Easy Patriotic Caprese Skewers Recipe with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
A quick and easy appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers, drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer celebrations and crowd-pleasing gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar (for glaze) or store-bought balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks (6 inches bamboo skewers preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Alternatively, use store-bought glaze.
- Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one fresh basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat the pattern if using longer skewers, but three items per skewer is ideal.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Lightly sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over them.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the skewers.
- Generously drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the skewers using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Serve immediately or chill up to 2 hours before serving. If chilling, cover loosely with plastic wrap and add balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
Dry basil leaves thoroughly to prevent soggy skewers. Assemble skewers close to serving time to keep basil fresh. You can make balsamic glaze ahead and store in fridge for up to a week. For vegan version, use plant-based mozzarella and ensure balsamic glaze contains no animal products.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 4.5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, summer appetizer, patriotic recipe, easy appetizer, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil