Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe

So, if at any time you need to make something for a party or maybe for a potluck or even just a quick appetizer, then these Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle can be a very good option.

And the reason is that they are fresh, they are light, and they are also very easy to put together.

What you basically need to do is take some small cheese balls and then add some basil leaves and also some cherry tomatoes, and after that you just place them all together on skewers. Then, once you have done that, you simply drizzle a little balsamic on top.

The nice thing is that they look a little fancy when you see them on the plate, but at the same time they actually take only a few minutes to make.

And because of that, when you serve them, the guests will keep picking them up from the platter one after another and they will enjoy eating them right away.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make: You only need a few minutes to put everything together.
Nice and fancy: Even though it is simple, it will look impressive on the table.
Uses fresh ingredients: The tomatoes, basil, and cheese make it taste light and refreshing.
Easy for guests to eat: People can just pick up a skewer and enjoy without any mess.
Works for many occasions: You can serve it at parties, potlucks, or even as a quick snack.

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Ingredients Needed:

For the balsamic drizzle:

2 cups balsamic vinegar – This is used to make a thick, sweet, tangy sauce that gives the skewers a nice taste. When the vinegar reduces, its flavor becomes stronger and the texture turns a little syrup‑like.

For the skewers:

10 oz cherry tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes are naturally sweet and juicy, so they bring a good balance to the skewers. Their bright color also makes the platter look more attractive.
8 oz ciliegine mozzarella cheese balls – These are small mozzarella balls that are perfect for bite‑size skewers. Their soft and creamy taste pairs well with the tomatoes.
0.8 oz fresh basil leaves – Fresh basil adds aroma and lifts the flavor of the whole dish. You should make sure the leaves are dry and fresh, otherwise they wilt quickly in the fridge.
Salt – A little salt is used for final seasoning, which helps all the flavors stand out. It is best to add it just before serving.
Pepper – A light sprinkle of pepper gives a small amount of heat and a finishing touch. It does not overpower the taste, but it adds a slight kick.
Toothpicks – Simple toothpicks can be used to make the skewers. If you use decorative ones, then the platter looks even nicer.

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Step-By-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Balsamic Drizzle

So first we will make the balsamic drizzle.

You need to take a small saucepan and then pour the balsamic vinegar into it, and after that you place it on high heat so that it starts to boil.

Once it begins to boil, you should lower the heat to medium and then let it cook slowly until it becomes a little thick and has a consistency that looks somewhat like maple syrup.

You just need to check carefully, and when you drag a spatula through the middle and the bottom of the pan shows for about one to two seconds, then the drizzle is ready.

At that point you can transfer it into a small bowl and allow it to cool down. You can also make this up to five days earlier if you want.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Now we will start the actual assembling.

You take one toothpick and first place a small mozzarella cheese ball on it. If you feel like making it look a little more special, you can use decorative toothpicks, but regular ones also work completely fine.

After that you fold one fresh basil leaf and place it on the toothpick, and then finally you add one cherry tomato. And with that, one Caprese skewer is ready.

In the same way, you keep using the rest of the cheese balls, basil leaves, and tomatoes until you have made as many skewers as you need.

Step 3: Add the Seasoning

Just before serving, you sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the skewers. This small step helps the flavors taste even better. If you have finishing salt like Maldon, then that can make it taste even nicer.

Step 4: Add the Balsamic Drizzle

Now comes the part where you add the drizzle.

You should not pour too much at once, so just add a light drizzle of the balsamic reduction over the skewers so that the platter does not look messy.

You can also keep a small bowl of extra drizzle on the side so that anyone who wants more can add it themselves.

So that is all, and the whole process only takes a few minutes, and in the end the result is fresh, colorful, and something that everyone will enjoy.

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Expert Tips For The Best Result:

Basil Fresh: It is important to keep the basil fresh because basil is the main part of this recipe. If the basil looks wilted or dry, then the skewers will not look fresh. That is why you should take the basil out of the fridge only right before serving.
Tomatoes Size Match: Cherry tomatoes are usually the perfect size, but sometimes they may not match well with the cheese. In that case, you should try to keep the cheese and tomatoes in similar sizes so that the skewers look more balanced.
Balsamic Cool Down: If the balsamic drizzle is still hot, then it can make the cheese melt a little. That is why you should allow the reduction to cool properly before you drizzle it on top.
Fancy Toothpicks: If you are serving at a party, then using decorative toothpicks or cocktail picks can make the platter look nicer. It is a small change, but it makes a good difference in appearance.
Salt Last Moment: If you add salt too early, then the tomatoes can release water. That is why it is best to sprinkle the salt just before serving.

