Simple Caprese Skewers Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, let me introduce you to Simple Caprese Skewers. These vibrant bites stack up everything we love about the classic Caprese salad—juicy tomatoes, luscious mozzarella, and bright basil—onto handy little sticks perfect for sharing. With their fresh flavors and fun-to-eat presentation, these skewers have an irresistible charm that makes them the life of any gathering, from backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Simple Caprese Skewers lies in their short ingredient list—each item chosen not just for taste but for the way they play off each other visually and texturally. When the ingredients shine on their own, every bite is a mini celebration of summer’s best flavors.

• Cherry or grape tomatoes: Pick the ripest, sweetest ones you can find—they’ll burst with flavor and add a pop of color to your skewers.
• Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): Their creamy texture is the perfect counterpoint to the juicy tomatoes.
• Fresh basil leaves: Basil brings an herby fragrance and a splash of green that makes each skewer come alive.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle of good olive oil enhances everything and adds a subtle richness.
• Balsamic glaze: This sweet-tangy finishing touch ties all the flavors together with a glossy finish.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning right before serving brings out every flavor—just a pinch does wonders!
• Skewers (bamboo, toothpicks, or mini cocktail skewers): Choose the size that matches your event—longer for sharing platters, shorter for quick bites.

How to Make Simple Caprese Skewers

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Give the tomatoes a quick rinse and dry them off so they’re glossy and ready for their debut. If your mozzarella is packed in water, drain it and pat each ball dry with a paper towel—this will help them grab onto the olive oil and seasonings later. Gently separate your basil leaves and set aside any that look especially bright and unblemished.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Thread one tomato onto your skewer, followed by a fresh basil leaf (fold it if it’s big), and finish with a mozzarella ball. Repeat on each skewer, using as many pieces as you’d like or until you run out of room—usually two sets per skewer make for a satisfying bite. If you love the look, alternate colors of tomatoes, or play with the order for extra flair.

Step 3: Arrange on a Serving Platter

Lay your assembled Simple Caprese Skewers in neat rows or a pretty circular pattern on a platter. The more inviting they look, the more likely they’ll be snapped up quickly! If you’re making a big batch, consider overlapping the skewers slightly so each one’s color peeks through.

Step 4: Season and Drizzle

Right before serving, drizzle the skewers generously with that peppery extra virgin olive oil, and then the luscious balsamic glaze. Finish with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—this simple step elevates the flavor and pulls everything together beautifully.

How to Serve Simple Caprese Skewers

Garnishes

For an extra burst of color and freshness, scatter a few finely chopped basil leaves over the top after drizzling. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can give a lovely crunch, and if you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of lemon zest adds brightness that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes.

Side Dishes

Simple Caprese Skewers are perfect on their own, but they also play well with others. Pair them with crunchy crostini, a platter of antipasto, or an herby pasta salad. The bright flavors cut through richer sides, making the whole meal feel balanced and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity run wild! Arrange your skewers standing upright in a halved melon for a centerpiece-worthy display, or tuck them into mason jars for rustic charm. For bite-sized portions, use toothpicks instead of skewers and pile them high on a slate board—everyone will want to dive right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Simple Caprese Skewers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for about one to two days. The flavors will continue to mingle, but keep in mind that basil can wilt a bit, so they’re at their best the first day.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Simple Caprese Skewers. The fresh mozzarella and tomatoes both have high water content, which makes them mushy and watery once thawed. For best results, enjoy them fresh and crisp.

Reheating

No reheating necessary—these skewers are intended to be enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you want to take the chill off, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving, but there’s no need to use a microwave or oven.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for Simple Caprese Skewers, you can swap in cubes of feta for a salty punch, or try burrata for an extra creamy bite. Just remember that the cheese should be mild and fresh to let the tomatoes shine.

How far in advance can I make these skewers?

You can assemble Simple Caprese Skewers a few hours before your event—just keep them tightly covered in the fridge. For the freshest presentation, add the olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving.

What should I do if I can’t find balsamic glaze?

If you can’t find balsamic glaze at your local store, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until thickened and syrupy. Or, simply use a splash of good-quality balsamic vinegar in a pinch.

Can I use large tomatoes or regular mozzarella?

You can, but it’s best to cut large tomatoes and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep them uniform in size for easy skewering and a balanced bite in each mouthful.

Are Simple Caprese Skewers gluten-free?

Yes! All the classic ingredients—tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze—are naturally gluten-free, making these skewers a crowd-pleasing option for guests with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Simple Caprese Skewers—the way they bring effortless elegance and unbeatable flavor to any table. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or just craving a snack that celebrates simple ingredients, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. Your guests (and your taste buds) will thank you!