Balsamic Glazed Caprese Skewers are a tasty treat! With fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and sweet basil, they are like summer on a stick. The balsamic glaze adds a flavorful twist!
These skewers are perfect for parties or just a fun snack. Just pop them in the fridge for a bit and enjoy. Who knew being healthy could be this delicious? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These small tomatoes are perfect for skewers! If you can’t find them, use grape tomatoes instead. They’re also sweet and easy to pop in your mouth!
Fresh Mozzarella: Look for bocconcini or ciliegine for this recipe. You can substitute with cubed feta or any cheese that melts well, if you want a different twist.
Fresh Basil: Basil brings a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have any, consider using fresh parsley or arugula for a bit of a different taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is key for the glaze! If you’re out, try using red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar to sweeten it up. Apple cider vinegar works too!
Honey or Brown Sugar: This is for sweetening the balsamic glaze. If vegan, use agave syrup instead!
How Do I Make the Perfect Balsamic Glaze?
Making balsamic glaze sounds tricky, but it’s really simple! The key is cooking it until it thickens. Here’s how:
- In a small saucepan, mix balsamic vinegar with honey or brown sugar.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally!
- Cook until it reduces by half and turns syrupy (about 10-15 minutes).
- Let it cool before using; it will thicken as it cools!
This glaze adds a sweet tang and is fantastic on so many dishes too, so feel free to make a little extra!
Balsamic Glazed Caprese Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or whole small leaves
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (to sweeten the balsamic glaze)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 15 minutes of cooking time for the balsamic glaze. After assembling, you can chill the skewers for 15-30 minutes if you prefer them cold. Altogether, it’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze:
Start by pouring the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and adding honey or brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the vinegar has thickened and reduced by about half, forming a syrupy glaze. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to make those beautiful skewers! Take each skewer or toothpick and thread a cherry tomato onto it first, followed by a piece of fresh basil leaf (or a couple of small leaves), and then add a mozzarella ball. Repeat this process until your skewer is filled with a lovely mix! If your skewers are longer, feel free to add more ingredients.
3. Season the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on a serving plate. If you like, you can drizzle a little olive oil over them for extra flavor. To finish, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to give them a lovely taste boost.
4. Add the Glaze:
Just before serving, generously drizzle your cooled balsamic reduction glaze over the skewers. This adds that perfect sweet tang that ties everything together!
5. Serve:
Enjoy your Balsamic Glazed Caprese Skewers right away, or if you’d prefer, pop them in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to chill before serving. They make a fresh, flavorful appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Enjoy these colorful, bite-sized Caprese skewers with the sweet tang of balsamic glaze adding a perfect finishing touch!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can substitute it with feta, goat cheese, or even cubed cheddar for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mozzarella and tomatoes will stay fresh, but the basil might wilt. For the best taste, enjoy them sooner rather than later!
Can I Make the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers a few hours in advance! Just assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Drizzle the balsamic glaze on just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
No problem! You can use red wine vinegar mixed with a little sugar as a substitute, or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference!
