Delight your taste buds with these adorable caprese salad skewers, a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these skewers are as delicious as they are cute.
Why This Recipe Works
- These skewers are a portable version of the classic caprese salad, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking or elegant party appetizers.
- Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures each bite is bursting with flavor, from the juicy tomatoes to the creamy mozzarella.
- The combination of balsamic glaze and fresh basil adds a sweet and aromatic touch that elevates the simple ingredients.
- They’re incredibly easy to assemble, requiring no cooking skills, just a love for good food.
- Customizable to suit any taste or dietary preference, making them a versatile option for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine size), drained
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20 small skewers or toothpicks
Equipment Needed
- Small skewers or toothpicks
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Serving platter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing your cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure the skewers aren’t watery. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside. If your mozzarella balls are larger than bite-sized, you can halve them as well for uniformity.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Take a skewer and thread one half of a cherry tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, a basil leaf folded in half, and then another tomato half. The order is tomato, mozzarella, basil, tomato, but feel free to get creative with the arrangement. Repeat this process until all skewers are assembled and placed on your serving platter.
Step 3: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze and Olive Oil
Once all skewers are assembled, lightly drizzle them with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. The key here is to not overdo it; a little goes a long way in adding flavor without making the skewers soggy. Use a spoon to evenly distribute the glaze and oil if needed.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Finish your skewers with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This enhances the natural flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella. Taste one skewer to adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve immediately. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, you can cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate, but add the balsamic glaze, olive oil, and seasoning just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra flavor boost, you can marinate the mozzarella balls in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning for a few hours before assembling the skewers. If you’re short on time, using store-bought balsamic glaze is a great shortcut, but reducing balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey at home can add a personal touch. To prevent the basil from wilting, assemble the skewers close to serving time. For a colorful variation, mix yellow and red cherry tomatoes. Always use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best taste experience.
Recipe Variations
- Add a slice of avocado between the mozzarella and tomato for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Substitute the mozzarella with burrata for an even creamier center.
- Use prosciutto or salami slices wrapped around the mozzarella for a salty, meaty addition.
- Try different herbs like mint or oregano in place of basil for a unique flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, use tofu or vegan cheese alternatives and skip the balsamic glaze if it contains honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers without the balsamic glaze, olive oil, and seasoning a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and add the finishing touches right before serving to ensure they’re fresh and flavorful.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, the basil may wilt and the tomatoes can become watery, so they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Can I use larger tomatoes?
While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their size and sweetness, you can use larger tomatoes cut into bite-sized pieces. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape on the skewer.
Summary
These caprese salad skewers are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that brings the classic flavors of a caprese salad into a fun, bite-sized format. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress with their simplicity and taste.
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