Fresh Caprese Skewers with Sweet Balsamic Reduction
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers, drizzled with a homemade sweet balsamic reduction. Perfect for any occasion and crowd-pleasing with fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 skewers (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20–25 cherry tomatoes, fresh and firm
- 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves, whole
- 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20–25 wooden skewers or toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic reduction: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by half (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water and pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls thoroughly; cut in half if large.
- In a mixing bowl, gently toss cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Optionally add a small piece of prosciutto or green olive between layers.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter and drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction evenly over them just before serving.
Notes
Make the balsamic reduction a day ahead and store in the fridge; warm slightly before drizzling. For extra flavor, briefly grill skewers 1-2 minutes per side, watching to avoid wilting basil. Fold large basil leaves for better fit and presentation. Keep ingredients chilled until serving to maintain freshness. Sprinkle flaky sea salt or crushed red pepper flakes for added zing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers (about 150
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 10
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic reduction, appetizer, easy recipe, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, party food