You guys, these caprese skewers are the ultimate summer appetizer that will make your guests think you’re some kind of culinary genius!
These little bites of heaven combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil in the most adorable, pop-in-your-mouth presentation that’s basically IMPOSSIBLE to resist!
I’ve brought these to countless gatherings and I’m always sent home with an empty platter and requests for the recipe!
What you will love about these caprese skewers
All you really need are a few quality ingredients, some cute little skewers, and about 15 minutes to create an appetizer that looks like it came from a fancy catering company!
You are going to LOVE how incredibly versatile these skewers are! Make them for a casual backyard BBQ, an elegant dinner party, or even a romantic date night at home.
I’ve even packed them for picnics in little containers with the balsamic drizzle on the side – talk about elevating your outdoor dining experience!
All I know is, once you see how quickly these disappear from the appetizer table and how many compliments you receive, you’ll be hooked!
These will inevitably become your go-to appetizer for every occasion. Last summer I made these for a friend’s engagement party, and the bride-to-be literally requested them for her wedding cocktail hour! They’re THAT good!
Ingredients for Caprese Skewers
Cherry Tomatoes: The star of our skewers! Look for firm, ripe cherry tomatoes that are sweet and juicy. I like to use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes for the most gorgeous presentation. The multicolored ones from farmers markets in summer are ABSOLUTELY WORTH hunting down!
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Please use the real deal here! Those little mozzarella pearls (sometimes called bocconcini or ciliegine) are perfect for skewers. If you can only find larger balls, just cut them into bite-sized pieces. The creamy, milky flavor of fresh mozzarella is what makes these skewers so irresistible!
Fresh Basil Leaves: This is where the magic happens! Fresh basil adds that aromatic, slightly peppery flavor that defines caprese anything. I like to use medium-sized leaves that can be folded easily around the mozzarella. Pro tip: I grow basil in my kitchen window just so I always have some on hand for impromptu caprese cravings!
Balsamic Glaze: This thick, sweet reduction of balsamic vinegar adds incredible depth and that beautiful finishing touch. You can buy it pre-made (look near the vinegars at your grocery store) or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced and syrupy. It’s the perfect finishing touch that elevates these from good to OMG AMAZING!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and helps the seasonings stick. This is one of those times when that fancy bottle of olive oil you’ve been saving deserves to be used!
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper makes all the flavors pop. Don’t skip this simple but crucial step!
Optional Ingredients
Flavored Olive Oils: For an unexpected twist, try using a basil-infused or garlic-infused olive oil instead of regular. I made these once with a lemon olive oil and everyone went CRAZY for them!
Pesto Drizzle: Instead of (or in addition to) the balsamic glaze, try a small drizzle of pesto sauce. It amplifies the basil flavor and adds another dimension of deliciousness.
Prosciutto: For a more substantial skewer, wrap a small piece of thinly sliced prosciutto around the mozzarella before adding it to the skewer. The salty-sweet combination is absolutely divine!
How to make the perfect Caprese Skewers
Step 1: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and wooden skewers. If using bamboo skewers, there’s no need to soak them since we’re not cooking these (unlike when you’re grilling!).
Step 2: Wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. This is super important – any water left on your ingredients will dilute the flavors and might make your presentation less pretty.
Step 3: If your mozzarella balls are stored in water (most are), drain them thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Again, removing excess moisture is key to the perfect caprese skewer!
Step 4: Now for the assembly! There are a few ways to arrange your skewers, but my favorite method is: tomato → basil leaf (folded around the cheese) → mozzarella ball → tomato. The folded basil leaf wrapped around the cheese creates this beautiful visual element and ensures every bite has some basil flavor.
Step 5: Arrange your assembled skewers on a serving platter. If making ahead, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Step 6: Just before serving, drizzle the skewers with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil. You don’t need much – just enough to add a hint of richness.
Step 7: Next, drizzle with balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern. I like to use a squeeze bottle for this to control the flow and create a pretty presentation.
Step 8: Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. This final seasoning step is what makes these skewers taste like they came from a high-end restaurant!
