Easy Fresh Caprese Skewers Recipe with Perfect Balsamic Reduction
A quick and elegant appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers, drizzled with a homemade balsamic reduction for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar, good-quality aged
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, optional for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or bamboo skewers, 12-inch (30 cm), soaked in water for 10 minutes if grilling
Instructions
- Pour ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar or honey into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until thickened to a syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Set aside to cool.
- Rinse 1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Drain 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls thoroughly. Gently wash and dry a small bunch of fresh basil leaves; tear large leaves into smaller pieces if needed.
- Thread onto each skewer one cherry tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, then a fresh basil leaf. Repeat the sequence once or twice depending on skewer length, finishing with a tomato on top. Make about 12 skewers with this quantity.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Lightly sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil over the top if desired, then spoon the cooled balsamic reduction artistically over the skewers.
- Let skewers rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to mingle.
Notes
Keep heat low and steady when making balsamic reduction to avoid burning. Drain mozzarella well to prevent sogginess. Soak skewers if grilling to prevent burning. Assemble skewers fresh and drizzle balsamic reduction just before serving for best appearance. Balsamic reduction can be made ahead and gently reheated if thickened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: caprese skewers, balsamic reduction, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free