Perfect Grilled Balsamic Caprese Skewers: Easy 20-Minute Appetizer
Grilled caprese skewers with warm, melty mozzarella, blistered cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, drizzled with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re the perfect summer appetizer that disappears before the main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Instructions
- Make the balsamic glaze: Pour balsamic vinegar and honey into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Let bubble for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare ingredients: Pat mozzarella balls dry with paper towels. Cut any larger balls in half to match tomato size. Wash and dry cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Assemble skewers: Thread ingredients onto skewers in this order: tomato, folded basil leaf, mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, tomato. Leave about 1/2 inch between pieces. You should get 5-6 pieces per skewer.
- Season and oil: Lay skewers on a baking sheet. Brush all over with olive oil. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean and oil grates well.
- Grill skewers: Place skewers on grill perpendicular to grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until cheese is softened with brown spots and tomatoes are blistered. Total cooking time: 4-6 minutes.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle generously with balsamic glaze, and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Pat mozzarella dry to ensure proper browning. Use room temperature ingredients for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the grill; work in batches if needed. Make extra balsamic glaze—it keeps in the fridge for weeks. Serve immediately for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 11
Keywords: grilled caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, summer appetizer, mozzarella skewers, easy appetizer, 20-minute recipe