Description
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Reduction are a fresh and elegant Italian appetizer featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves threaded onto skewers. Finished with a sweet and tangy homemade balsamic vinegar reduction, these skewers offer a perfect balance of flavors and make an ideal party, holiday, or romantic gathering snack that is both gluten-free and vegetarian.
Ingredients
Skewers
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Fresh basil leaves
- 20 small skewers or toothpicks
Balsamic Reduction
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
Optional
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar thickens into a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let cool; the reduction will thicken further as it cools.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread each skewer with one cherry tomato, a folded fresh basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball. Repeat until all 20 skewers are assembled.
- Arrange and Season: Place the completed skewers neatly on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic reduction evenly over the skewers. If using, lightly drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the top and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Caprese skewers immediately for optimal freshness, or chill until ready to serve. They make a delightful fresh appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For convenience, store-bought balsamic glaze can be used instead of making the reduction.
- Use small basil leaves for easy threading or fold larger leaves to fit on the skewers.
- Assemble the skewers shortly before serving to preserve the freshness of the ingredients.
- For a non-vegetarian variation, add prosciutto slices to each skewer for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
