Caprese Skewers – A Beautiful Mess

Caprese Skewers are a delicious, easy to prepare appetizer made with fresh mozzarella balls, tomatoes and basil leaves. These caprese bites make a great appetizer for your next gathering, including holiday parties!

The savory flavors of creamy mozzarella, fresh basil and balsamic reduction make this bite-size appetizer a winner! Mini caprese skewers are an appetizer variation of the classic caprese salad.

More snack ideas: Favorite Holiday Appetizers, Guacamole, Queso, Cocktail Sauce.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella Balls – We used mini mozzarella balls or ciliegine mozzarella (grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes). If these aren’t available at your grocery store, you can also chop fresh mozzarella cheese into small cubes.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Chose red or a variety of colorful small tomatoes.
• Basil – Fresh basil leaves are a must for this recipe.
• Flakey Salt – Some Maldon sea salt sprinkled over the top makes this recipe shine.
• Olive Oil – Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an optional ingredient for a drizzle garnish.
• Balsamic Glaze – Is an optional ingredient for a drizzle garnish. This adds some sweetness to the recipe.

You can use wooden skewers or toothpicks. I used these gold cocktail picks for mine.

Instructions

Begin by gathering your ingredients. Add layers of tomatoes, folded basil leaves and mozzarella cheese balls to each skewer.

Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Add a sprinkle of sea salt to each skewer.

Serve your caprese salad skewers immediately. If you are making these for a party, make them the day of and store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve them.

Tips for Making

• Tomato Colors – Choose from red, yellow or orange tomatoes to make your skewers beautiful and seasonal.
• Variations & Optional Ingredients – You may also add cracked black pepper, balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. You can also add a drizzle of honey for some added sweetness. Another option is you may make an oil-based marinade to toss your mozzarella in a small bowl before assembling the skewers.
• Fresh is Best – This appetizer is best made the day of. You can prep them a few hours before your gathering and store them in the refrigerator until serving.
• Add Cured Meat – Add a layer of prosciutto, pepperoni or salami into your skewers for another delicious element.
• Add Fruit – Add cubes of cantaloupe, watermelon or strawberries to your skewers for a fresh variation.

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