Looking to host the viewing of a sports game/event? There’s nothing quite like gathering with friends to watch the final of the European Championship, and this year, I decided to up my appetizer game with some delightful Mini Caprese Skewers. They’re fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Alongside these skewers, I prepared an indulgent cheeseboard that was a massive hit. If you’re looking for more appetizer inspiration, check out my other recipes like Whipped Ricotta Toast or Spanish Serrano Ham & Melon Salad.
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What Are Mini Caprese Skewers?
Mini Caprese Skewers are a bite-sized version of the classic Italian Caprese salad. Traditionally, a Caprese salad consists of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These skewers take the same ingredients but present them in a fun and convenient way. I usually do olive oil and balsamic as my dressing, but this time I used pesto. It was delicious!
Perfect for parties, they offer all the flavors of the traditional dish in an easy-to-eat format. Each skewer provides a burst of freshness and is a beautiful addition to any appetizer spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delectable Mini Caprese Skewers, you’ll need:
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they are the star of the skewer.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Soft and creamy, they pair perfectly with the tomatoes.
- Pesto: For a touch of flavour and added richness
Optional: Fresh Basil Leaves, which adds a fragrant and peppery note.
You will also need:
- Skewers: Small wooden or bamboo skewers work best.
How to Make Mini Caprese Skewers
- Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain the mozzarella balls.
- Assemble the Skewers: On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball. You can also add basil leaves to each skewer.
- Season: Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with pesto.
- Finish: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Your Mini Caprese Skewers are ready to impress your guests!
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Mini Caprese Skewers:
- Add Prosciutto: Wrap a thin slice of prosciutto around the mozzarella for a savory twist.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: for extra flavour!
- Different Cheese: Try using marinated feta or a small cube of aged cheddar.
- Fruit Twist: Substitute tomatoes with small cubes of watermelon or strawberries for a sweet variation.
- Herb Infusion: Add a small sprig of rosemary or thyme between the tomato and mozzarella for extra flavor.
Chef Tips
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best flavor.
- Uniformity: Try to pick tomatoes and mozzarella balls that are similar in size for a uniform look.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the skewers up to a few hours before your event, but add the pesto or any glaze, and seasoning just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make a reduction with balsamic vinegar and a bit of honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make caprese skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead. Just wait to add the pesto and seasoning until right before serving.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within a day.
Can I use a different type of tomato for caprese?
Absolutely! Grape tomatoes or even small heirloom tomatoes would work well.
Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella for Caprese?
Small pieces of regular mozzarella, marinated mozzarella balls, or even cheese curds can be used as substitutes.
Enjoy these Mini Caprese Skewers at your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time!
My goal is to get you to cook and experiment in the kitchen, even if you are not an expert. If you would like to get to know me more, follow me on instagram : Lifestylemartina. Looking forward to seeing you there!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please let me know in the comments below 
With love, Martina
Mini Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Mini Mozarella Balls
- 2 tbs Pesto
- Basil Leaves optional
- Wooden Skewers
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain the mozzarella balls.
- Assemble the Skewers: On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, and finish with a basil leaf (optional).
- Season: Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with pesto.
- Serve: Your Mini Caprese Skewers are ready to impress your guests!
Martina is a trained and experienced chef. She has worked as a Chef in multiple restaurants in the Netherlands. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a Start-up in The Hague. In her spare time, she cooks and bakes delicious recipes to host friends and shares all of her best recipes and tips through her blogs.