Step 9: Serve immediately at room temperature and watch them disappear! If you’re serving these at a party, consider making a second batch and keeping it in the fridge to refresh the platter halfway through. Trust me, these go FAST!
Tips
Tips for making the best caprese skewers
Room temperature serving: Never serve these straight from the refrigerator! Cold temperatures dull the flavors, especially of the tomatoes. For maximum flavor impact, let them come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving.
Quality ingredients matter: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, the quality of each one really shines through. Use the best tomatoes, freshest basil, and good-quality mozzarella you can find. This is one of those recipes where splurging a little really pays off!
Make them uniform: Try to select cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls that are similar in size for the most visually appealing presentation. I actually sort my tomatoes by size before assembling – my husband thinks I’m crazy but then he’s always amazed at how professional the finished skewers look!
Substitutions
Make it dairy-free: Believe it or not, you can substitute cubes of watermelon for the mozzarella! The sweet-savory combination with the basil and balsamic is unexpectedly delicious.
Different cheese options: If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, cubed feta cheese or even small cubes of manchego can work well for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Tomato alternatives: During those sad months when good tomatoes are hard to find, you can substitute cubes of roasted red pepper for a different but still delicious skewer.
What to serve with Caprese Skewers
Antipasto platter: Create a gorgeous Italian-inspired spread with olives, cured meats, marinated artichoke hearts, and these caprese skewers as the star attraction.
Crusty bread: Serve alongside slices of good quality Italian bread for guests to soak up any drizzled olive oil and balsamic that falls onto the plate. Nothing should go to waste!
Prosecco or rosé: These skewers pair beautifully with light, crisp wines. I love serving them with a chilled prosecco for the perfect summer happy hour combo!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Make-ahead tips: You can assemble the skewers up to 4 hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Wait to add the olive oil, balsamic glaze, and seasoning until right before serving.
Storage instructions: If you happen to have leftovers (which, honestly, rarely happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The basil will start to darken after that, affecting both appearance and flavor.
Party prep hack: If you’re making these for a large gathering, prep all ingredients separately (wash and dry tomatoes, tear basil, pat mozzarella dry) and store in separate containers. Then assemble fresh batches throughout the event for the most pristine presentation!
FAQ’s
Why are my skewers looking soggy?
The most common culprit is not thoroughly drying your ingredients, especially the mozzarella. Those little cheese balls hold a lot of water! Pat them very dry with paper towels before assembling. Also, wait until just before serving to add any oil or balsamic drizzle.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
I’m going to be straight with you – absolutely not! Dried basil simply won’t give you the same flavor or presentation. Fresh basil is essential for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh basil, I’d honestly recommend a different appetizer rather than compromising on this key ingredient.
How many skewers should I make per person?
For a cocktail party with multiple appetizers, plan on 2-3 skewers per person. If these are the main appetizer, I’d recommend 4-5 per person. But honestly? I always make extra because they’re the first thing to disappear from any spread!
Can I make these the night before?
While technically you can assemble them the night before, they won’t be at their best. The basil can wilt and discolor, and the tomatoes might release too much juice. I wouldn’t make them more than 4 hours in advance, and even then, hold the dressing until serving time.
Caprese Skewers
Equipment
- Small wooden skewers or cocktail picks
- Serving platter
- Paper towels for drying ingredients
- Squeeze bottle for balsamic glaze (optional)
Ingredients
- 24 cherry tomatoes preferably a mix of red and yellow
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls about 24 pieces
- 1 bunch fresh basil about 24 medium-sized leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 24 small wooden skewers or picks
Optional additions
- Flavored olive oil basil or garlic infused
- Thin slices of prosciutto
- Drizzle of pesto
- Small cubes of watermelon
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
- Drain the mozzarella pearls and pat dry with paper towels.
- Thread a cherry tomato onto a wooden skewer.
- Fold a basil leaf around a mozzarella ball and thread onto the skewer after the tomato.
- Add another cherry tomato to complete the skewer.
- Arrange all skewers on a serving platter.
- Just before serving, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve at room temperature.