Mini Caprese skewers are the easiest appetizer ever! Tiny balls of fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil get paired with pesto or a balsamic glaze for an elegant starter you won’t be able to get enough of. Make this handheld Caprese salad for your next gathering.
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I am obsessed with Caprese everything.
I can’t think of a salad I love more.
It’s so simple- sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella – but delicious!
These little Caprese skewers take all those flavors of Caprese salad and put them together into an embarrassingly easy appetizer that will make you feel so classy when you serve them.
At least that’s how I felt when these made an appearance at my wedding.
But it could have been the dress.
Nah… definitely the food.
Ingredients and Kitchen Supplies for Caprese Skewers
The ingredients you need for these caprese skewers is super short!
You need:
- Fresh mozzarella. Instead of using the large balls of fresh mozzarella for this, go with the smaller balls. You can buy a ball of smaller balls in the cheese case at the grocery store or you can buy a container of them also in the cheese case. Either is fine.
- Basil leaves. Fresh basil leaves are one of the main flavors of Caprese salad. Don’t substitute dried basil here. Find fresh basil in the produce section at the grocery store or grow your own.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes. You can find sweet cherry or grape tomatoes year round.
- Dipping sauce or drizzle. Dip always makes things more delicious. These Caprese bites are equally delightful with a side of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
For a balsamic reduction for the caprese skewers – or really anytime you want it – here’s what you need:
- Balsamic vinegar – You can find this ussually with dressings and other vinegars. You can get whatever brand you prefer.
- Honey – You do not need much, so you probably have this on hand already.
You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment, but I do recommend:
How to Make Caprese Skewers
1. Assemble the skewers
OK, super simple first step for making Caprese skewers: assemble them!
To do this, I pick up a toothpick and start with the tomato, then fold a leaf of basil in half and skewer that, and finally jam that toothpick right through the mozzarella ball.
Repeat until all your supplies are gone.
2. Season the mini caprese skewers
Once you have assembled all the caprese salad skewers, you can season them with a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
I also like to make homemade pesto or a balsamic reduction to drizzle over top for added flavor, but you don’t have to.
Serve fresh and enjoy!
How to make the Balsamic Reduction to Drizzle
Balsamic reduction just sounds fancy, but it’s actually very beginner friendly.
To make a balsamic reduction, add about a quarter cup of balsamic and 2 tablespoons of honey to a small sauce pan.
Cook mixture over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.
As it cooks, the balsamic vinegar will reduce and thicken.
You will know it’s done when the vinegar coats the back of a spoon.
Once it reaches that point, remove it from the heat.
You can then use a spoon to drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top of the caprese salad skewers for both added flavor and a hint of classiness.
Tips and tricks
- For fancy mini caprese skewers, use cocktail toothpicks with flair at the end.
- For even fancier caprese salad skewers, make a balsamic reduction and drizzle a little on top or serve with a pesto sauce for dipping.
- You can use a large ball of mozzarella if that’s all you have or can find. Just cut it into small, roughly inch by inch squares.
- Feel free to vary the order of ingredients or add additional amounts. Want two things of cheese? Who doesn’t?! Add another ball you crazy rebel!
How to store caprese skewers
Mini caprese skewers are a great make ahead for a get together, but I would recommend only making them a day early.
Given too much time in the fridge, the tomatoes will get a bit mealy.
They also might leak some, saturating the mozzarella.
To store, make the skewers and then either place on a flat serving tray and wrap well with plastic wrap or place them in an air tight container.
Though they can stay in the fridge safely for about 3 to 4 days, I recommend only making the caprese salad skewers about 1 day in advance.
To serve, just place on a serving platter or remove the plastic wrap.
If you plan to make a balsamic reduction, make this when you are ready to serve the caprese skewers.
FAQs
What tomato is best for caprese?
For mini caprese skewers, stick with smaller tomatoes, like grape or cherry. You won’t need to cut these first for bite sized portions. Other good options include roma or plum tomatoes, but you will want to cut them to be smaller for the caprese salad skewers.
Is caprese and mozzarella the same?
No. Caprese is an Italian term that refers to fresh slices of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, salt, and olive oil. In other words, caprese is an Italian dish, while mozzarella is a type of cheese.
What can I substitute for basil in Caprese salad?
Basil leaves add a great aroma and flavor to caprese salad skewers. You could get away with subbing in baby spinach leaves for the basil, but I generally do not recommend this unless you really have a hard time finding fresh basil.
Other Caprese Recipes
Caprese everything is my love language.
Check out these other delish takes on Caprese salad!
There’s fried mozzarella Caprese, which might be my favorite take on Caprese ever with breaded fried cheese and fresh heirloom tomatoes.
For another fun appetizer, Caprese cups stuff diced tomatoes, basil and mozzarella into puff pastry cups.
Looking for a stunning Caprese entree? This shrimp Caprese salad is my favorite summer meal.
For a heartier salad, Caprese panzanella combines all the classic flavors of the salads with pieces of crusty bread.
Not into hearty? This Caprese zoodle bowl is pretty much summer meal goals.
And for an elegant low carb appetizer, these Caprese shrimp bites I did for my friend Kim at Low Carb Maven are delicious.
And definitely check out The Best Shrimp Caprese Pasta
Or check out these caprese skewers with meat aka Elegant and Easy Prosciutto Caprese Skewers or these Easy Tortellini Caprese Skewers
And for a switch from balsamic try this Easy Pesto Caprese Salad (Italian Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil Salad) or Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto.
For a decadent and elegant take, swap the mozzarella for burrata with The Best Burrata Caprese Salad
And for a lunch of champions, try these Easy Baguette Caprese Sandwiches with Pesto or this 5 Minute Easy Caprese Panini Sandwich with Pesto!
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Ingredients
- 16 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 ounces of mini mozzarella balls
- 16 basil leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
- pesto or balsamic reduction
- For balsamic reduction
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbs honey
Instructions
- If needed, cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into manageable bite sized pieces.
- Use a toothpick to skewer a tomato, folded basil leaf, and mozzarella. Repeat until you use all your supplies.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve with pesto or balsamic reduction.
- To make balsamic reduction (optional):
- Add balsamic vinegar and honey to a small saucepan set over low to medium low heat.
- Cook until the mix comes to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- After a few minutes, the balsamic will start to thicken. Once it coats the back of a spoon, it is ready.
- Remove from heat and use a spoon to drizzle the reduction over the caprese skewers.
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