Tomato Basil Skewers Recipe

There are some recipes that just scream simplicity and sunshine, and these Tomato Basil Skewers are firmly at the top of that list for me. I first made them years ago for a last-minute family barbecue when I needed something quick, fresh, and visually appealing. I wasn’t expecting much beyond a simple appetizer, but they were an absolute sensation! My kids, who sometimes approach vegetables with suspicion, loved grabbing the colourful skewers. My husband appreciated the fresh, vibrant flavours, and our guests couldn’t get enough. Since then, they’ve become my go-to for potlucks, parties, or even just a light lunch on a warm day. They are incredibly easy to assemble – truly, anyone can make them – yet they look effortlessly elegant on a platter. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze is a classic for a reason. It’s a bite-sized explosion of Caprese salad goodness, perfectly portable and always a crowd-pleaser. Making these always brings a little bit of Italian sunshine into my kitchen, no matter the occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful skewers, portioned for approximately 24 medium-sized skewers:

• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (about 2 cups or 48 small tomatoes), ripe and sweet. Look for vibrant red, firm tomatoes. Grape tomatoes also work well.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine or Bocconcini): 8 ounces (about 24 small balls). These are small, fresh mozzarella balls packed in water or whey, offering a creamy texture. Ensure they are roughly the same size as your cherry tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: 1 large bunch (about 48 medium-to-large leaves), bright green and fragrant. Choose leaves that are large enough to fold or thread easily onto the skewers without tearing.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2-3 tablespoons, good quality. This adds richness and helps the flavours meld. Choose a fruity, flavourful oil if possible.
• Balsamic Glaze: 2-3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade). This thick, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar adds a crucial sweet and tangy counterpoint.
• Fine Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances all the other flavours.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a gentle kick.
• Wooden or Bamboo Skewers: Approximately 24 skewers (4-6 inches long). Short appetizer skewers work best.

Instructions

Assembling these skewers is refreshingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gently rinse the cherry tomatoes under cool running water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Drain the fresh mozzarella balls from their liquid and pat them dry as well; excess moisture can make the skewers slippery and dilute the flavours. Carefully wash the basil leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner. Handle the basil gently to avoid bruising the leaves.
2. Assemble the Skewers: Take one skewer. Thread one cherry tomato onto it. Gently fold a basil leaf in half (or use a smaller leaf without folding) and thread it next onto the skewer, pushing it up against the tomato. Follow with one fresh mozzarella ball. Repeat the sequence if using longer skewers or desiring more ingredients per skewer (e.g., tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato), but for standard appetizer size, one of each is typically perfect. Ensure the ingredients are snug but not squashed together.
3. Repeat: Continue assembling the remaining skewers until all your ingredients are used. Aim for consistency in the order and appearance of each skewer.
4. Arrange for Serving: Place the assembled skewers attractively on a serving platter or large plate. You can arrange them in neat rows, a circular pattern, or fanned out. Leave a little space between them if possible.
5. Dress the Skewers: Just before serving, lightly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over all the skewers. Then, drizzle the balsamic glaze over them. You can do this in a zigzag pattern for visual appeal.
6. Season: Sprinkle the skewers evenly with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste one if possible (chef’s privilege!) and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve Immediately: These skewers are best enjoyed fresh, shortly after assembly, to capture the peak flavour and texture of the ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 skewers.
• Calories per Serving: Roughly 40-60 calories per skewer (estimated).

Here are key nutritional highlights per skewer (approximate values):

1. Healthy Fats: Primarily from the extra virgin olive oil and mozzarella, contributing monounsaturated fats beneficial for heart health.
2. Protein: The mozzarella provides a moderate amount of protein (around 2-3g per skewer), aiding in satiety.
3. Vitamin C & Lycopene: Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C (an antioxidant) and lycopene (linked to various health benefits).
4. Calcium: Mozzarella contributes calcium, important for bone health.
5. Low Carbohydrate: Naturally low in carbohydrates, making them suitable for various dietary approaches (approximately 2-3g carbs per skewer).

(Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and may vary depending on specific product choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

These Tomato Basil Skewers are wonderfully quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy schedules or last-minute entertaining.

• Total Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Breakdown: Most of the time (about 15 minutes) is dedicated to washing, drying, and assembling the skewers. The final drizzling and seasoning take only a minute or two. There is no cooking involved, streamlining the process significantly.

<h2><b id=”how-to-serve”>How to Serve</b></h2>

These versatile skewers can be served in numerous delightful ways. Here are some ideas to inspire your presentation:

• Classic Appetizer Platter:
  • Arrange the skewers neatly in rows or a radial pattern on a clean white or rustic wooden platter.
  • Garnish the platter with extra fresh basil leaves scattered around.
  • Place a small bowl of extra balsamic glaze on the side for dipping.
• Individual Servings:
  • For a sit-down meal or cocktail party, place 2-3 skewers artfully on small individual appetizer plates.
  • Add a small pool of balsamic glaze on the plate for dipping.
• Part of an Antipasto Board:
  • Integrate the skewers onto a larger board featuring cured meats (like prosciutto or salami), olives, marinated artichoke hearts, other cheeses, and crusty bread or crackers.
  • The skewers add height, colour, and freshness to the spread.
• Buffet Style:
  • Stand the skewers upright in a short, wide-mouthed glass or jar for easy grabbing at a buffet table. Ensure the container is stable.
• With a Dip:
  • Serve alongside a small bowl of pesto for an extra layer of basil flavour.
• Picnic or Packed Lunch:
  • Pack the assembled skewers (undressed) in an airtight container.
  • Pack the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper separately in small containers. Dress just before eating to prevent sogginess.
• Garnish for Main Dishes:
  • Use a single skewer as a vibrant garnish for grilled chicken, fish, or pasta dishes.
• Paired with Wine:
  • These skewers pair beautifully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light Rosé.

