Caprese Skewers: Easy Summer Appetizers on a Stick
These elegant, crowd-pleasing caprese skewers combine classic Italian flavors into bite-sized, no-mess toothpick appetizers. Featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, they're perfect for summer gatherings and require zero cooking time.
Equipment
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
Ingredients
- 16 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or 1 large ball cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves about 20-30 leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 20-25 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Drain the mozzarella pearls and pat them dry with paper towels. If using a large mozzarella ball, cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes.
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat them dry. Gently wash basil leaves and carefully pat dry with paper towels.
- Thread a tomato onto a skewer, followed by a basil leaf (folded in half if large), and then a mozzarella pearl. For a visually striking presentation, repeat the pattern once more on each skewer.
- Place assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. For an extra touch of elegance, add a few whole basil leaves as garnish around the platter.
- Optionally, refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving to chill.
Notes
- Use room temperature tomatoes for enhanced flavor
- Dry all ingredients thoroughly to prevent sogginess
- Assemble within 2 hours of serving for best results
- For dairy-free needs, use plant-based mozzarella alternatives
- For a flavor twist, add cubed avocado or prosciutto slices
- Dry all ingredients thoroughly to prevent sogginess
- Assemble within 2 hours of serving for best results
- For dairy-free needs, use plant-based mozzarella alternatives
- For a flavor twist, add cubed avocado or prosciutto slices
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 9gFat: 13gSodium: 185mgSugar: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!