Savor these easy Caprese skewers, a healthy appetizer with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze in every bite! These little Caprese salad skewers add a touch of elegance and flavor to your menu. They are just like classic Caprese salad but served as a fun finger food version.
Why caprese skewers
Our family probably eats Caprese Skewers several times a week during the summer months. Even the kids can put them together, which makes for fun family time in the kitchen. We love this homemade balsamic glaze with this recipe, but you can find excellent versions in the store if you don’t want to make your own.
You may also like our Cherry Tomato Salad and Bruschetta if you’re looking for more appetizers or recipes with tomatoes.
Ingredients and tools needed
Scroll down for a printable recipe with full ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
To make caprese kabobs, you only need a handful of high-quality ingredients. You can make this recipe any time of year, but it’s best during summer when cherry tomatoes are bursting with flavor and fresh basil is plentiful.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes – I love using juicy cherry tomatoes because they’re sweeter than grape tomatoes, but either will work.
- Fresh mini mozzarella balls – you can use the kind in the vacuum pack or the marinated mozzarella balls.
- Fresh basil leaves – fresh is best to give you the most flavorful appetizer!
- Balsamic glaze – make your own or try my favorite store-bought brand.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Wooden or bamboo skewers or toothpicks – these small skewers are perfect!
To check out all my kitchen and travel favorites, visit my Amazon Shop.
Substitutions and variations
One of the best aspects of caprese appetizers is their versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize your caprese skewers:
- Add some salty prosciutto to the skewers.
- Use basil pesto instead of balsamic drizzle.
- Try melon on some of your skewers instead of or in addition to the tomatoes.
- Swap olives and feta for the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- You can use a block of fresh mozzarella rather than the mini mozzarella cheese balls.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs over the kabobs, like parsley, oregano, or thyme.
How to make caprese skewers
Making Caprese salad skewers is so quick and easy you’ll want to make them every week!
- Thread a half tomato and a piece of cheese onto each skewer.
- Place the skewers in a shallow serving dish or platter.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the tomatoes.
- Finish by sprinkling with chopped basil.
FAQs
Yes, you can prepare caprese skewers several hours in advance. However, adding the balsamic glaze and chopped basil just before serving is best to keep the flavors fresh. I would assemble the skewers with the fresh mozzarella balls and tomatoes, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than one day.
Yes! Here are ten reasons to eat more tomatoes.
This recipe does not lend well to freezing.
Join Southern Food and Fun Community group
and Southern Potluck group!
And please follow us on social media:
Slightly adapted from Southern Living’s Mini Caprese Bites.
Caprese Skewers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 30 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 15 fresh small mozzarella balls, halved or thirds
- 30 small wooden skewers or toothpicks
- 6 basil leaves, chopped or chiffonade
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Thread 1 tomato half and 1 piece of cheese on each skewer.
- Place skewers in shallow serving dish or platter.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle balsamic reduction over the skewers.
- Sprinkle with chopped basil.
Nutrition
UPDATE NOTES: This post was originally published June 5, 2013, and on May 17, 2023, was updated with one or more of the following: step-by-step photos, video, updated recipe, new tips.
