There's something so refreshingly simple—and downright delicious—about these classic little bites. The Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe brings the flavors of a traditional caprese salad into a fun, handheld form that's perfect for parties, snacks, or even a light lunch. I promise, once you try making these, you’ll find it hard to resist grabbing one (or five) whenever they’re around!

The image shows a white plate holding nine skewers of Caprese salad. Each skewer has three layers: a shiny red cherry tomato at the top, a bright green basil leaf in the middle, and a white smooth mozzarella ball at the bottom. Some skewers have a second cherry tomato at the bottom. The mozzarella balls and basil leaves have a light drizzle of dark balsamic glaze on them. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is one of those go-to options that never fails to impress guests or satisfy a craving for fresh, bright flavors. I’ve made these for casual get-togethers and even as a quick snack on busy days—there’s just something so joyful about the way the juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella meld together under that tangy balsamic drizzle.

Effortlessly Elegant: Looks fancy but requires minimal prep, making it perfect for any occasion.
Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: Each bite balances the sweetness of tomatoes, creaminess of mozzarella, and aromatic basil perfectly.
Customizable & Fun: It’s easy to swap ingredients or dressings for your own twist, keeping it interesting.
Perfect Finger Food: Portable and mess-free, great for parties, picnics, or anytime munching.

The image shows several small skewers, each with three layers: on top is a shiny red cherry tomato, in the middle is a fresh green basil leaf wrapped around a smooth white mozzarella ball, and at the bottom is another red cherry tomato. Each skewer is drizzled with a dark brown balsamic glaze and some black pepper is sprinkled on top. The background is a white marbled surface with a few small drops of olive oil visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I always keep the ingredients simple for this recipe because it’s the quality that shines through. Grab the freshest cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls you can find, plus sweet basil leaves that are vibrant and aromatic. These three ingredients are the heart of this Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe, and when paired with a good balsamic glaze and olive oil, they create magic.

Flat lay of fresh cherry tomatoes still on the vine, a small cluster of miniature cherry-sized fresh mozzarella balls, a handful of bright green fresh basil leaves with a few folded in half, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dark balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cherry or grape tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes bursting with sweetness for the best flavor and texture.
Miniature fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine): These little cheese balls are creamy and mild, perfect for balancing the tomatoes.
Fresh basil leaves: Pick bright green, tender leaves for that classic herbal kick, folding larger leaves to fit skewers.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A drizzle adds richness and brings the flavors together.
Balsamic glaze: Its sweet tang cuts through the richness of mozzarella, providing a beautiful finish.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
Wooden skewers (4-inch): Small enough for finger food but sturdy enough for threading ingredients.

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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.

Make It Your Way

What I love about this Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is how flexible it is. I often mix it up depending on the season or the occasion. Feel free to add your own spin—after all, cooking is about making your own kind of delicious!

Variation: Once, I swapped out the balsamic glaze for a drizzle of pesto and a sprinkle of pine nuts—unexpected but totally fantastic.
Dietary tweaks: If you're dairy-free, you can try swapping mozzarella balls for marinated artichoke hearts or avocado chunks.
Seasonal adjustments: In winter, roasted grape tomatoes work beautifully here instead of fresh for a cozy twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Fresh Ingredients and Skewers

Start with rinsing your cherry tomatoes and fresh basil gently under cold water. Pat them dry so the skewers don’t get soggy. Having everything ready and set up on your workspace makes threading so much smoother—trust me, it’s one of those simple habits that saves time and keeps things neat!

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers with Love

Take each 4-inch skewer and thread the ingredients in this order: one tomato, one basil leaf (folding if it’s large), one mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finish with a tomato. You’ll want around 16 to 18 skewers total to feed a crowd or keep in the fridge for later snacking. Arranging them on a platter as you go makes a pretty display!

Step 3: Drizzle and Season to Complete

Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil lightly over the skewers, then add a generous swirl of balsamic glaze. Don’t forget a pinch of kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper—it amplifies every flavor perfectly. I like to wait to drizzle the balsamic glaze last to keep it glossy and prevent the basil leaves from wilting too soon.

Top Tip

Making Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is so simple, but a few small tricks make your results shine every time. From ingredient prep to presentation, here’s what I’ve picked up after countless parties and quick midday snacks.

Use room temperature ingredients: Taking the mozzarella and tomatoes out of the fridge about 20 minutes before assembling enhances their flavors dramatically.
Fold large basil leaves: If your basil leaves are floppy or too big, folding them helps keep the skewers neat and flavorful without overpowering other ingredients.
Drizzle balsamic glaze last: This keeps the glaze from soaking into the basil and tomatoes too soon, preserving that shiny, appetizing finish.
Serve soon after assembling: While you can make them ahead, they taste freshest when served within a couple of hours to keep basil bright and cheese perfect.

How to Serve Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if I have it, and sometimes a few twists of cracked black pepper for an extra dash of aroma. On special occasions, a tiny sprinkle of finely chopped fresh oregano or a few edible flowers can make the presentation pop beautifully.

Side Dishes

These skewers are great on their own but also pair wonderfully with crusty bread, a light pasta salad, or even grilled veggies. If I’m serving a bigger meal, I like to add a cold bean salad or a crisp green salad alongside to round everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve laid these skewers flat on a gorgeous wooden tray lined with basil leaves. Another time, I stood them upright like little bouquets in a narrow vase, which was a fun way to encourage guests to grab one. Mini slate boards or even hollowed-out cherry tomatoes as "holders" make it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), I recommend storing the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. Try to drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving again to keep the texture at its best. The basil might darken if left too long, so consume within 24 hours for peak freshness.

Freezing

I wouldn’t suggest freezing Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe, unfortunately. The fresh mozzarella and basil don’t freeze well—mozzarella can get rubbery and basil loses its vibrancy, which will affect taste and texture.

Reheating

These skewers are best enjoyed fresh or cold, so I don’t usually reheat them. If you’re craving warmth, you could remove the mozzarella and serve warmed tomatoes with fresh basil on the side, but really, the charm is in their fresh, crisp nature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of miniature mozzarella balls?

You can, but miniature mozzarella balls are easier to thread onto skewers and offer a better bite-sized texture. If you use a larger mozzarella ball, just cut it into small cubes or chunks.

How do I make balsamic glaze at home?

Making balsamic glaze is simple: just simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it thickens and reduces by about half into a syrupy consistency. Let it cool before drizzling over your skewers.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of serving, but I recommend waiting to add the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper until just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What else can I add to these skewers for more flavor?

Try adding a small piece of prosciutto for a salty twist, or a marinated artichoke heart for a tangy note. Fresh fruit like a slice of strawberry can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Recipe have become my quick fix whenever I want something classy without fuss. I love how they capture the essence of summer in every bite and how easy they are to share with friends. Give them a try—you’ll find this simple recipe becoming a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine.