Name: Caprese Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 24 cherry tomatoes; 12 mini mozzarella balls; 24 basil leaves; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Balsamic reduction, for drizzling; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant appetizer that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, look no further than these Caprese Skewers! Bright cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil come together on a stick—finished with glossy olive oil and tangy balsamic reduction for a bite-sized take on the classic salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Cook, No-Stress: These Caprese Skewers require zero time over the stove or oven, so you can whip them up in minutes without any fuss!
Gorgeous and Versatile Presentation: Their colors and presentation always “wow” at parties, picnics, or cozy nights in—plus, they’re easy to scale up or down for any crowd.
Classic Italian Flavor: Every bite pops with fresh tomato, creamy mozzarella, sweet basil, and that irresistible combo of olive oil and balsamic.
Naturally Light & Gluten-Free: Caprese Skewers are a naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly option that everyone at the table can enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Caprese Skewers is all about celebrating just a few simple, fresh ingredients. Each one—whether it’s the juicy tomato, silky mozzarella, or aromatic basil—plays a starring role in flavor, color, and texture. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Cherry Tomatoes: Look for plump, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best burst of sweetness and color.
Mini Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Creamy, mild, and bite-sized—the perfect partner for tomatoes and basil.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Use whole, bright green basil leaves for an aromatic punch and classic Caprese flavor.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Drizzle over the skewers to provide a rich, subtle depth and velvety finish.
Balsamic Reduction: The sweet-tart drizzle gives the skewers an irresistible gourmet twist (store-bought or homemade both work wonderfully).
Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A sprinkle at the end makes all the flavors pop—don’t skip this final flourish!

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.

Variations

One of the joys of Caprese Skewers is that they’re endlessly customizable! If you want to play with flavors, accommodate dietary needs, or just use what’s already waiting in your fridge, try these easy, crave-worthy twists:

Swap the Mozzarella: Substitute small cubes of feta, vegan mozzarella, or marinated cheese for a flavor twist or to suit dietary preferences.
Roasted Tomatoes: Amp up the sweetness and intensity by roasting your cherry tomatoes before assembling the skewers.
Add Prosciutto or Salami: If you want a heartier bite, tuck thin ribbons of cured meat between the mozzarella and tomato for savory flair.
Change Up the Greens: Try peppery arugula or even fresh oregano leaves if you’re out of basil, for a different herbal note.
Drizzle with Pesto: Finish with a slick of vibrant basil pesto alongside, or in place of, the olive oil and balsamic.

How to Make Caprese Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Skewer Ingredients

Give your cherry tomatoes a quick rinse and pat them dry so everything looks fresh and appetizing. If your mozzarella balls are packed in water, drain well and gently blot dry with a paper towel. Pluck the basil leaves from their stems, choosing ones that are whole and vibrant so they hold up on the skewer.

Step 2: Assemble the Caprese Skewers

Thread a cherry tomato onto a mini skewer or toothpick, followed by a basil leaf folded in half (if it’s large), then a mozzarella ball, and finish with another cherry tomato on top. Repeat until you’ve used all your ingredients, arranging them on a serving platter as you go for maximum color impact!

Step 3: Finish with Flavors

Right before serving, drizzle the assembled skewers generously with extra-virgin olive oil and a glossy swirl of balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper—the magic really happens in these last touches, so don’t be shy!

Pro Tips for Making Caprese Skewers

Choose the Freshest Produce: Pick tomatoes that are vibrant and firm, and basil that smells amazing—this makes all the difference when each ingredient shines on its own.
Keep Ingredients Dry: Patting mozzarella and basil leaves dry helps the olive oil and balsamic coating cling beautifully without sliding off.
Assemble Close to Serving Time: For the prettiest, perkiest skewers, thread and dress them shortly before guests arrive so the basil stays vibrant and the cheese remains fresh.
Uniform Skewer Sizes: Try to keep your skewer assemblies roughly the same length so your Caprese Skewers look gorgeous lined up on a platter.

How to Serve Caprese Skewers

Garnishes

Don’t hesitate to add a few extra flourishes—think a dusting of flaky sea salt, a grind of black pepper, or even a microplane of lemon zest for zing. If you want to amp up the shine for a party, sprinkle tiny basil blossoms or edible flowers on the platter for that extra “wow” factor.

Side Dishes

Caprese Skewers pair well with crusty bread, garlicky crostini, or a selection of Italian antipasto—think olives, roasted peppers, or cured meats. They also love the company of a simple pasta salad or sparkling prosecco. The flavors are so clean and balanced, you can hardly go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange your Caprese Skewers on a long white platter in alternating rows for a striking color play, or shape them into a wreath with basil sprigs tucked in for a festive look. For an elegant nibble, stand skewers upright in a pretty glass or mason jar filled with raw rice or salt for support—guests will love grabbing them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover Caprese Skewers, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for a day, though the basil may lose a bit of its perkiness—but they’re still absolutely delicious!

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Caprese Skewers since mozzarella and tomatoes both lose their wonderful texture when thawed. These are at their very best fresh, so make what you’ll enjoy within a day or two.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Caprese Skewers—they are meant to be served cold or at room temperature. Just let them sit out of the fridge for ten minutes before serving for maximum flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I prepare Caprese Skewers in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can thread the skewers a few hours ahead and refrigerate them until shortly before serving. Just wait to drizzle on the olive oil and balsamic reduction until right before guests arrive so everything stays fresh and gorgeous.
How long can Caprese Skewers sit out at room temperature?

They’ll be perfectly safe at room temperature for up to two hours—ideal for picnics or parties! After that, it’s best to refrigerate them to keep the cheese and tomatoes at their best.
Can I use grape tomatoes or large mozzarella instead of minis?

Yes, grape tomatoes work well and sliced pieces of fresh mozzarella can be used if you don’t have minis—just cut everything into similar bite-sized pieces for easy skewering.
What kind of skewers should I use?

Short bamboo skewers or sturdy toothpicks are perfect for Caprese Skewers. For longer party platters, you can use cocktail sticks or even decorative picks to match your theme.

Final Thoughts

Caprese Skewers are pure joy on a stick—easy, elegant, and delicious every single time. I hope you’ll try them soon and discover just how wonderfully simple fresh ingredients can be. Gather your favorite people, pass around a platter, and enjoy a true taste of summer—no matter the season!