Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Who needs complicated appetizers when these gorgeous caprese skewers exist? These little bites of heaven combine the classic Italian trio of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in the most adorable, pop-in-your-mouth format. Trust me, these are about to become your entertaining secret weapon!

The magic of these skewers is in their simplicity. The juicy burst of cherry tomatoes, the creamy richness of fresh mozzarella, and the aromatic punch of basil—all brought together with a drizzle of sweet-tangy balsamic glaze. They’re elegant enough for a fancy cocktail party but easy enough to whip up for a casual backyard gathering. And the best part? You can assemble them in minutes!

Ingredients

For the skewers:

• 36 red cherry tomatoes
• 24 bite-sized fresh mozzarella balls
• 36 small basil leaves
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1½ tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 8-inch skewers

Steps

1. In a small bowl, mix together the 1½ tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste until well combined. Add the 24 mozzarella balls to the bowl and gently toss them to coat evenly. This seasoning step infuses the mild cheese with flavor and prevents it from tasting bland.
2. Thread the ingredients onto the 12 skewers, alternating between tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella balls. For each skewer, you’ll need 3 tomatoes, 3 basil leaves, and 2 mozzarella balls. Start with a tomato, then basil, then mozzarella, and repeat the pattern, ending with a tomato for visual appeal.
3. Arrange the prepared caprese skewers on a serving platter in a single layer to prevent crushing the delicate basil leaves. If making ahead, store them in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap until ready to serve (up to 4 hours in advance for best freshness).
4. Just before serving, place the 1½ tablespoons balsamic glaze in a small plastic bag with one corner snipped off (about a ⅛-inch opening). Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers in a zigzag pattern for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately while the mozzarella is still cool and firm.

Smart Swaps

• Use small watermelon cubes instead of tomatoes for a sweet summer variation
• Substitute mini bocconcini if you can’t find regular mozzarella balls
• Try pesto drizzle instead of balsamic glaze for a different flavor profile
• Use bamboo cocktail picks for an even more elegant presentation at formal events

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Skip the balsamic glaze or use just ½ tablespoon total (reduces sugar content by approximately 6g)
• Opt for part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content without sacrificing the texture
• Increase the ratio of tomatoes to cheese (use 3 tomatoes but only 1 mozzarella ball per skewer)
• Serve alongside protein-rich options to help balance blood sugar response

Pro Tips

• Pat the mozzarella and tomatoes dry with paper towels before assembling to prevent soggy skewers
• For the prettiest presentation, look for uniformly sized tomatoes and mozzarella balls
• If basil leaves are large, fold them in half or thirds before threading onto skewers
• Prepare components ahead but assemble no more than 4 hours before serving for optimal freshness