Written by Sarah Miller
Caprese Skewers save my life every cookout. Seriously. Ever show up at a party empty-handed, sweating because you forgot to prep some fancy dish? Yeah, same. With Caprese Skewers, you just poke a few yummy things on a stick and suddenly everyone thinks you planned ahead. These are my hero appetizers for potlucks, lazy summer nights, or that “oops, friends are coming over” panic.
The best part? You can have ‘em ready in maybe ten minutes. Want something just as easy? I sometimes switch things up with these bang bang chicken skewers or other crowd-pleasers for appetizer Monday (yes, it’s totally a thing in my house).
Caprese Skewers Recipe Ingredients
Let’s be real, don’t overthink this. The classics are classic for a reason. You only need:
- Cherry tomatoes (the juicier, the better)
- Mozzarella balls (go for the cute little bocconcini if you can find them)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (grab a bottle and call it a day)
- Good olive oil, pinch of salt, bit of pepper
- Skewers (toothpicks work in a pinch)
That’s it. I’m a big fan of small victories and fewer grocery trips. If you want to go all-out, you can try flavored mozzarella or drizzle with a fancy olive oil. But really, just let those tomatoes and basil shine. 
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Daily Value (%DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 80-100 | 4-5% |
| Protein | 5-6g | 10-12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5-6g | 2% |
| Fat | 5-7g | 8-10% |
| Calcium | 150-200mg | 15-20% |
Caprese Skewers Recipe Tips
Here’s my straight-up, no-fuss advice. For starters, get the freshest tomatoes and basil you can—a sad, wilted basil leaf is just sad. Layer everything with a light hand, you don’t wanna squish the mozzarella. If you want your skewers to look five-star restaurant cute, alternate colors or stack them randomly (chaos is pretty too). Don’t drown ‘em in balsamic glaze. A little zigzag goes a long way, trust me, my first try was a sticky mess. And hey, if you run out of one ingredient, just double up on the others. No one’s judging (or at least they shouldn’t be). 
How to Make Caprese Skewers
Making Caprese Skewers is as easy as poking food with a stick. Seriously, even my cousin who burns toast can handle it. Take a skewer. Slide on a tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, then a folded basil leaf. Repeat if the skewer’s long enough. Lay your finished skewers on a plate, give them a nice drizzle of olive oil, then zigzag that balsamic glaze like you’re on one of those baking shows (but chill, no pressure). