Caprese skewers are a perfect mingling of chewy mozzarella, sharp basil, and snappy tomatoes. These easy Christmas appetizers with a whiff of sweet yet tangy balsamic glaze will have you smitten. They’re that delightful to look at and eat!
I’d been writing down ideas for Christmas snacks and then chucking them faster than you can blink. Nothing seemed worthy. And then I came across this tomato-basil-mozzarella assemblage, and I realized it’s been a minute since I made an appetizer that required no cooking.
If you discount the balsamic glaze (and it really needs no work), you just need to assemble these extremely poppable Caprese salad skewers. Between the three of us (me, my husband, and my son), we finished a whole batch in one sitting.
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WHAT ARE CAPRESE SALAD SKEWERS?
Caprese skewers are just Caprese salad threaded on skewers. The harmonizing combo of basil, tomato, and mozzarella seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil is so well-conceived that no matter what incarnation you give it, it’s simply addictive.
Putting Caprese on skewers is like finding a new route to the same delicious destination. And it makes them portable, turning the juicy, yummy salad we all know and love into the perfect appetizer for any get-together.
WHY TRY THESE MINI CAPRESE SKEWERS
Gorgeous to behold and eat.
It only takes about 20 minutes.
Fancy, but not challenging rather super, super, easy to make.
Utterly fresh and fun appetizers for Christmas or New Years
HOW TO MAKE CAPRESE SKEWERS?
Step 1: Start by making a balsamic glaze, which is nothing but reduced balsamic vinegar. Pour the vinegar into a small saucepan and then cook it on medium heat, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Continue to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it has reduced to half its original volume.
Step 2: Pour the thick, sticky, and smooth glaze into a bowl. Set it aside. Bear in mind that it’ll thicken more, reaching a syrupy consistency as it cools.
Step 3: Pick up your mini skewers or the prettiest toothpicks you have and thread the Caprese skewer ingredients in this order: cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, mini mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and the final cherry tomato.
Step 4: Place the assembled basil, tomato, and mozzarella skewers on your platter or tray. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze on top.
Step 5: Follow with some olive oil, and finally, sprinkle sea salt and pepper.
Final step: Serve and admire its perfection!
CAPRESE APPETIZER TIPS
- Use the best quality and freshest ingredients possible for these appetizers with tomatoes and mozzarella. Trust me on this. Find the juiciest, plumpest tomatoes, the freshest cherry mozzarella, the greenest sweet basil, and the most excellent olive oil.
- You want the glaze to be thick, not just because it hugs the mozzarella tomato skewers like a mother, but because it sweetens and enhances the flavor.
- Caprese skewers are make-ahead appetizers, but I would strongly suggest assembling them right before serving, so the basil is not limp and wilting.
- If time doesn’t allow, you can prep the tomato basil mozzarella appetizers 2 to 3 hours beforehand and stash them in the fridge. However, drizzle the balsamic glaze just seconds before you serve.
NOTES ON CAPRESE SKEWERS INGREDIENTS
Caprese on skewers is a treat so balanced and downright delicious that any variation to its ingredients is just blasphemy.
Tomatoes: Stick to cherry or grape tomatoes.
Basil: Store-bought is fine as long as it's fresh. If you’ve got a basil plant at home, use it. Pluck the leaves right as you start assembling each mozzarella, tomato, and basil appetizer.
Balsamic Vinegar: I used a moderate quality one, not too expensive and it worked just fine. You can also use a store-bought balsamic glaze.
In case there are a few sediments in your vinegar, don't worry. Its still safe to use that vinegar!
Salt and pepper: Salt is more than seasoning here. It lends bursts of flavor and crunch to the Caprese bites. But you don’t want the tomato, basil, and mozzarella to drown in salt or pepper. So go very light on both and let the simplicity shine through.
MORE DRINKS AND APPETIZERS FOR HOLIDAYS
Pomegranate Mimosa
Half the joy of cooking is sharing it with others, which is why I’m always eager to hear from you. So go right ahead and drop a comment or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love these Caprese salad skewers as much as we do!
Delicious Caprese Salad Skewers
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
- 20 Cherry tomatoes
- 10 Mini mozzarella balls/ Cherry mozzarella
- 20 Basil leaves
- 1-2 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt & Pepper for light seasoning
Instructions
- Balsamic Glaze- Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and cook on medium heat until it's reduced by half and has a thick, syrupy consistency.This can take about 15 minutes.
- Pour the balsamic reduction into a small bowl and let it cool.
- Meanwhile assemble the skewers - thread a cherry tomato, basil leaf, cherry mozzarella, another basil leaf, and lastly another cherry tomato, onto toothpicks or mini skewers.
- Place on your serving platter, drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Sprinkle some sea salt and black pepper on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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