tomato mozzarella bites are best enjoyed the same day they’re made, to keep the basil fresh and the mozzarella plump, but you can still work a little ahead. Thread the skewers up to 8 hours ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. Add the balsamic and salt just prior to serving.
How to cut basil for skewers?
The best way to cut a fresh basil leaf for skewers? Don’t! Instead, use a relatively large leaf and just fold it gently in half or in thirds, then thread onto skewers in between mozzarella, tomatoes, or other ingredients that will hold the basil in place.
Related Recipes
Can’t get enough of this classic combo? You’ll also love my summer peach Caprese, balsamic tortellini Caprese pasta salad, marinated tomato salad with burrata, or marinated mozzarella panzanella.
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Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- 24 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 12 mozzarella balls Ciliegine or “cherry” size
- 24 basil leaves
- balsamic glaze
- sea salt
Instructions
- Thread the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto miniature skewers.24 cherry or grape tomatoes, 12 mozzarella balls, 24 basil leaves
- Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze, then sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve right away.balsamic glaze, sea salt
Notes
- Work Ahead: These are best enjoyed the same day they’re made, to keep the basil fresh and the mozzarella plump, but you can still work a little ahead. Thread the skewers up to 8 hours ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. Add the balsamic and salt just prior to serving.
- Mozzarella: You can make these with plain mozzarella balls or with the “marinated” type that are sold already in a solution of olive oil and herbs.