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Tasty Variations to Try:

Pesto Drizzle Version: Instead of balsamic drizzle, you can use a little homemade or store-bought pesto. This gives the basil flavor a fresher taste.
Add Olive Slice: If you want a small Mediterranean twist, then you can add a slice of black olive along with the basil on the skewer. This makes the flavor a little salty and bold.
Use Grape Tomatoes: During winter or off-season, cherry tomatoes can be expensive or may not taste good. At that time, grape tomatoes are a better option.
Mini Skewer Salad Cups: If you do not want to use toothpicks, then you can place everything in small cups and serve with balsamic drizzle on the side. This makes it easy for people to pick and eat.
Mozzarella Alternatives: If ciliegine mozzarella is not available, then you can cut fresh mozzarella into small cubes of similar size. The taste will remain the same.

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Serving Suggestions:

Party Platter Arrange: If you are making these skewers for a gathering or maybe for a potluck, then it is better to arrange them on a large wooden board or on a simple white platter. You should also leave a little space between each skewer so that every skewer looks clean and separate, and the whole platter looks neat.
Extra Balsamic Side: Since many people like to have a stronger tangy and sweet flavor, it is a good idea to keep a small bowl of balsamic reduction on the side. This way, anyone who wants more can drizzle extra on their own skewers according to their preference.
Serve With Wine: If you are planning something like a girls’ night or maybe a light dinner snack, then these skewers taste very good when served with chilled white wine or rosé. The combination makes the taste feel fresh and balanced, and it works well for such occasions.
Appetizer Trio: If you want the table to look a little more full, then you can place these skewers along with two other simple appetizers. Options like olives, cheese cubes, or garlic bread bites can be added, and the whole setup will look a little fancy without needing much extra effort.
Outdoor Picnic Perfect: These skewers are easy to carry and travel-friendly, so they are a good option for picnics, balcony dinners, or garden meet-ups. You just need to keep them in an airtight box and carry the balsamic drizzle separately so that everything stays fresh until serving.

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Storage & Reheating:

1. Storage Instructions:

Stay Fresh for 12 Hours: If you want to do some preparation before a party, then you can assemble the skewers about 10 to 12 hours earlier and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. But since basil is a little delicate, it is usually best to assemble everything on the same day for the freshest look.
Keep Balsamic Separate: You should not drizzle the balsamic on the skewers ahead of time. If you do that, then the tomatoes can release water and the platter may look messy. That is why it is better to always add the drizzle only at the time of serving.
Keep Basil Dry: Before storing, you should make sure that the basil leaves are completely dry. If the leaves are wet, then they can wilt or turn brown quickly when kept in the fridge.
No Gaps in Container: When you place the skewers in a container, you should arrange them in a single layer and keep them tight so that they do not move around. If you are traveling, then you can also place a thin layer of tissue paper so that the tomatoes do not roll around.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Mozzarella can become a little rubbery if kept for too long, so it is better to use fresh cheese whenever possible. If it stays in the fridge for too long, then the texture can change.

2. Reheating Instructions:

Bring to Room Temperature: After taking the skewers out of the fridge, you should keep them for about 10 to 15 minutes so that they come to room temperature. When mozzarella becomes a little soft, the flavors taste better.
Warm Balsamic Slightly: If the balsamic reduction has become too thick in the fridge, then you can warm it in the microwave for about 5 to 10 seconds. This will bring back the right drizzle consistency.
Replace Basil if Needed: If at serving time the basil looks wilted, then you can simply replace the leaves. By doing this, the skewers will look fresh again.
Pat Tomatoes Dry: Tomatoes kept in the fridge sometimes release moisture and look sweaty. Before serving, you can lightly pat them with a tissue so that the presentation looks better.
Assemble Fresh if Possible: The best tip is that if you have enough time, then you can use the stored ingredients to make new skewers fresh. This does not take much effort and the result is always the best.

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FAQ:

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