Name: Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze 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, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

There’s something so fresh and delicious about the simple combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all brought together beautifully in the Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe. It’s like summer on a stick and perfect for any gathering or snack time.

The image shows eight skewers on a round white plate with a light gray texture. Each skewer has three layers starting with a bright red cherry tomato on the bottom, followed by fresh green basil leaves, and topped with a round white mozzarella ball. The mozzarella balls are slightly shiny and smooth, and the basil leaves look fresh and crisp. The cherry tomatoes are glossy and full. Drizzled over the skewers is a dark brown balsamic glaze that adds shiny lines and small drops on the plate. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s fuss-free but feels fancy, plus it’s a colorful crowd-pleaser every single time. I love how easy it is to customize and how it highlights fresh, quality ingredients.

Super Simple Assembly: No cooking required, just skewering and drizzling—perfect for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: The combination of tomato, basil, and mozzarella tastes like Italy on a plate.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, party, or casual snack, these skewers are always a hit.
Easy to Customize: You can switch up the glaze, add extras, or serve alongside other dishes effortlessly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is simple on its own, but when combined, they create this irresistible harmony of taste and texture. Here’s why each one matters:

Flat lay of a small bunch of fresh bright green basil leaves, a pint of glossy red cherry tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with miniature fresh mozzarella balls, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Wooden skewers: These let you serve individual bites perfectly—plus, the 4-inch size is just the right length for easy handling.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Small, juicy, and packed with sweetness that bursts in your mouth; fresh and in-season makes all the difference.
Mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Creamy, tender, and bite-sized, they balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fresh basil leaves: Their aromatic herbal notes lift the whole skewer and add a burst of green freshness.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A silky drizzle to bring richness and enhance the flavors without overpowering.
Balsamic glaze: Its sweet-tart punch is what makes this recipe unforgettable, adding that perfect finishing touch.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all ingredients together and enhance the natural flavors.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with my Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe depending on the season or the occasion. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can give it a sneaky little kick if you like things spicy.

Variation: One summer, I swapped the balsamic glaze for a homemade pesto drizzle—it added that herby punch I was craving, and it was just as dreamy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, gather your cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls. I usually rinse and pat dry the tomatoes and basil, making sure everything’s fresh and dry to prevent sogginess on the skewers. If your basil leaves are large, fold them in half so they fit nicely between the tomato and mozzarella.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

Take your 4-inch wooden skewer and start by threading one tomato, followed by a basil leaf, then one mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finally one more tomato. This order keeps a balance of flavor and color on every bite. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the skewer to keep the ingredients from squishing together.

Step 3: Drizzle and Season

Arrange your skewers on a lovely platter, then drizzle with just a touch of extra-virgin olive oil and a generous swirl of balsamic glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This final seasoning elevates those classic Caprese flavors.

Top Tip

Over time, I've learned some small tips that make putting together Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe even easier and tastier. These little hacks really help you nail the perfect balance of flavor and presentation.

Use Fresh, Firm Ingredients: Soft or overly ripe tomatoes and basil can get mushy quickly; fresh ones hold up and look vibrant.
Chill Ingredients Before Assembling: It keeps the mozzarella firm and prevents the skewers from becoming soggy before serving.
Drizzle the Balsamic Glaze Just Before Serving: Adding it too early can make the skewers wet and soggy. Wait until guests arrive!
Fold Large Basil Leaves: This prevents them from overwhelming the skewer and helps with easy eating.

How to Serve Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually add a few extra fresh basil leaves on the platter for garnish and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving. Sometimes a tiny pinch of chili flakes adds a nice surprise if I’m feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

These skewers pair beautifully with crusty bread or a light green salad. When I’m hosting, I love serving them alongside a charcuterie board with olives and marinated artichokes — it makes for a complete Mediterranean vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a summer party, I arranged the skewers standing upright in a shallow dish filled with coarse salt to hold them in place. It looks stunning and invites guests to grab one easily. You can also layer them on colorful platters with edible flowers for extra charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge, but I recommend holding off on drizzling the balsamic glaze until just before serving the next day to keep the basil fresh and the mozzarella firm.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe because fresh tomatoes and basil don’t freeze well — they lose texture and flavor. Best enjoyed fresh!

Reheating

These skewers are best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. Just take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use larger tomatoes if I don’t have cherry or grape tomatoes?

You can, but I recommend cutting larger tomatoes into bite-size pieces to keep the skewers easy to eat and balanced. Cherry or grape tomatoes work best for their size and juiciness.

What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic glaze is a thick, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar mixed with sweeteners, making it perfect for drizzling on dishes like these skewers. Regular balsamic vinegar is thinner and more acidic, so the glaze adds a richer taste and beautiful visual impact.

Can I prepare these skewers in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated, but hold off on drizzling the olive oil, balsamic glaze, and seasoning until right before serving to maintain freshness.

Are Caprese skewers suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Absolutely! This recipe features fresh vegetables, cheese, and herbs, making it a perfect vegetarian-friendly appetizer or snack. Just be sure to use mozzarella made without animal rennet if you want them strictly vegetarian.

Final Thoughts

I truly cherish the Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe because it’s quick, elegant, and packed with fresh flavor—exactly what I want when I’m hosting or craving a light bite. I hope you give this a try and enjoy assembling something so simple yet so satisfying. Trust me, your friends will be asking for these again and again!