Additional Tips

Elevate your Tomato Basil Skewers from simple to spectacular with these handy tips:

1. Prioritize Peak Season Ingredients: The magic of this recipe lies in its freshness. Use the ripest, sweetest cherry or grape tomatoes you can find, ideally in summer when they are at their peak. Similarly, source fresh, fragrant basil and good quality fresh mozzarella. The difference in flavour is significant.
2. Marinate the Mozzarella: For an extra flavour boost, marinate the mozzarella balls for about 30 minutes before assembling. Toss them gently with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and perhaps some dried oregano or red pepper flakes. Drain excess oil before skewering.
3. Make Your Own Balsamic Glaze: While store-bought is convenient, homemade balsamic glaze has a superior flavour. Simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it reduces by about half and becomes thick and syrupy (usually 10-20 minutes). Let it cool completely before drizzling.
4. Don’t Skewer Too Far in Advance: While you can assemble them an hour or two ahead, avoid making them too far in advance (like the day before). The basil can wilt and darken, and the tomatoes may release moisture, making the mozzarella slightly watery. Dressing should always be done just before serving.
5. Consider Tomato Variety: Don’t limit yourself to just red cherry tomatoes. Using a mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry or grape tomatoes adds beautiful visual variety to the platter, making the skewers even more appealing.
6. Basil Technique Matters: If your basil leaves are very large, you can gently fold them in half before threading them onto the skewer. This ensures a good amount of basil flavour in each bite without overwhelming the skewer visually. If leaves are small, use two per skewer. Avoid bruising them.
7. Add a Touch of Salty Complexity: For a more substantial appetizer, consider adding an element like a small cube of prosciutto or a folded slice of salami to each skewer, perhaps between the basil and mozzarella. A pitted Kalamata olive can also add a nice briny contrast.
8. Soak Wooden Skewers (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary since these aren’t being cooked, briefly soaking wooden or bamboo skewers in water for 10-15 minutes can make them slightly easier to thread through the ingredients without splintering, especially the mozzarella. Pat them dry before using.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Tomato Basil Skewers:

1. Q: Can I make Tomato Basil Skewers ahead of time?
   • A: You can assemble the skewers (tomato, basil, mozzarella) up to 2-3 hours ahead. Arrange them on a platter, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. However, do not add the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, or pepper until just before serving. Adding the dressing too early can cause the basil to wilt and the ingredients to become soggy. For best results, assemble as close to serving time as feasible.
2. Q: How do I store leftover skewers?
   • A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the texture will change slightly – the basil may darken, and the tomatoes might soften. They are definitely best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still edible the next day, perhaps removed from the skewers and tossed into a salad.
3. Q: What’s the best type of mozzarella to use?
   • A: Small, fresh mozzarella balls labeled “Ciliegine” (cherry size) or “Bocconcini” (small bite size) are ideal. They are packed in water or whey and have a soft, creamy texture. Avoid low-moisture mozzarella (pizza cheese) or large balls you have to cut, as the pre-formed small balls provide the best texture and appearance. Pearl mozzarella (very tiny balls) can also work if Ciliegine or Bocconcini aren’t available, though you might use two per skewer.
4. Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
   • A: It is strongly recommended not to use dried basil for this recipe. The appeal of Tomato Basil Skewers comes from the fresh, aromatic flavour and tender texture of fresh basil leaves. Dried basil has a completely different, more concentrated and less vibrant flavour profile and won’t provide the necessary texture or visual appeal. Stick with fresh basil for the authentic Caprese experience.
5. Q: Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?
   • A: While balsamic glaze is classic, you could try a drizzle of high-quality balsamic vinegar (it will be thinner and tangier). Alternatively, a pesto drizzle offers a different but complementary flavour profile. For a non-balsamic option, a light lemon vinaigrette could work, though it significantly changes the character of the dish. The glaze adds a specific sweet tanginess that’s hard to replicate perfectly.
6. Q: Can I make these skewers vegan?
   • A: Yes! Simply omit the mozzarella cheese entirely for a very light tomato-basil skewer, or substitute it with a high-quality vegan mozzarella alternative. Many brands now offer vegan mozzarella balls or blocks that can be cut into cubes. Ensure the vegan cheese alternative has a flavour and texture you enjoy.
7. Q: How many skewers should I plan per person?
   • A: As an appetizer, plan for about 2-4 skewers per person, depending on what else is being served. If they are the main appetizer, lean towards 3-4. If part of a larger spread or antipasto board, 2-3 might suffice. They are quite light, so people tend to enjoy several!
8. Q: My balsamic glaze is too thick/thin. What can I do?
   • A: If your homemade or store-bought glaze is too thick to drizzle easily, gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave or by placing the bottle in warm water. Do not overheat. If it’s too thin (like regular balsamic vinegar), you can thicken it by simmering it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it reduces to your desired consistency, then let it cool completely. Remember it will thicken further as it cools.

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