Caprese Skewers Recipe

It’s funny how some of the simplest recipes can become instant family favorites. That’s exactly what happened with these Caprese skewers in our house. One sunny afternoon, looking for a light and refreshing snack that wouldn’t weigh us down before dinner, I threw these together. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil were instantly appealing, and the first bite was just pure summer in skewer form. My kids, who can be picky eaters, devoured them, and my husband declared them “addictively delicious.” Since then, Caprese skewers have become a regular feature at our barbecues, picnics, and even just as a quick and healthy snack. They are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant appetizer or a light lunch that bursts with flavor, look no further – you’ve found your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients

• Cherry Tomatoes: About 1 pint, choose ripe and juicy cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom varieties add beautiful color variations and a slightly sweeter taste.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): 8 ounces, these small, fresh mozzarella balls are the perfect size for skewers and offer a mild, milky flavor that complements the tomatoes and basil. You can use larger balls cut into chunks if needed.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: 1 bunch, fresh basil is essential for the classic Caprese flavor. Look for vibrant green leaves and avoid any that are wilted or bruised.
• Balsamic Glaze: ¼ cup, a good quality balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess, as well as a beautiful visual finish. You can also make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling. It enhances the flavors and adds richness.
• Salt: A pinch, preferably sea salt or kosher salt, to enhance the flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A pinch, to add a subtle peppery note and complement the other flavors.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: 6-8 skewers, depending on the size and how many ingredients you want on each skewer. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning if grilling.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with a clean paper towel or kitchen towel. If using larger heirloom tomatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly the same size as the mozzarella balls.
2. Prepare the Mozzarella: If using bocconcini or ciliegine, drain them from their liquid and pat them gently dry with a paper towel. If using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into 1-inch cubes or pieces that are easy to thread onto skewers.
3. Prepare the Basil: Wash the fresh basil leaves carefully and pat them dry. If the basil leaves are large, you can tear them in half or fold them for easier threading onto the skewers. Smaller leaves can be used whole.
4. Assemble the Skewers: Now it’s time to assemble your Caprese skewers. Take a skewer and start threading the ingredients in an alternating pattern. A classic and visually appealing order is: cherry tomato, mozzarella ball, basil leaf. Repeat this pattern, typically using 2-3 of each ingredient per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers and your preference. You can vary the order if you like, but ensure you have a balanced combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil on each skewer.
5. Arrange the Skewers: Once all the skewers are assembled, arrange them on a serving platter or a clean surface. Make sure they are laid out nicely to showcase the colorful ingredients.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle the assembled Caprese skewers with extra virgin olive oil. This adds a layer of richness and enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Don’t over-drizzle, just a light coating is sufficient.
7. Season with Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the skewers. This simple seasoning is crucial to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the creamy flavor of the mozzarella.
8. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Finally, drizzle balsamic glaze over the Caprese skewers. You can drizzle it in a zig-zag pattern or in small dots for a decorative touch. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the fresh flavors and completes the classic Caprese taste.
9. Serve Immediately or Chill: Caprese skewers are best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. However, you can also chill them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before serving. If chilling, it’s best to add the balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent it from becoming too runny or soaking into the other ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6

Serving Size: 2-3 skewers

Approximate Calories per Serving: 180 kcal

• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Caprese skewers are incredibly quick and easy to prepare. The majority of the time is spent washing and assembling the ingredients onto the skewers. There’s no cooking involved, making them a perfect last-minute appetizer or snack when you need something delicious and impressive in a hurry. The simplicity of the preparation is one of the many reasons why this recipe is so popular and loved.

How to Serve

Caprese skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

• Appetizer: Serve Caprese skewers as a delightful appetizer at parties, gatherings, or before a meal. Their vibrant colors and refreshing taste are a great way to start any event.
• Party Snack: They are ideal for casual parties, barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. They are easy to eat standing up and require no plates or utensils (unless you are very generous with the balsamic glaze!).
• Summer Side Dish: Pair them with grilled meats, chicken, or fish for a light and refreshing side dish during the summer months. They complement heavier main courses beautifully.
• Salad Addition: Add Caprese skewers to a green salad to elevate it and add extra flavor and visual appeal. They can be placed on top or alongside the salad.
• Lunch Option: Enjoy a few Caprese skewers as a light and healthy lunch, especially on a warm day. They are satisfying without being heavy.
• Charcuterie Board Addition: Incorporate Caprese skewers into a charcuterie or cheese board for added color, freshness, and variety.
• Brunch Offering: Include Caprese skewers as part of a brunch spread. They pair well with egg dishes, pastries, and other brunch favorites.
• Kids’ Snack: Caprese skewers are a fun and healthy snack option for kids. The colorful presentation and mild flavors are generally kid-friendly.

