Caprese Skewers Recipe

Cherry tomatoes: These small, juicy tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color to the skewers.

Mini mozzarella balls: Also known as bocconcini, these small cheese balls provide a creamy texture and mild flavor.

Fresh basil: The aromatic leaves of basil add a fresh and slightly peppery taste.

Balsamic glaze: A thick, sweet reduction of balsamic vinegar that adds a tangy finish to the skewers.

To enhance the flavor of your basil, gently bruise the leaves before threading them onto the skewers. This releases their essential oils and intensifies their aroma, making each bite more fragrant and flavorful.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar size and sweetness, making them a perfect alternative.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sundried tomatoes: Sundried tomatoes offer a more intense flavor and chewy texture, adding a different dimension to the skewers.

• mini mozzarella balls - Substitute with cubed feta cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy and salty flavor, which complements the other ingredients well.

• mini mozzarella balls - Substitute with goat cheese balls: Goat cheese has a creamy texture and a slightly tart flavor, offering a unique twist to the skewers.

• fresh basil - Substitute with fresh mint leaves: Mint leaves provide a refreshing and aromatic flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• fresh basil - Substitute with arugula leaves: Arugula adds a peppery taste and a bit of crunch, making the skewers more interesting.

• balsamic glaze - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness and a different kind of richness to the skewers.

• balsamic glaze - Substitute with pomegranate molasses: Pomegranate molasses offers a sweet and tangy flavor, providing a unique twist to the traditional balsamic glaze.

• To keep your Caprese skewers fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent the basil leaves from wilting and the mozzarella balls from drying out.

• Place a damp paper towel over the skewers before sealing the container. This helps maintain the moisture and crispness of the cherry tomatoes and basil.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will keep the ingredients fresh for up to 2 days.

• If you need to prepare the skewers in advance, consider assembling them without the basil leaves. Add the basil just before serving to ensure it remains vibrant and fresh.

• Avoid drizzling the balsamic glaze until you are ready to serve. This prevents the skewers from becoming soggy.

• For freezing, it's best to avoid it altogether. The texture of the mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes can be compromised when frozen and thawed.

• If you must freeze, do so without the basil leaves and balsamic glaze. Wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month.

• Thaw frozen skewers in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

• Gently remove the cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls from the skewers to avoid any damage during reheating.
• Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast them for about 5-7 minutes until they are warm and slightly blistered.
• For the mini mozzarella balls, use a microwave-safe dish. Microwave them on low power for 10-15 seconds, just enough to take the chill off without melting them.
• Reassemble the skewers by threading the warmed cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves back onto the skewers.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain the fresh and vibrant flavors.

• Skewers: Used to thread the cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and basil leaves together.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to prepare and organize your ingredients.

• Paring knife: Handy for any small cutting tasks, like trimming basil leaves if needed.

• Serving platter: Ideal for arranging and presenting the finished Caprese skewers.

• Small bowl: Useful for holding the balsamic glaze before drizzling.

• Spoon: Helps to drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the skewers.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves ahead of time. Keep the mini mozzarella balls in the fridge until you're ready to assemble.

Use toothpicks: If you don't have skewers, use toothpicks for a quicker assembly. They work just as well and save time.

Pre-make balsamic glaze: If you prefer homemade balsamic glaze, make it in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just drizzle it when needed.

Assemble in batches: Line up all your ingredients and assemble multiple skewers at once. This assembly line method speeds up the process.