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Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Party Appetizer with Balsamic Glaze

mini Caprese skewers - featured image

These vibrant mini Caprese skewers feature juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a sticky-sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or healthy snacking, they’re quick to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 24 mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls), drained
  • 24 fresh basil leaves, medium-size
  • 24 wooden toothpicks or small appetizer skewers
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon zest, a pinch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and add honey or brown sugar if using.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reduce for 8-10 minutes until syrupy and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cool.
  4. Wash and dry cherry tomatoes; slice in half if large.
  5. Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry.
  6. Pick fresh basil leaves, tearing larger leaves into smaller pieces if needed.
  7. Thread one tomato half, one basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each toothpick or skewer. Optionally, finish with another tomato half.
  8. Repeat until all ingredients are used (makes about 24 skewers).
  9. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
  10. Drizzle with cooled balsamic glaze and a little olive oil.
  11. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper, and lemon zest if desired.
  12. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use the freshest ingredients for best flavor. Pat tomatoes and mozzarella dry to prevent soggy skewers. Assemble up to 2 hours ahead and glaze just before serving. For vegan or dairy-free, use plant-based mozzarella. Store-bought balsamic glaze works if short on time. Add basil leaves right before serving to prevent wilting.

Nutrition

Keywords: caprese, appetizer, party, skewers, balsamic glaze, mozzarella, tomato, basil, gluten-free, vegetarian, easy, healthy