These Balsamic Glazed Caprese Skewers are fresh and fun! With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, they’re a tasty treat on a stick.
There’s nothing like that sweet and tangy glaze drizzled over everything! I love making these for parties because they vanish quickly. Plus, they look super fancy without much fuss! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes should be sweet and firm. Mixing red and yellow ones adds color. If you want a different option, grape tomatoes work nicely too!
Fresh Mozzarella: Small balls of mozzarella, also known as bocconcini, are best for this. If you’re dairy-free, try marinated tofu or avocado chunks for a creamy texture.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a wonderful fresh flavor. You can use other herbs like mint or parsley, but they will change the overall taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: Traditional balsamic vinegar is great, but balsamic glaze or a cheaper brand works too. For a twist, try apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of brown sugar!
How Do You Make the Balsamic Glaze Just Right?
Creating the perfect balsamic glaze is key to these skewers. It adds flavor and a beautiful finish. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with good quality balsamic vinegar, as this impacts the flavor.
- Combine the balsamic vinegar with honey or sugar for extra sweetness if needed.
- Simmer on low. Keep an eye on it; too much heat can burn it.
- Once it thickens, remove from heat and let it cool. It thickens more once cooled!
Perfecting this glaze gives an amazing touch to your skewers and enhances the fresh ingredients beautifully!
Balsamic Glazed Caprese Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 24 cherry tomatoes (mix of red and yellow if desired)
- 24 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers (6, about 8 inches long)
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to make these delicious skewers is about 30 minutes. This includes approximately 15 minutes to prepare the balsamic glaze and assemble the skewers. After that, you’ll just need a few minutes to drizzle that tasty glaze over and they’re ready to serve. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
Start by pouring the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. If you like it sweeter, add in honey or brown sugar. Heat it on medium-high until it boils, then lower the heat to let it simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it reduces by about half and gets thick and syrupy, which should take around 10-15 minutes. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and let it cool.
2. Prep the Fresh Ingredients:
While the glaze is cooling, rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel to remove any excess water.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to build the skewers! Take a wooden skewer and thread on one cherry tomato, then one mozzarella ball, and finally one basil leaf. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is filled or you have three sets on each skewer—whatever your preference!
4. Season and Drizzle:
Once you’ve arranged all the skewers on a serving plate, sprinkle them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, grab your cooled balsamic glaze and drizzle it generously over the skewers, making them pretty and flavorful!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
If you’d like, feel free to sprinkle some extra chopped basil on top for a lovely finishing touch. Serve the skewers immediately and watch your guests enjoy the fresh, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors!
These Balsamic Glazed Caprese Skewers are sure to impress at any gathering! Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Pre-Made Balsamic Glaze?
Yes, you can absolutely use pre-made balsamic glaze to save time! Just drizzle it over the assembled skewers. However, making your own allows you to customize the sweetness and thickness to your liking!
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Balls?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using marinated tofu cubes or avocado chunks for a creamy texture. Both alternatives will add a delicious twist to the skewers!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to store the glaze separately to prevent the skewers from getting soggy.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers in advance and store them in the fridge. Just drizzle the balsamic glaze on right before serving to keep everything fresh and tasty!