Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly quick and simple—ready in about 15 minutes.
The flavor combination is lovely: sweet tomatoes, herbaceous basil and creamy mozzarella.
Great as an appetizer, snack or party bite—you don’t need to heat anything.
Highly adaptable: you can switch up the tomato or cheese type or add fruit or herbs for variation.
It looks elegant and colorful, great for gatherings or when you want something light and fresh.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cherry tomatoes
mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
fresh basil leaves
extra‑virgin olive oil, for drizzling
balsamic reduction (or good quality balsamic vinegar reduced)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
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Thread the skewers: alternate two cherry tomatoes, one mini mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf (fold large basil leaves if needed) onto each mini wooden skewer.
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Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
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Drizzle with extra‑virgin olive oil and the balsamic reduction.
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Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Variations
Swap out cherry tomatoes for different coloured heirloom cherry tomatoes for visual interest.
Instead of basil, use fresh mint for a twist (especially good if you’re switching in fruit).
Replace some tomatoes with diced peaches or strawberries for a fruity variant.
Use marinated mozzarella balls to add an extra flavour dimension.
If you like a more intense glaze, use a thicker balsamic reduction or even a flavored vinegar.
Storage/Reheating
These skewers are best served fresh on the day they’re made, while basil is vibrant and the tomatoes firm.
If you need to prepare ahead for a party, you can assemble them up to 4 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator; add the olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic glaze just before serving.
No reheating needed—this is a cold appetizer.
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 1 day for best freshness (though texture of basil may degrade).
FAQs
1. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes — you can thread the skewers up to about 4 hours ahead, store them in the fridge, and then add the olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic just before serving.
2. What kind of mozzarella should I use?
Use mini mozzarella balls (often labelled “ciliegine”) that are about the size of cherry tomatoes so the proportions match nicely.
3. Can I use regular basil instead of large leaves?
Yes — regular basil leaves are perfect. If the leaves are large, you can fold them in half so they thread neatly.
4. Do I need to use a balsamic reduction?
A balsamic reduction gives a thicker glaze and more visual appeal, but you can use good‑quality balsamic vinegar if that’s what you have—just drizzle it a bit more gently.
5. How should I choose the tomatoes?
Pick ripe cherry tomatoes (firm but yielding) and if available use an assortment of colours for added visual interest and flavour variation.
6. Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes — the recipe contains no meat or fish, so it is vegetarian friendly.
7. Can I make a vegan version?
You could swap the mozzarella balls for a vegan cheese alternative, or omit them entirely and just serve tomato‑basil skewers with olive oil and balsamic.
8. What is the ideal serving occasion?
These skewers are perfect for summer gatherings, buffets, picnics, or as a simple appetizer at a dinner party—they’re light, fresh and easy to eat.
9. How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers should be stored in the fridge and ideally consumed within one day. The texture of basil leaves will degrade over time, and the tomatoes may release moisture.
10. Can I add other toppings or flavours?
Absolutely — you can include a small piece of prosciutto, slice of olive, roasted pepper, or swap in herbs like mint or tarragon. Just keep the skewer size manageable for easy eating.
Conclusion
These Caprese skewers deliver big flavour with minimal effort. Fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil and creamy mozzarella come together in a fun, bite‑friendly format that’s ideal for entertaining or snacking. With just a quick prep and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze, you’ll have a beautiful, colourful dish that looks as good as it tastes. Try it next time you want something simple, elegant and fresh.
