Name: Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 to 18 (4-inch) wooden skewers; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes; 1 (12-ounce) container miniature cherry-sized fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine); 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 36 leaves); Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

There’s something incredibly refreshing and satisfying about the simple flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all wrapped up in bite-sized form. This Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe brings those classic tastes together in a fun, easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering or even a casual snack.

The image shows eight skewers arranged on a white plate with a light gray texture. Each skewer has three layers repeated twice: a red cherry tomato on top and bottom, a green basil leaf in the middle layer, and a white mozzarella ball. The mozzarella balls and tomatoes have a shiny look with small water droplets, and the skewers are drizzled with brown balsamic glaze in thin lines. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made these skewers on a sunny afternoon with friends, and we couldn’t stop nibbling on them. They’re just so easy to put together, yet packed with fresh, vibrant flavor. What really gets me every time is that perfect balance of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomato, and fragrant basil, all elevated by a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze.

Quick and Fuss-Free: You can whip these up in just a few minutes, which is perfect when you want something fresh without the hassle.
Refreshing Flavor Combination: The trio of tomato, basil, and mozzarella is always a crowd-pleaser, light and delicious.
Easy to Customize: You can tailor the size of skewers and toppings to your occasion or taste preferences.
Beautiful Presentation: These skewers look elegant on any appetizer platter, making you feel like a star chef with minimal effort.

The image shows several skewers arranged on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has three layers repeated twice: a red cherry tomato on the top, a green basil leaf in the middle, and a white ball of mozzarella cheese below it. The mozzarella balls have light brown streaks of balsamic glaze drizzled over them. The cherry tomatoes are shiny and smooth, and the green basil leaves add a fresh contrast. The skewers are wooden with a looped top, and tiny drops of olive oil can be seen around them, along with some coarse black pepper sprinkled on the mozzarella. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how these ingredients naturally come together, each bringing its own unique texture and flavor. When you find ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes and really fresh basil, the whole dish practically makes itself.

Flat lay of a cluster of vibrant red cherry tomatoes, a small pile of smooth, round miniature fresh mozzarella balls, a bunch of bright green fresh basil leaves with some leaves folded naturally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with dark, glossy balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cherry or grape tomatoes: Choose the ripest you can find for sweetness and juiciness.
Miniature fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Their soft, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the acidity of tomatoes.
Fresh basil leaves: The aromatic freshness really ties the whole dish together.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A light drizzle adds richness and helps meld the flavors.
Balsamic glaze: Its sweet tanginess is the magic touch that elevates the skewers.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little subtle heat and depth.
Wooden skewers: I always go for 4-inch ones—just the right size for bite-sized appetizers.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While the classic combination is hard to beat, I’ve had fun experimenting by adding a little twist here and there. Don’t hesitate to make these skewers your own — that’s part of the joy!

Variation: One time, I added a small piece of prosciutto for a salty kick, and it was a game-changer. You might like that too.
Dietary tweak: For a vegan twist, swap mozzarella balls with marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese bites.
Seasonal change: In winter, I sometimes swap fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

First things first—rinse your cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves well. Pat them dry so your skewers don’t get soggy. I like to fold the basil leaves in half if they’re really large; it helps them fit nicely on the skewer without overwhelming the bite.

Step 2: Skewer in the right order

This is where the magic happens. For each 4-inch wooden skewer, thread one tomato first, then one basil leaf, one mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finish with another tomato. This layering keeps the flavors balanced and makes each bite just right.

Step 3: Dress and season

Arrange your finished skewers beautifully on a serving platter. Drizzle them lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and your balsamic glaze. Don’t skimp here — that glaze adds the perfect tang that makes this dish special. Then, sprinkle on kosher salt and a grind or two of fresh black pepper to taste.

Top Tip

After making these skewers dozens of times, I realized that the freshness of your ingredients and the order of skewering truly make the difference. Here are a few pointers that helped me get it just right every time.

Choose Firm Tomatoes: I always pick tomatoes that are ripe but still firm to avoid their juice leaking onto the platter.
Don’t Overdrizzle: A little olive oil and balsamic glaze goes a long way. Too much can make the skewers soggy.
Basil Placement Matters: Putting basil both before and after the mozzarella creates a lovely herbaceous hit in each bite.
Serve Soon After Assembling: These are best fresh; waiting too long causes the basil to wilt and the mozzarella to weep.

How to Serve Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra torn basil leaves over the platter just before serving for that fresh herbal aroma. Sometimes, I add a little flaky sea salt on top for texture and extra flavor burst. Grated lemon zest can be a surprisingly lovely touch, too!

Side Dishes

These skewers pair wonderfully with a crusty baguette or a light green salad — even a chilled white wine makes this combo shine. I’ve also served them alongside grilled chicken for a complete light meal that guests rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

One my favorite presentation tricks is to stand the skewers upright in a glass or decorative jar, creating a “bouquet” of Caprese bites that’s eye-catching and easy for guests to grab. Another time, I arranged them in a circular pattern on a wooden board, drizzling the glaze last — it looks so festive on holiday tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since these are best fresh, I recommend assembling just before serving. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the balsamic glaze separate until ready to serve; otherwise, the skewers can get soggy.

Freezing

This recipe isn’t really freezer-friendly because fresh basil and mozzarella don’t freeze well. I’d skip freezing and focus on fresh prep for the best taste.

Reheating

Since this appetizer is served cold or room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If your mozzarella firms up in the fridge, letting the skewers sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving helps the flavors pop again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella ahead, but it’s best to assemble and drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What’s the best balsamic glaze to use for this recipe?

Look for a good-quality balsamic glaze that’s not too sweet or too thick. You can find pre-made glazes in most stores, or easily make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey or sugar until syrupy.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can try feta or goat cheese. For basil, fresh mint or arugula leaves can add a different but delicious twist. Just keep the layering simple and fresh.

How do I keep the skewers from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy skewers, make sure your tomatoes are firm and dry. Also, don’t drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze until just before serving and keep the assembled skewers refrigerated if not serving immediately.

Final Thoughts

Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe have become my go-to appetizer because they’re effortless yet feel so classy—and they always impress. I love sharing these with friends and seeing their faces light up with every bite. You really can’t go wrong with fresh ingredients and a simple assembly. Give it a try, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and eating) these just as much as I do!