Name: Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

There’s something delightfully simple yet stunning about fresh flavors on a stick, and that’s exactly why I adore this Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe. It’s a perfect bite-sized burst of summer—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Honestly, they’re fantastic party starters or just a quick, elegant snack to brighten up your day.

The image shows a white plate with seven skewers of Caprese salad arranged neatly. Each skewer has three layers: a bright red cherry tomato on top, a fresh green basil leaf in the middle, and a smooth white mozzarella ball at the bottom. The skewers are drizzled with a thin, dark balsamic glaze and sprinkled with a few tiny black pepper bits. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and elegant look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers have become my go-to for effortless entertaining. They taste fresh, look beautiful, and come together in no time—making you feel like a kitchen rockstar without the stress.

Freshness at its Best: Using ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil makes every bite burst with vibrant flavor.
Easy Assembly: Just thread and drizzle—no cooking or complicated prep needed.
Customizable Presentation: Perfect for casual get-togethers or upscale parties, depending on how you dress them up.
Healthy and Light: Low in carbs and calories, these skewers are an indulgence that feels good to eat.

The image shows several small skewers each with three layers: a shiny red cherry tomato at the bottom, a fresh green basil leaf in the middle, and a smooth white mozzarella ball on top, drizzled with a dark brown balsamic glaze and sprinkled with black pepper. The skewers are placed on a white marbled surface with drops of olive oil scattered around, creating a fresh and colorful look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

You really can’t go wrong when you combine cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil—the classic Caprese trio. Each ingredient plays a unique role: tomatoes add juiciness and sweetness, mozzarella brings cool creaminess, and basil offers that herbaceous zip. When shopping, look for the freshest tomatoes you can find and mozzarella that’s soft and milky.

Flat lay of a small cluster of bright red cherry tomatoes, a handful of fresh vibrant green basil leaves, a few glossy miniature white mozzarella balls (ciliegine) arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dark, shiny balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Smaller tomatoes have the perfect bite-size and natural sweetness, especially if in season.
Miniature Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): Soft, fresh cheese that melts on your tongue and balances acidity.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic and bright—make sure they’re vibrant and not wilting.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and a fruity depth when drizzled just before serving.
Balsamic Glaze: A sweet tangy touch that elevates every bite—homemade or store-bought both work.
Kosher Salt: Pulls out the sweetness and flavors from the ingredients.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just a hint of spice to round out the taste.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with these skewers depending on the occasion. You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to suit your mood or dietary needs—the beauty is in their versatility.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a small slice of prosciutto between layers for a salty, savory punch that balances the fresh ingredients perfectly.
Dietary Preference: For a vegan take, replace mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese alternatives—you’ll still get plenty of texture and flavor.
Seasonal Change: In fall, try cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of pumpkin seed oil instead of olive oil and sprinkle crushed nuts for added crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Gather Fresh, Quality Ingredients

Start with the very best produce you can find. Rinse your cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, and gently pat them dry. Open your container of fresh mozzarella balls and drain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess on your skewers. Taking these few minutes ensures every bite will taste fresh and vibrant.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers with Care

Grab your 4-inch wooden skewers and remember the threading order I find works best: a cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf (folding helps it fit snugly), then a mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finish with a cherry tomato. This pattern not only looks appealing but balances flavors beautifully. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; give each piece room to show off.

Step 3: Dress and Season Just Before Serving

Arrange your skewers on a serving platter and then lightly drizzle them with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and just a bit of balsamic glaze for that perfect sweet and tangy pop. Finally, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning. You don’t want to drizzle or salt too early or the basil leaves can wilt—freshness is key!

Top Tip

From my many gatherings, I’ve learned these tidbits help make your Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe truly sparkle.

Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Don’t settle for underripe or hard cherry tomatoes—they won’t have that juicy sweetness that makes these skewers sing.
Don’t Overdress: A little olive oil and balsamic glaze goes a long way; too much masks the fresh flavors.
Threading Matters: Folding larger basil leaves keeps your skewers neat, and alternating basil layers gives bursts of herbal aroma in every bite.
Prep Close to Serving: Assemble and dress these skewers shortly before guests arrive to keep basil leaves crisp and vibrant.

How to Serve Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a few extra fresh basil leaves scattered around the platter add lush green contrast. Sometimes, I sprinkle some crushed toasted pine nuts or a few flakes of flaky sea salt on top to add texture and a touch of indulgence. It’s those small details that make guests say, “Wow!”

Side Dishes

These skewers pair beautifully with crusty artisan bread or a light green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette. On warmer days, I love serving them alongside grilled vegetables or a chilled white wine to keep things fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these skewers upright in a narrow vase filled with ice—kind of like edible floral bouquets! It impresses guests and keeps everything cool. Another fun idea is to serve them on colorful platters or slate boards for a rustic touch. Play around with presentation—these skewers are as stylish as they are tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a day. I usually keep the dressing separate and drizzle just before serving to avoid soggy basil leaves and tomatoes. This little step keeps everything fresher.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing these skewers because fresh mozzarella and tomatoes don’t thaw well—they tend to get watery and lose texture. Instead, enjoy them fresh for the best flavor experience.

Reheating

Since these skewers are best served fresh and cold, reheating isn’t needed. If you want a warm twist, consider turning the ingredients into a warm Caprese salad instead—pan-roasting tomatoes and melted mozzarella is a delightful alternative!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

You can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance, but I recommend adding olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper just before serving. This keeps the basil leaves fresh and prevents the tomatoes from becoming watery.

What if I can’t find fresh mozzarella balls?

If fresh mozzarella balls aren’t available, you can cut a block of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized cubes. Try to use mozzarella that is soft and creamy to keep the texture close to the original.

How do I make a homemade balsamic glaze?

To make balsamic glaze at home, simply simmer one cup of balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it reduces by half and thickens into a syrupy consistency. Let it cool before drizzling over your skewers.

Can I substitute basil with another herb?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of basil or don’t have any on hand, fresh mint or oregano can provide a refreshing or earthy twist to these skewers. Just make sure the leaves aren’t too overpowering so they complement the mozzarella and tomatoes well.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese and Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe has become one of my simplest pleasures in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe I circle back to when I want something quick, fresh, and utterly delicious. Sharing them with friends or making a small batch just for myself always feels like a little celebration of fresh summer flavors. I hope you’ll try making these soon—they’re such an easy, impressive way to bring a little Italian flair to your table.