Easy Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze (20-Minute Appetizer)
These Easy Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are the perfect 20-minute appetizer, featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a rich homemade balsamic glaze. They’re a crowd-pleasing, vegetarian finger food ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 skewers (about 4-6 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 20–24 tomatoes)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine size, about 20–24 small balls)
- 20–24 medium-sized fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste (flaky sea salt like Maldon recommended)
- 20–24 wooden skewers (4–6 inches long)
Instructions
- Make the balsamic glaze: Pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons honey into a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until honey dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool completely (it will thicken more as it cools).
- Prepare ingredients while glaze cools: Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Halve any that are significantly larger than mozzarella balls. Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry. Select nicest basil leaves, saving smaller ones for garnish.
- Assemble skewers: Thread a cherry tomato onto a wooden skewer, pushing it about halfway down. Add a basil leaf (fold in half if large), then a mozzarella ball. End with another cherry tomato. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 20-24 skewers.
- Arrange and finish: Place skewers on a serving platter in a single layer. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with a pinch of flaky sea salt and black pepper. Drizzle cooled balsamic glaze over the top in a zigzag pattern.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Don’t assemble too far in advance (no more than 1 hour before serving) to prevent basil wilting and tomatoes releasing moisture. For best flavor, let ingredients come to room temperature before assembling. If grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes first. The glaze can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2.5
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 3.5
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, cherry tomato appetizer, easy appetizer, vegetarian appetizer, 20-minute recipe, party food, finger food