This vibrant Caprese Skewers Recipe is hands-down my favorite way to bring a burst of Italian sunshine to any party or picnic! With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a duo of drizzles, these cheerful little bites are as delicious as they are eye-catching. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a plate to share, these skewers promise big, bold flavor—no stress, no cooking, and pure summer happiness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Cook Perfection: With absolutely zero cooking required, this Caprese Skewers Recipe comes together in just minutes—ideal for last-minute gatherings.
A Pop of Color and Flavor: Every skewer is a mini rainbow that bursts with the classic flavors of Italy: juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
Crowd-Pleasing and Portable: These little skewers are easy to pick up and eat, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or backyard BBQs.
Easily Customizable: Whether you tweak the cheese, swap in different tomatoes, or drizzle with extra balsamic glaze, this recipe is super flexible to match your mood or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about the Caprese Skewers Recipe is how simple—but essential—each ingredient is. Every component plays its part: bold color, creamy texture, and that crave-worthy balance of sweet, tangy, and herbal flavors.

Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Sweet, bite-sized, and perfectly juicy—choose ripe ones for the best flavor and color pop.
Miniature Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): Soft, mild, and creamy, these fresh little “pearls” soak up extra olive oil and balsamic like a dream.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil brings bright, aromatic freshness and classic Italian flavor—pick unblemished leaves for the prettiest presentation.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality EVOO adds luxurious richness and helps pull all the flavors together.
Balsamic Glaze: This syrupy drizzle brings a tangy-sweet punch that highlights the tomatoes and cheese.
Kosher Salt: Just a sprinkle seasons everything and deepens the flavors.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A few grinds add subtle heat and round out all the flavors beautifully.
4-inch Wooden Skewers: The perfect size for assembling (and eating!) these tidy, two-bite appetizers.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons I adore the Caprese Skewers Recipe is how adaptable it is—truly, you can make it your own with just a swap or two. Try these variations for dietary tweaks, new flavors, or a creative spin based on what you have in your fridge.

Swap the Cheese: Use marinated mozzarella, bocconcini, or even feta cubes for a tangy twist.
Add a Fruit Accent: Slip a fresh strawberry or half a peach in place of a tomato for a sweet-and-savory kick.
Drizzle with Herbed Oil: Mix a bit of pesto or chopped herbs into your olive oil for extra flavor in every bite.
Go Vegan: Use plant-based mozzarella balls or tofu, and make sure your balsamic glaze is vegan-friendly.

How to Make Caprese Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing your cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cool water, then pat them dry thoroughly. If your mozzarella balls come packed in water, drain them and gently pat each one dry as well—this helps them grip the skewers and prevents extra moisture on your platter.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Take one wooden skewer and thread on a cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf (fold it in half if it’s large), a mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finish with another tomato. Repeat with the remaining skewers—aiming for about 16 to 18, depending on how generously you fill them and the sizes of your ingredients.

Step 3: Arrange and Dress

Lay all your assembled skewers on a wide serving platter, nestling them close together for that irresistible, colorful look. Drizzle generously with extra-virgin olive oil and sweet, syrupy balsamic glaze. Just before serving, sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper to really make the flavors pop.

Pro Tips for Making Caprese Skewers Recipe

Choose Ripe, Firm Tomatoes: Select cherry or grape tomatoes that are plump, brightly colored, and with taut skins—these offer the juiciest flavor and hold best on a skewer.
Herb Handling: If your basil leaves are very large, fold them in half before skewering—this keeps the presentation tidy and ensures a balanced bite.
Balsamic Glaze Control: Drizzle the balsamic right before serving to prevent sogginess and to keep all the flavors vibrant and distinct.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead—just add the olive oil, balsamic, and seasonings at the last minute for ultimate freshness.

How to Serve Caprese Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

For a final flourish, top your Caprese Skewers Recipe platter with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of microgreens, or a little extra torn basil for drama. Sometimes, I tuck a few edible flowers among the skewers for bonus color and a truly festive touch!

Side Dishes

This recipe plays well with others—think crusty Italian bread for mopping up those balsamic-drizzled juices, a bowl of olives, or crispy grissini. At a summer cookout, it’s fabulous alongside grilled veggies, pasta salads, or antipasto platters.

Creative Ways to Present

Caprese Skewers Recipe isn’t just for casual gatherings! For a fun twist, layer the skewers in a concentric pattern on a large round platter for a “wreath” effect, stagger them upright in a vase for a bouquet look, or line them up on a wooden board for sophisticated snacking at a cocktail hour.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Caprese Skewers, simply cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the skewers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—just know that the basil will be at its freshest on day one.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as both the mozzarella and tomatoes lose their wonderful texture after thawing. Caprese Skewers are best enjoyed fresh for that vibrant crunch and creamy bite.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat Caprese Skewers Recipe—these are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If serving after refrigeration, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to take off the chill and let the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I make Caprese Skewers Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers up to 4 hours ahead and store them in the fridge. For best flavor and freshness, drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze and add salt and pepper right before serving.
What kind of mozzarella works best for this recipe?

I recommend using “ciliegine”—mini, cherry-sized fresh mozzarella balls—because they’re the ideal size for skewers and have a soft, creamy texture. If you can’t find them, you can cut a larger mozzarella ball into 1-inch pieces.
How do I keep the basil leaves from wilting?

Basil likes to stay cool and slightly moist. Keep the leaves dry until you’re ready to assemble, then cover the prepared skewers with a damp paper towel and refrigerate. Hold back the oil and balsamic until the last minute for best results.
Can I make this Caprese Skewers Recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! The recipe scales up easily—just buy more tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and have plenty of skewers on hand. Arrange them on a large platter, and you’re ready to impress a crowd with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, easy, and utterly beautiful appetizer, this Caprese Skewers Recipe is your ticket! Gather your ingredients, scoop up that balsamic glaze, and let every skewer bring a little taste of Italian joy to your friends and family. I can’t wait for you to share this gorgeous crowd-pleaser at your next gathering!

Caprese Skewers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 110 reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 18 skewers
Category: Appetizer
Method: Skewering
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Caprese Skewers are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that beautifully showcase the classic Italian flavors of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze. Perfect for any gathering or party!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients:

16 to 18 (4-inch) wooden skewers
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
1 (12-ounce) container miniature cherry-sized fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 36 leaves)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Thread Ingredients: Thread 1 tomato, 1 fresh basil leaf, 1 miniature fresh mozzarella ball, another fresh basil leaf, and 1 tomato onto each skewer.
Arrange Skewers: Place the skewers on a serving platter.
Drizzle and Season: Lightly drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer