Name: Caprese Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 24 cherry tomatoes; 12 mini mozzarella balls; 24 basil leaves; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Balsamic reduction, for drizzling; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

If you’re looking for a party appetizer that’s equal parts gorgeous and delicious, Caprese Skewers are an absolute showstopper. These colorful little bites burst with fresh tomato, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—all brought together with a glossy drizzle of olive oil and tangy-sweet balsamic reduction. Whether you’re hosting friends, headed to a picnic, or just want a snack that feels a little fancy, this Italian-inspired classic is the answer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy and Quick: These Caprese Skewers come together in under 15 minutes—perfect for last-minute entertaining or a speedy snack.
Vibrant and Fresh: Every bite captures the best of summer: juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil bursting with flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Served on mini skewers, they look absolutely stunning lined up on a platter—and guests always reach for seconds!
Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegetarian: These bites fit a ton of dietary needs, making them a versatile addition to any spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Caprese Skewers is all in the quality of their simple, everyday ingredients. Each element shines on its own and together creates a symphony of flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Cherry Tomatoes: Look for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness—they’ll be the juiciest pop on your skewers.
Mini Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Creamy and mild, these little cheese orbs offer a lush contrast to the bright tomatoes. If you can find them, opt for fresh mozzarella packed in water.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is non-negotiable! Its herbal aroma brings the signature Caprese flavor to life.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A lush drizzle of the good stuff ties all the flavors together and gives everything a beautiful shine.
Balsamic Reduction: Sweet, tangy, and syrupy, this is a must for that restaurant-quality finish. (You can buy it or make your own!)
Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just a sprinkle at the end heightens every other flavor in these little bites.
Mini Skewers: Toothpicks or 4-inch bamboo skewers work great for serving and grabbing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Caprese Skewers! This classic combo is easy to personalize based on what you have on hand or your own flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Swap the Cheese: Try using mini marinated mozzarella balls for an herby twist, or cubes of feta if you want a salty edge.
Add Prosciutto: Tuck a thin ribbon of prosciutto around the mozzarella for a savory, elegant touch that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Use Different Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes add gorgeous variety and extra sweetness.
Vegan Version: Substitute vegan mozzarella or a marinated tofu cube for the cheese to keep things plant-based.

How to Make Caprese Skewers

Step 1: Assemble the Skewers

Start by grabbing your mini skewers or toothpicks. Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (fold it if it’s large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. I like to arrange them so that the vibrant green basil is sandwiched between the white mozzarella and red tomato for that unmistakable Caprese look!

Step 2: Drizzle and Season

Once you’ve assembled all your skewers, line them up on a serving platter. Generously drizzle over some extra-virgin olive oil and a lacy thread of balsamic reduction. Sprinkle each skewer with a touch of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper—the finishing touch that makes all the flavors sing.

Pro Tips for Making Caprese Skewers

Choose Peak-Season Produce: These skewers are only as good as your tomatoes and basil, so aim for the freshest, ripest produce you can find.
Pat Mozzarella Dry: Mozzarella balls come packed in water—dab them with a paper towel before assembling to help your seasonings and drizzles cling beautifully.
Layer for Color: For maximum visual appeal, alternate the ingredients so you always get a pop of green, white, and red in every skewer.
Dress Just Before Serving: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction right before serving to keep the basil vibrant and the cheese from getting soggy.

How to Serve Caprese Skewers

Garnishes

A shower of flaky sea salt, an extra grind of black pepper, and perhaps a few torn basil leaves scattered over the platter are all you need to make these Caprese Skewers look and taste their best. For special occasions, a dusting of lemon zest will add a fresh, aromatic lift that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

These skewers are refreshingly light, making them a perfect match for antipasto platters, a crusty baguette, or grilled vegetables. For a full Italian-inspired feast, pair them with pasta salad or chilled soup for a gorgeous summer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the classic platter! Try arranging Caprese Skewers upright in small jars or cups for an edible “bouquet,” or lay them in concentric circles on a round board for extra wow-factor. Mini mason jars with a layer of balsamic at the bottom also turn them into a stylish, portable appetizer for picnics or picnics-to-go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Caprese Skewers, tuck them into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 24 hours—after that, the basil might wilt and tomatoes can lose their sparkle, but they’ll still taste lovely!

Freezing

Unfortunately, Caprese Skewers don’t freeze well. The fresh ingredients—especially the tomatoes and basil—tend to get mushy and lose their vivid color and flavor after thawing. For best results, always enjoy them fresh or just slightly chilled.

Reheating

No need to reheat these, since Caprese Skewers are meant to be served cold or at room temperature! If they’ve been refrigerated, simply set them out for 10–15 minutes before serving to bring out all the fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I prepare Caprese Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers up to 4 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just wait to drizzle the olive oil and balsamic reduction until right before serving to keep the basil fresh and vibrant.
What kind of balsamic reduction works best?

Balsamic reduction can be purchased bottled at most grocery stores, but making your own is simple—just simmer balsamic vinegar until thick and syrupy. Homemade lets you adjust the sweetness, but either option is delicious drizzled over Caprese Skewers.
Can I make Caprese Skewers for a large party?

Definitely! The recipe is easy to scale up—simply prep more ingredients based on your guest list. Lining them up on a big board or tray makes for a stunning centerpiece that everyone will love.
Are there nut-free or dairy-free options for Caprese Skewers?

Yes! To make them dairy-free, swap mozzarella for plant-based cheese or marinated tofu. Caprese Skewers are already nut-free as written, so everyone at the table can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you try these Caprese Skewers, you’ll want to make them for every gathering (and maybe just for yourself on a sunny afternoon!). They bring a burst of Italian sunshine and fresh flavor to any table. Give them a try—you’re going to fall in love!