These Caprese Skewers are a delightful explosion of color and flavor—sweet, tangy, and simply irresistible. This eye-catching appetizer is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for summery occasions.
Recipe Overview
I have a special fondness for these Caprese Skewers due to their refreshing taste. While they can be enjoyed throughout the year, they are especially delightful during the summer months when tomatoes are at their peak sweetness and chilled dishes are most appealing. This straightforward recipe is sure to win you over.
- TASTE: With a harmonious blend of sweet, cheesy, and tangy flavors, the addition of a hint of salty, peppery seasoning elevates these skewers.
- TEXTURE: The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and crispy basil leaves come together beautifully, topped off with a rich glaze that makes them hard to resist.
- TIME: You can prepare this recipe in just 5 minutes.
- EASE: This dish is quick and uncomplicated, requiring minimal ingredients and no cooking.
Ingredients Needed
Ingredient Insights
- Mozzarella- Fresh mozzarella has a creamy texture that is ideal. Choose ciliegine-sized pieces that are the perfect fit for skewers.
- Cherry tomatoes- Their size and flavor profile make these tomatoes ideal for this recipe, as their natural sweetness complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Basil- Fresh basil lends aromatic, herbaceous notes to the dish.
- Balsamic glaze- This sweet and tangy glaze is a fantastic pairing with both the tomatoes and cheese.
- Salt and black pepper-
Add-Ons and Alternatives
- Homemade balsamic glaze- You can create a balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens, letting it cool before drizzling it over the skewers.
- Different tomato varieties- Incorporate yellow cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes for a pop of color in your skewers.
- Alternate cheeses- While traditional Caprese recipes use mozzarella, you could substitute cubed cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey jack for a twist.
- Add olive oil- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the skewers can enhance this fresh appetizer’s flavors.
Steps to Prepare Caprese Skewers
- Assemble the skewers. Begin by draining the mozzarella balls, then thread tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves onto the skewers.
- Season and drizzle. Once the skewers are assembled, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
Pro Tip: For each skewer, I typically use 2 tomatoes, 2 basil leaves, and 1 mozzarella ball to maintain a balanced taste that highlights the cheese without overwhelming it.
Helpful Tips for Your Recipe
- Select tomatoes at the perfect ripeness – Opt for cherry tomatoes that are fully ripe but not overly soft. If tomatoes are too ripe, they can become mushy, making skewering challenging without breaking them.
- Use kosher salt – This type of salt enhances flavors more effectively than iodized salt and provides a pleasant crunch when it coats the ingredients.
- Apply the glaze just before serving – Drizzling the balsamic glaze too soon can lead to mozzarella absorbing it, which may cause discoloration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum time in advance I can prepare caprese skewers?Caprese skewers can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of service. However, it’s advisable to refrain from adding any balsamic glaze or seasonings until you are ready to serve to prevent moisture release from the tomatoes. Preparing them too early may result in mushy tomatoes and wilted basil.
Suggestions for Serving
These Caprese Skewers are not just simple to make; they are also delightful in taste, making them perfect for hosting guests. They enhance a variety of dishes, including salads, dips, grilled meats, and other appetizers.
- Grilled meats: Match these skewers with Grilled Chicken Kabobs, Flank Steak Tacos, Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs, or Grilled Teriyaki Salmon.
- Salads: Pair with Antipasto Salad, Greek Chicken Pasta Salad, Salmon Potato Salad, or Tri-Color Pasta Salad (VIDEO).
- Dips: Accompany with 7 Layer Taco Dip, Hot Artichoke Dip, Easy BLT Dip, or Garlic Cream Cheese Dip.
Additional Appetizers: Enhance your spread with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, Baked Brie in Puff Pastry, Easy Piroshki, or Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.
Advance Preparation Tips
Preparation Ahead of Time: You can assemble the skewers up to one day in advance and keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover Caprese Skewers, keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Freezing these skewers is not advised. Although the mozzarella and basil will thaw well, the tomatoes may become mushy and watery upon defrosting.
More Delicious Appetizer Ideas!
-
Smoked Salmon Appetizer Cups -
Chicken Croquettes Recipe -
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms -
Easy BLT Dip
Complete Recipe Instructions
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1
bunch Basil -
8
oz
Mozzarella balls
ciliengine -
Salt & pepper to taste -
Balsamic glaze
for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by draining excess liquid from the mozzarella balls. Then, thread the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella onto the mini skewers.
- For each skewer, I used 2 tomatoes, 2 basil leaves, and 1 mozzarella ball. After assembly, season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
Nutrition
Calories:
31
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
1
g
|
Protein:
2
g
|
Fat:
2
g
|
Here is a revised version of the nutritional information while maintaining its integrity and structure:
—
**Saturated Fat:** 1 g | **Polyunsaturated Fat:** 0.01 g | **Monounsaturated Fat:** 0.003 g | **Cholesterol:** 4 mg | **Sodium:** 10 mg | **Potassium:** 32 mg | **Fiber:** 0.1 g | **Sugar:** 0.4 g | **Vitamin A:** 73 IU | **Vitamin C:** 3 mg | **Calcium:** 42 mg | **Iron:** 0.1 mg
—
This format presents the same nutritional data succinctly and clearly.
