Fresh Star-Spangled Caprese Skewers
These festive Caprese skewers combine cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze, perfect for summer parties and patriotic gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if making balsamic glaze)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes (red and blue/black varieties if available)
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
- Optional: Blueberries
- Optional: Fresh oregano
Instructions
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water and pat dry. Cut large tomatoes in half if desired. Drain mozzarella balls on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- If making balsamic glaze, pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon honey or sugar. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/4 cup and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool.
- Optionally, toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl to enhance flavor.
- Thread one cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer or toothpick. Repeat in a red-white-blue pattern, alternating blueberries with tomatoes if using.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper if desired.
- Optionally, garnish with torn basil leaves. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 1 hour before serving for best freshness.
Notes
Dry mozzarella balls well to avoid soggy skewers. Keep balsamic glaze reduction on low heat to prevent burning. Assemble skewers tightly but not bruising ingredients. Add basil and glaze just before serving if making ahead to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 5060
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Caprese skewers, party appetizer, summer recipe, balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, patriotic appetizer