Fresh Star-Spangled Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
A quick and easy 5-ingredient appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a homemade balsamic glaze, perfect for patriotic celebrations or any summer gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (250g) cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- About 20 large fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15g) honey or brown sugar (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: Pour ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon (15g) honey or brown sugar if desired. Let it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to a thick syrup that coats the back of a spoon. Reduce heat if it bubbles too aggressively. Set aside to cool.
- Prep the Ingredients: Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves carefully. Halve tomatoes if large. Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls.
- Season the Mozzarella and Tomatoes: In a mixing bowl, toss the mozzarella and tomatoes with 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat the sequence if skewers are longer, aiming for a balanced red, white, and green pattern. Start and end with a tomato for color.
- Drizzle and Serve: Arrange skewers on a platter and spoon or drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze generously over the top before serving.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt or crushed black pepper over the glaze for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
Prepare the balsamic glaze first to allow cooling while assembling. The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored refrigerated. Use fresh mozzarella for best texture; avoid frozen. Keep basil leaves dry and assemble skewers just before serving to prevent wilting. For a smoky flavor, briefly grill skewers 1-2 minutes per side before glazing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, easy appetizer, summer party food, patriotic appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil