Name: Caprese Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 to 18 (4-inch) wooden skewers; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes; 1 (12-ounce) container miniature cherry-sized fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine); 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 36 leaves); Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper

Colorful, juicy, and bursting with cheerful flavor, this Caprese Skewers Recipe transforms the classic Italian salad into a party-perfect finger food that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create an appetizer that’s equal parts vibrant, fresh, and totally crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Endlessly Fresh and Flavorful: Each skewer is a little bite of summer—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil make every mouthful pop with Italian-inspired goodness.
So Quick and Easy: The Caprese Skewers Recipe comes together in 15 minutes flat, meaning you can whip up an appetizer that’ll wow your guests even at the last minute.
Perfect for Sharing (or Solo Snacking!): Because they’re served on skewers, these are mess-free, portable, and party-ready—whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying a quiet night in.
Stunning on Any Table: The vibrant red, white, and green colors give your platter instant visual appeal—no fancy garnishing skills required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Caprese Skewers Recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient counts, and together, they create a delightful blend of taste, texture, and color. Handpick the freshest items for the most flavorful, show-stopping result.

Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Choose the ripest, sweetest little tomatoes you can find for juicy bursts of flavor and a vibrant red hue.
Miniature Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): These tender cheese balls add a creamy, mild richness that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fresh Basil Leaves: The unmistakable aroma and subtle peppery taste of basil gives these skewers their signature freshness—go for large, unblemished leaves if you can!
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A quick drizzle brings out the silky notes in the mozzarella and ties the flavors together—use your favorite peppery or fruity olive oil.
Balsamic Glaze: This sweet-tart finishing touch adds depth and a gourmet flair. (If you don’t have glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar to make your own!)
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just a pinch of each brightens and enhances every bite.
Wooden Skewers (4-inch): The perfect vessel for easy, mess-free serving—wooden skewers are sturdy and so easy for guests to grab.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The Caprese Skewers Recipe is wonderfully flexible—feel free to play with the components to fit your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. There are so many fun ways to make this recipe your own!

Swap in Marinated Mozzarella: Give your skewers extra punch by using herby marinated mozzarella balls from the deli or your own batch for more flavor in every bite.
Berry Twist: Try threading in a juicy strawberry or two for a sweet-savory spin that pairs surprisingly well with basil and balsamic glaze.
Go Vegan: Swap the mozzarella with plant-based cheese balls and use maple balsamic reduction instead of the regular glaze for a completely dairy-free version.
Add Prosciutto: For a satisfying, salty bite, fold a thin ribbon of prosciutto in between the layers—an instant hit for meat lovers!

How to Make Caprese Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by giving the tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls a quick rinse under gentle running water. Pat them completely dry with a clean towel—excess moisture makes it hard for the olive oil and glaze to cling later.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the goodies onto your skewers in this order: one tomato, one basil leaf (fold into half if it’s large), one mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finally one more tomato. Repeat for each skewer, arranging the colors beautifully for an extra pretty look.

Step 3: Season and Drizzle

Lay the finished skewers on your serving platter. Drizzle them gently but generously with extra-virgin olive oil and glossy balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with kosher salt and crack a bit of fresh black pepper over everything to make the flavors shine.

Pro Tips for Making Caprese Skewers Recipe

Choose Super-Fresh Basil: Look for brightly-colored, unbruised leaves—older basil can be wilted or bitter, and that fresh punch makes all the difference in this Caprese Skewers Recipe.
Uniform Size Matters: Try to pick tomatoes and mozzarella balls that are similar in size so every skewer is perfectly balanced and looks extra polished on your platter.
Speedy Balsamic Glaze Hack: No pre-made glaze? Simmer balsamic vinegar on the stove until syrupy and let it cool—just five minutes turns pantry vinegar into glossy, flavor-packed drizzle!
Chill for a Flavor Burst: Keep the assembled skewers chilled until serving—this not only keeps everything fresh but brings out the best in the creamy mozzarella and basil.

How to Serve Caprese Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

For that extra finishing touch, add a few torn fresh basil leaves right before serving or a light dusting of flaky sea salt. A final splash of balsamic glaze can make the platter glisten, giving each Caprese Skewer extra aromatic punch and irresistible eye appeal.

Side Dishes

Round out your platter with crisp crostini, a springy arugula salad, or even some marinated olives. The bright flavors of Caprese Skewers Recipe play well with all kinds of Italian appetizers or a simple glass of bubbly on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange skewers “sunburst-style” in a circular pattern, or stand them up in mason jars or little glasses for an adorable, grab-and-go station. You can even tuck extras into lunchboxes for a fun, elegant snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Caprese Skewers Recipe in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the skewers dry and add another drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze just before eating.

Freezing

Basil and mozzarella don’t freeze well—the texture turns mushy and leaves become discolored—so freezing isn’t recommended. For best flavor and freshness, prepare only as many skewers as you’ll enjoy in a day or two.

Reheating

No need to reheat—Caprese Skewers Recipe are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If they’ve chilled in the fridge, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off before serving for the best burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I prepare Caprese Skewers Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge. For best flavor, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting fresh.
What’s the best way to keep basil leaves fresh and green?

Fresh basil wilts quickly, so keep it wrapped lightly in a damp paper towel in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. If basil gets limp, a brief ice water bath can revive the leaves!
Can I use regular mozzarella and cut it into cubes?

Yes, you can cut block mozzarella into bite-sized cubes if you can’t find ciliegine. Just make sure the cubes are small enough to sit nicely on the skewer and are well-drained for the best texture.
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic glaze is a reduced, thickened, and sweetened form of balsamic vinegar. If you don’t have it on hand, you can simmer regular balsamic vinegar on the stove until it thickens, or simply drizzle the vinegar for a lighter, tangier touch.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Skewers Recipe is truly my go-to for effortless entertaining or simply treating myself to a taste of sunshine—one bite, and I promise you’ll see why! I hope you’ll give it a try and share the joy of this fresh, vibrant appetizer with friends and family. Enjoy every bite!