Caprese Skewers with Balsamic
Tomato, mozzarella, and basil threaded onto little picks so a caprese salad becomes something you can carry around a room with a drink in your other hand.
- Course
- Appetizers
- Cuisine
- American
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Total Time
- 40 min
The Story Behind This Recipe
Some dishes I chase down, and some just show up. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic showed up on an ordinary evening and then refused to leave the rotation.
I have made it for a quiet Tuesday and for a table full of people, and it behaves the same either way, which is the highest compliment I give a recipe.
If there is a trick, it is patience with the browning. Every time I have rushed that step, the whole dish came out flatter than it should have.
Variation Ideas
- Turn it into a platter with crackers, olives and something crunchy.
- Scale it down into individual portions for easier grazing.
- Swap the herbs for whatever is looking best that week.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh mozzarella
- Low-moisture mozzarella — drier, so it browns faster
- Honey
- Maple syrup or agave, measured the same
- Fresh herbs
- A third as much dried, crushed between your palms first
- Balsamic vinegar
- Red wine vinegar with a small pinch of sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will this last?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat it?
Warm it gently — covered at 300°F or over low heat on the stove with a splash of liquid — until just heated through. Fast, high heat is what dries leftovers out.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Prep and refrigerate the components up to a day ahead, then combine and finish just before serving so nothing loses its texture.
It tastes flat — what should I do?
Salt and acid, in that order. A pinch more salt then a squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar will usually sharpen everything back into focus.
Tools For This Recipe
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What to Serve With Caprese Skewers with Balsamic
Recipe Card
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic
By Marguerite Hale
- Course
- Appetizers
- Cuisine
- American
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Total Time
- 40 min
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 16 oz small fresh mozzarella balls, drained
- 1 large bunch fresh basil
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Flaky salt and black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Simmer the balsamic vinegar with the honey in a small pan until it reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon.
- 2
Let the glaze cool completely, because warm glaze will wilt the basil the moment it touches it.
- 3
Pat the mozzarella and tomatoes dry, then thread tomato, folded basil leaf, and mozzarella onto each short skewer.
- 4
Arrange the skewers on a platter, brush them lightly with olive oil, and season with flaky salt and pepper.
- 5
Drizzle the cooled glaze over everything just before serving so the platter still looks bright when it hits the table.
Nutrition
Estimated per serving (8 servings per recipe).
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