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Easy Mini Caprese Skewers: The Best 5-Minute Appetizer

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These easy mini caprese skewers with balsamic drizzle are the perfect 5-minute appetizer. With just four ingredients—cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze—they’re quick, elegant, and always a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 300g)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (about 225g)
  • 24 large fresh basil leaves
  • 3–4 tablespoons balsamic glaze (45-60ml)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or micro greens (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry. Drain the mozzarella pearls and pat them dry with paper towels. Select the nicest, largest basil leaves (about 24 total).
  2. Set up your assembly station. Arrange tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves in a row on a clean work surface. Have toothpicks or small skewers within easy reach.
  3. Start skewering. Take a toothpick and thread on one cherry tomato, pushing it about halfway down. Follow with a basil leaf (gently fold or crumple it), then add one mozzarella pearl. The order: tomato on bottom, basil in middle, mozzarella on top.
  4. Repeat until finished. Continue assembling skewers until all ingredients are used (about 24 skewers). Arrange on a serving platter in neat rows or a circular pattern, leaving space between each.
  5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Using a small spoon or squeeze bottle, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers in a back-and-forth motion, coating the tops of the mozzarella and letting some drip onto the tomatoes.
  6. Add finishing touches. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper over the top. If using olive oil, drizzle lightly before the balsamic glaze.
  7. Serve immediately or chill briefly. Best served within 30 minutes of assembling. If making ahead, assemble without glaze and refrigerate up to 2 hours; add glaze and salt just before serving.

Notes

Dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent watery skewers. Let mozzarella come to room temperature for 15 minutes before assembling for creamier texture. For homemade balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons brown sugar until reduced by half (about 10-12 minutes). Store leftover glaze in refrigerator for up to a month. Assemble skewers no more than 30 minutes before serving to keep basil fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: caprese skewers, mini caprese, easy appetizer, 5-minute appetizer, balsamic drizzle, mozzarella skewers, tomato basil skewers, gluten-free appetizer, vegetarian appetizer, party appetizer

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/easy-mini-caprese-skewers-the-best-5-minute-appetizer/