Additional Tips for Perfect Caprese Skewers

To elevate your Caprese skewers from simple to spectacular, here are some additional tips and tricks:

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The beauty of Caprese skewers lies in the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients. Using the best quality tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil you can find will make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor. Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh, milky mozzarella.
2. Marinate the Mozzarella: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the mozzarella balls before assembling the skewers. You can marinate them in olive oil, garlic, herbs like oregano or thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Marinating for at least 30 minutes will allow the mozzarella to absorb the flavors.
3. Grill the Tomatoes (Optional): For a smoky and slightly caramelized flavor, try grilling the cherry tomatoes briefly before assembling the skewers. Toss them lightly in olive oil and grill them over medium heat for just a minute or two until they are slightly softened and have grill marks. Let them cool slightly before threading onto skewers.
4. Add Balsamic Reduction Instead of Glaze: While balsamic glaze is convenient, making your own balsamic reduction from balsamic vinegar intensifies the flavor and allows you to control the sweetness and thickness. Simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it reduces to a syrupy consistency.
5. Include Prosciutto or Salami: For a heartier and more savory skewer, add a slice of prosciutto or salami to each skewer. Fold the prosciutto or salami and thread it onto the skewer between the mozzarella and basil or tomato. This adds a salty and meaty element that complements the other ingredients.
6. Vary the Cheese: While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Try using marinated mozzarella balls, burrata balls (cut into pieces), or even small cubes of provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
7. Make Them Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the skewers a few hours in advance. Assemble the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent the basil from wilting.
8. Presentation Matters: Arrange the Caprese skewers attractively on a platter. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for visual appeal. You can also use different types of skewers for a more decorative touch. Consider using colorful plates or platters to make the vibrant colors of the skewers pop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make Caprese skewers ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the skewers with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, it’s best to add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain the freshness of the basil and prevent the glaze from becoming too runny.

Q2: Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella balls?

A: Yes, you can use regular mozzarella. Simply cut it into 1-inch cubes or pieces that are easy to thread onto the skewers. Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) are preferred for their size and texture, but regular mozzarella will also work.

Q3: What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

A: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make a quick substitute by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it reduces and thickens into a glaze-like consistency. Alternatively, you can simply drizzle the skewers with a good quality balsamic vinegar for a tangy flavor.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to my Caprese skewers?

A: Absolutely! While classic Caprese skewers are tomato, mozzarella, and basil, you can add other vegetables to customize them. Consider adding grilled bell peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, or cucumber slices for extra flavor and texture.

Q5: How do I prevent the basil from browning?

A: To keep basil leaves looking fresh and green, avoid cutting or bruising them too much during preparation. Also, drizzle the skewers with olive oil shortly before serving, as the oil can help protect the basil from oxidation. If making ahead, store them properly refrigerated and add the final touches just before serving.

Q6: Are Caprese skewers vegetarian and gluten-free?

A: Yes, Caprese skewers are naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making them a great option for guests with dietary restrictions. They are made with simple, plant-based ingredients (tomatoes, basil, olive oil) and dairy (mozzarella), none of which contain gluten.

Q7: Can I grill Caprese skewers?

A: While you can grill the tomatoes separately as mentioned in the tips, it’s not recommended to grill the assembled Caprese skewers. The mozzarella can melt too quickly and become messy, and the basil can burn easily. It’s best to enjoy them fresh and ungrilled.

Q8: What are some variations of Caprese skewers?

A: There are many delicious variations of Caprese skewers! Some popular variations include adding pesto instead of fresh basil, using different types of cheese like burrata or marinated mozzarella, incorporating grilled vegetables, adding cured meats like prosciutto, or using different types of tomatoes like sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor. Get creative and experiment with your favorite ingredients!

This Caprese skewers recipe is truly a testament to the idea that simple is often best. With just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can create an appetizer or snack that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, need a quick and healthy lunch, or simply want a flavorful bite, these skewers are sure to become a new staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Italy with every bite!

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