Fresh Caprese Sandwich Skewers
These fresh Caprese sandwich skewers are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for summer entertaining, combining cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (450g) cherry tomatoes, firm and ripe
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
- About 20 fresh basil leaves, tender and bright green
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt to taste (sea salt flakes recommended)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- About 20 mini sandwich skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Halve larger tomatoes if needed for easier skewering. Drain and pat dry the mozzarella pearls to avoid excess moisture. Pick fresh basil leaves, discarding any bruised or wilted ones.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the mozzarella pearls with olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper to coat evenly. Set aside.
- If making your own balsamic glaze, pour 1/2 cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thick and syrupy, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly. If using store-bought glaze, have it ready for drizzling.
- Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one mozzarella pearl, and one fresh basil leaf (folded or rolled) onto each mini skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used, making about 20 skewers.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
- Optional: If preparing ahead, cover the skewers with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Dry the mozzarella pearls well to prevent soggy skewers. Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to avoid sogginess. Use firm cherry tomatoes for best texture. For vegan variation, substitute plant-based mozzarella and use a maple syrup reduction instead of balsamic glaze. Skewers can be assembled a few hours ahead but add glaze just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Caprese, skewers, appetizer, summer, easy recipe, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze