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Fresh Caprese Skewers with Easy 5-Minute Balsamic Glaze

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Quick and easy fresh Caprese skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for last-minute appetizers that impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • About 20 cherry tomatoes
  • About 20 fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine size, 1-inch)
  • 20 large fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers or toothpicks (about 4 inches long)

Instructions

  1. Make the balsamic glaze: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar or honey into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer.
  2. Reduce heat to low and let it gently bubble until it thickens and reduces by about half, about 8-10 minutes. The glaze is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has a syrupy texture. Avoid burning by lowering heat if bubbling gets too vigorous.
  3. Prepare ingredients: Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, then pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls well to remove excess moisture.
  4. Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, followed by a folded basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball onto each skewer or toothpick. Repeat if skewers are long enough or keep it simple with one of each.
  5. Arrange the finished skewers on a serving platter.
  6. Season and dress: Lightly drizzle the skewers with extra virgin olive oil if desired, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  7. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the skewers.
  8. Let the skewers sit for 5 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to mingle.

Notes

Use fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine size) for best texture. Pat mozzarella dry to avoid soggy skewers. Fold basil leaves before threading to prevent tearing. Store-bought balsamic glaze can be used for convenience but homemade glaze offers better flavor. Assemble skewers close to serving time for freshness. Vegan substitutions include plant-based mozzarella and maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic glaze, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, party food, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/fresh-caprese-skewers-recipe-easy-5-minute-balsamic-glaze-appetizer/