Name: Italian Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 24 cherry tomatoes (about 1-1.5 pints), rinsed and patted dry; 24 fresh mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained and patted dry; 24 small fresh basil leaves (or larger ones torn in half); ¼ cup balsamic glaze; 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes

Experience the essence of Italian summer in these charming mini Caprese skewers. Thread ripe cherry tomatoes, pearl-sized fresh mozzarella, and tender basil leaves onto toothpicks, then finish with a glossy balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive oil. They’re refreshing, light, and visually stunning—perfect for effortless entertaining, picnics, or as a vibrant starter that celebrates fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with these mini Caprese skewers because they’re incredibly quick to assemble with zero cooking required, making them ideal for hot days or last-minute gatherings.

The combination of sweet-tangy cherry tomatoes, creamy and mild bocconcini mozzarella, peppery fresh basil, and the rich, tangy sweetness of balsamic glaze creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every bite. They’re naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and light yet satisfying, appealing to a wide range of diets and preferences. The vibrant red, white, and green colors make them look like little Italian flags on a platter—impressive without any fuss.

Guests always rave about the fresh taste and elegant presentation, and they’re fun to eat handheld. Best of all, you can prep them ahead, and they taste even better after a short chill, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once you serve these, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for everything from casual get-togethers to fancy dinner parties!

Yield: 8 serves

Italian Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe

Fresh mini Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze—elegant no-cook Italian bites!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

24 cherry tomatoes (about 1-1.5 pints), rinsed and patted dry
24 fresh mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained and patted dry
24 small fresh basil leaves (or larger ones torn in half)
¼ cup balsamic glaze
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes

Instructions

Gather your colorful treasures! Lay out all ingredients on a clean workspace—cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This makes assembly smooth and enjoyable, like building little edible works of art.
Prep the stars. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat them completely dry with paper towels—this helps everything stay fresh and the glaze stick later. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry too.
Pick perfect basil. Gently wash and dry the basil leaves—choose the smallest, most tender ones for easy skewering. If leaves are large, tear or fold them gently to fit.
Start threading the fun! Take a short toothpick or small skewer and begin with a cherry tomato—push it on gently about halfway down so it sits securely.
Add the basil hug. Fold or roll a basil leaf into a neat shape (or leave whole if small), then thread it onto the skewer right after the tomato—the green leaf peeking out looks beautiful!
Welcome the mozzarella. Slide on a mini mozzarella ball next—it should nestle cozily against the basil for that classic Caprese layering.
Finish the trio. Top with another cherry tomato if desired for symmetry (tomato-basil-mozzarella-tomato), or stop here for single-bite versions—either way, leave a little space at the end for easy handling.
Repeat with love. Continue assembling until you've used all your ingredients—aim for 20-24 skewers. Arrange them attractively on a serving platter as you go.
Season and drizzle magic. Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the skewers. Then, artfully drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze—zigzag patterns look stunning and add glossy shine!
Chill and serve with flair! Let the skewers rest in the fridge for 15-30 minutes if time allows (flavors meld beautifully), then serve chilled or at room temp. Garnish the platter with extra basil leaves—watch everyone reach for these irresistible bites!

Notes

Use high-quality, fresh ingredients—the recipe shines with simplicity, so ripe tomatoes and good mozzarella make all the difference. If basil wilts quickly in heat, assemble closer to serving time. These are naturally no-cook, so they're perfect for summer or when the oven is off-limits. Pair with chilled white wine or prosecco for an authentic Italian vibe!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 275Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 11gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 68mgSodium 540mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 19g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use fresh, room-temperature ingredients for the best flavor—cold mozzarella can taste bland.
Choose firm but ripe cherry tomatoes that aren’t too soft to hold on the skewer.
Fold or roll basil leaves before threading to prevent tearing and for a neat look.
Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess.
For extra presentation, use decorative or colored toothpicks or small skewers.
Pat mozzarella and tomatoes dry with paper towels to help the glaze adhere better.
Make a big batch and store components separately if prepping in advance.

Ingredients Notes

Cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes) provide juicy sweetness and bright color—choose ones that are vibrant red and firm for easy skewering.
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size) offer creamy texture and mild flavor—avoid pre-shredded; the mini pearls are perfect for one-bite portions.
Fresh basil leaves add aromatic, peppery freshness—use small, tender leaves from the top of the plant for best taste and appearance.
Balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar) brings tangy-sweet depth—store-bought works great, or make your own by simmering balsamic until thick.
Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness—use a good quality one for drizzling as it shines in no-cook recipes.
Salt and black pepper (freshly cracked) season simply—flaky sea salt elevates the natural flavors beautifully.
Optional additions like a pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes can add subtle Italian flair without overpowering.

Variations and Substitutions

Add prosciutto for a salty twist—wrap a thin slice around the mozzarella or tomato before skewering.
Make it vegetarian/vegan by using vegan mozzarella alternative and skipping any meat add-ins.
Try heirloom cherry tomatoes in mixed colors for a rainbow effect and varied sweetness.
Swap basil for fresh mint or arugula for a different herbal note.
For a heartier version, add cubes of salami, olives, or artichoke hearts to the skewer.
Use pearled mozzarella instead of balls if you want larger bites, or cut larger mozzarella into cubes.
Gluten-free by nature, but ensure balsamic glaze has no added thickeners if strict.
Sweet twist: drizzle with honey instead of or with balsamic for a unique flavor profile.
Mini Caprese salad style: serve loose in a bowl instead of skewered for a fork-friendly option.

Storage Options

Assemble skewers up to 4-6 hours ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge—cover loosely to prevent drying. Drizzle glaze and oil right before serving. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 1-2 days, but basil may wilt slightly; best enjoyed fresh. Do not freeze, as tomatoes and mozzarella lose texture. Components (tomatoes, cheese, basil) can be prepped separately and stored up to 2 days for quick assembly.