Caprese Skewers are the easiest, 4-ingredient appetizer you can make! These perfect little bites of juicy tomato, fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil taste just like a traditional Caprese Salad but they are portable, make-ahead and easy to eat!
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Need a quick and easy appetizer for a summer party? These Caprese Skewers are seasonal, fresh, and are sure to go fast at your next gathering. It's like a salad on a stick!
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Why this recipe works
- Get all the flavor a classic Caprese Salad in bite-sized form with only four ingredients.
- This no-cook, summer appetizer is perfect for parties and picnics because it can be assembled ahead of time.
- Running behind? Get your guests to lend a hand with the last-minute assembly! (Everyone always asks what they can do to help anyway.)
Ingredients
A few ingredient notes:
Tomatoes: Above all else, use the tomato type you like best, be it grape, cherry or multi-colored. I like using round cherry tomatoes because they are well-matched in size to the fresh mozzarella balls.
Fresh mozzarella: You'll find several options for fresh mozzarella at the grocery store, and any of them will work, but I most often use ciliegine fresh mozzarella balls in this recipe. They are comparable to the size of cherries. If you can't find ciliegine, try using the grape-sized perlini mozzarella balls and double them up or cut similar sized squares from a large ball of fresh mozzarella.
Instructions
Making these skewers couldn't be easier. Simply thread the ingredients onto the skewers in whatever combination you like. I like my appetizers a little larger, so I opt for two tomatoes and two mozzarella balls with basil sandwiched in between them.
FAQS
You can make these Caprese salad skewers up to four hours in advance. They keep tightly covered in the fridge beautifully.
Either works! I prefer my tomatoes at room temperature, so that's usually how I serve it. Just remove from the fridge at least a half hour before guests arrive if you made them ahead of time.
They are pretty easy to find at any major grocery food store and are especially abundant during the summer as people use them for all sorts of skewers on the grill. But of course, there's always Amazon!
I definitely recommend using fresh cheese in this recipe. The flavor will be a little different if you use regular mozzarella as it is a firmer, drier cheese when compared to the softer, fresh version.
Expert tips to make these Caprese Skewers
- We love to use long wooden skewers rather than toothpicks with this appetizer. They are easier to hold and munch from, especially when balancing a plate and mingling with guests.
- Grab the marinated ciliegine mozzarella balls at the grocery store for extra flavorful Caprese Skewers. There is always extra marinade in the container so feel free to drizzle it over the skewers when serving in addition to the balsamic glaze.
- Make these appetizers up to four hours ahead of time. Cover and pop them in the fridge. Pull them out at least 30 minutes before guests arrive to allow them to come to room temperature.
- I like to serve these skewers with a generous sprinkle of sea salt as well as balsamic glaze. You can buy balsamic glaze at the grocery store or make your own at home.
- If you love these flavors, you have to try our Caprese Pasta Salad. The addition of pasta makes this a terrific side dish for any BBQ.
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More easy appetizer recipes
Recipe
Caprese Skewers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 24 cherry tomatoes
- 24 fresh marinated mozzarella balls (ciliegine size)
- 36 fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup balsamic glaze
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Instructions
- Thread skewers with ingredients. I did tomato, basil, mozzarella, basil, mozzarella, basil, tomato.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction and serve immediately or skip the drizzle, cover and refrigerate up to four hours. Drizzle right before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can be multiplied or halved to serve as many as needed.
- We love to use long wooden skewers rather than toothpicks with this appetizer. They are easier to hold and munch from, especially when balancing a plate and mingling with guests.
- Grab the marinated ciliegine mozzarella balls at the grocery store for extra flavorful Caprese Skewers. There is always extra marinade in the container so feel free to drizzle it over the skewers when serving in addition to the balsamic glaze.
- Make these appetizers up to four hours ahead of time. Cover and pop them in the fridge. Pull them out at least 30 minutes before guests arrive to allow them to come to room temperature.
- I like to serve these skewers with a generous sprinkle of sea salt as well as a drizzle of balsamic glaze, which is readily available at the grocery store.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
sallybr says
Lovely! When I first opened your post I thought the tortellini part was in fact artichoke hearts... I guess that could be good too, don't you think?
I have a recipe on my blog to share, hope it's ok to include a link, if not feel free to delete my comment...
http://bewitchingkitchen.com/2012/09/08/into-the-light-again/
Anna says
Hi Sally, Never thought of artichoke hearts, but why not?
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
Ooo ooo ooo I love the addition of pesto-coated tortellini on these babies! Yummy!
Anna says
You can never have enough cheese, right? 🙂
Becky @ So Very Blessed says
These are adorable and it's so nice to be able to make things ahead of time when you're having people over! My go-to snack is Chex Mix. I just love the stuff and friends and family seem to, as well!
Anna says
I'm with ya; love to do as much ahead of time as possible!
Julia says
I love a good, quick appetizer that you can make and share a party! The tortellini on this appetizer is a great idea!
Anna says
Quick, easy and tasty...you're singing my song, Julia!
katie says
Oh wow I love the idea of adding tortellini! What an awesome twist!
Anna says
Thanks, Katie. The tortellini is what wins my kids over every time.