Name: Caprese Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 24 cherry tomatoes; 12 mini mozzarella balls; 24 basil leaves; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Balsamic reduction, for drizzling; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

These Caprese Skewers are the ultimate bite-sized celebration of summer flavors—juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil stacked together on little sticks, then drizzled with olive oil and sweet balsamic reduction. Perfect for parties, picnics, or even an easy afternoon snack, they’re irresistibly colorful and unbelievably quick to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Freshness in Every Bite: The combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella tastes like pure summer, any time of year.
Party-Perfect and Portable: These Caprese Skewers are as easy to serve as they are to make, with no utensils and zero fuss.
Stunning Presentation with No Effort: The vibrant colors look gorgeous on any platter without any fancy techniques required.
Endlessly Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add your own twist to suit any gathering or craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Caprese Skewers is how they let each simple, high-quality ingredient shine. Every item adds something special—flavor, color, and a little bit of magic to every bite!

Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness create a refreshing pop of color and flavor. Look for the ripest, most vibrant ones you can find for maximum impact.
Mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini): These little orbs of creamy cheese make the skewers deliciously satisfying. If they’re packed in water, pat them dry before using.
Fresh basil leaves: Basil brings a fragrant, peppery punch and that iconic Caprese aroma—it’s non-negotiable for authentic flavor!
Extra-virgin olive oil: A drizzle of the good stuff enhances every ingredient with rich, fruity notes. If you have a fancy olive oil, now’s the time to show it off.
Balsamic reduction: This syrupy glaze brings a deep, tangy sweetness that ties everything together. You can use store-bought, or simmer balsamic vinegar on the stove until it thickens.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: A final sprinkle brings out the best in every bite, highlighting all the bright, savory flavors.

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.

Variations

The beauty of Caprese Skewers is how easy it is to personalize them! You can make swaps, add-ins, or little tweaks to match your own tastes or suit your guests’ needs—get creative and have fun.

Use heirloom tomatoes: Try different varieties or colors for an extra pop and a slightly different flavor profile in every bite.
Add pesto drizzle: Give your skewers even more herby richness by swapping olive oil for basil pesto (or add both!).
Incorporate prosciutto: Thread a thin ribbon of salty prosciutto onto the skewer for an extra layer of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Make it vegan: Substitute a creamy plant-based mozzarella or even marinated tofu cubes to suit dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Caprese Skewers

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Give your cherry tomatoes a gentle rinse and pat dry, drain the mozzarella balls (and pat dry if needed), and pick the prettiest, freshest basil leaves. Laying everything out makes the assembly a breeze and keeps your skewers looking beautiful and tidy.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Take small skewers or long toothpicks, then thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf (fold in half if very large), and a mozzarella ball. Repeat so that each skewer has a gorgeous trio—aim for about two tomatoes and one mozzarella per skewer, finishing with a basil leaf on top if you like.

Step 3: Drizzle and Season

Arrange all your Caprese Skewers on a platter. Drizzle generously with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction, making sure each little bite gets a bit of that luscious flavor. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper right before serving for the perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Caprese Skewers

Go for Room Temperature: Let your mozzarella sit out for a few minutes before assembling—it’ll be creamier and more flavorful than when fridge-cold.
Choose the Ripest Tomatoes: Tomatoes that are deep red and just slightly tender yield the juiciest, most flavorful skewers.
Pat Everything Dry: Excess water from mozzarella or tomatoes can make the skewers slippery and the platter soggy, so a quick blot with a paper towel works wonders.
Drizzle Right Before Serving: Apply olive oil and balsamic reduction just before you bring your platter out—this keeps everything vibrant and prevents wilting.

How to Serve Caprese Skewers

Garnishes

For a stunning and flavorful finish, scatter a few extra torn basil leaves over the platter or add a dusting of cracked pepper. If you want to really wow your guests, try a few lemon zest curls or a delicate pinch of flaky salt as a garnish—it highlights the freshness even more!

Side Dishes

Caprese Skewers shine on an antipasto platter alongside other Italian classics. Pair them with marinated olives, crusty bread, thin-sliced prosciutto, or a fresh pasta salad for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing spread. They also pair perfectly with grilled meats or even as a vibrant starter before pizza night!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your skewers in a circular wreath, cascade them in rows on a long board, or stand them upright in a mason jar or glass for grab-and-go snacking. For special occasions, alternate yellow and red tomatoes or use mini bamboo picks for an extra festive touch. No matter how you plate them, Caprese Skewers will be the first thing to disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Caprese Skewers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, keep the skewers dry, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic just before serving again, as pre-dressed skewers can make the basil wilt.

Freezing

Caprese Skewers don’t freeze well, as fresh mozzarella and tomatoes lose their beautiful texture after thawing. For the freshest flavor and best bite, always prepare them fresh!

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary, since Caprese Skewers are at their best cold or at room temperature. If you’ve kept them in the fridge, let them sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I prepare Caprese Skewers in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and refrigerate them, but wait to drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction until just before serving, to keep them looking and tasting their freshest.
What is the best way to make balsamic reduction?

Balsamic reduction is as simple as simmering balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. It usually takes about 10–15 minutes—don’t rush, and swirl often for the perfect syrupy consistency!
What type of skewers should I use?

Small bamboo skewers or sturdy toothpicks work perfectly. Look for 3–4 inch ones for appetizer platters or smaller skewers if you’re making bite-sized versions for parties or lunchboxes.
Can I use other types of cheese in Caprese Skewers?

Yes! While mozzarella is classic, bite-sized bocconcini or even small pieces of feta or burrata can be delicious alternatives—just make sure whatever cheese you choose is fresh and easy to skewer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s as easy as it is impressive, make these Caprese Skewers your new go-to! I can’t wait for you to experience this fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Caprese salad—don’t be surprised if they become the star of your next gathering.