Name: Mini Caprese Skewers
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes: Bright red, ripe, and sweet. Choose ones that are roughly the same size as your mozzarella balls for visual appeal.; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearl size): Small, bite-sized mozzarella, packed in water or whey to maintain freshness and a soft, milky texture.; 1 large bunch fresh basil leaves: Fragrant, vibrant green leaves. Pick medium-sized leaves that can be gently folded or used whole.; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Good quality olive oil for drizzling, adding richness and a fruity note.; 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade): A thick, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar, offering a tangy sweetness. (For homemade: simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar until reduced by half).; Salt, to taste: Fine sea salt or kosher salt to enhance the flavors.; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle spicy kick.; Approximately 30-40 small wooden skewers (4-6 inches long): Food-grade skewers, perfect for individual portions.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes: Bright red, ripe, and sweet. Choose ones that are roughly the same size as your mozzarella balls for visual appeal.
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearl size): Small, bite-sized mozzarella, packed in water or whey to maintain freshness and a soft, milky texture.
1 large bunch fresh basil leaves: Fragrant, vibrant green leaves. Pick medium-sized leaves that can be gently folded or used whole.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Good quality olive oil for drizzling, adding richness and a fruity note.
1–2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade): A thick, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar, offering a tangy sweetness. (For homemade: simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar until reduced by half).
Salt, to taste: Fine sea salt or kosher salt to enhance the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
Approximately 30–40 small wooden skewers (4-6 inches long): Food-grade skewers, perfect for individual portions.

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Gently rinse the cherry or grape tomatoes and pat them dry. Drain the fresh mozzarella balls and pat them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture; this helps them not slide off the skewers and allows the olive oil and seasoning to adhere better. Carefully wash the basil leaves and pat them dry, or spin them in a salad spinner.
Assemble the Skewers: Take a wooden skewer and thread one cherry tomato onto it. Next, gently fold a basil leaf in half (or use a smaller leaf whole) and thread it onto the skewer. Follow with a mozzarella ball. Repeat the pattern if your skewers are long enough (tomato, basil, mozzarella), or simply end it there for a perfect single bite. The most common and visually appealing arrangement is one of each per skewer, creating a colorful trio.
Arrange on a Platter: As you assemble the skewers, lay them on a serving platter or large plate. You can arrange them in neat rows, a circular pattern, or even a more rustic, overlapping style, depending on your preference and the occasion.
Dress the Skewers: Once all skewers are assembled and arranged, lightly drizzle them with the extra virgin olive oil. Then, artfully drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers. Be careful not to oversaturate them; a light touch is key.
Season: Sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final seasoning step really brings all the flavors together.
Serve Immediately or Chill: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Mini Caprese Skewers immediately. If you need to make them slightly ahead, cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to an hour. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving if they’ve been chilled, as this allows the flavors to meld and the mozzarella to soften slightly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 45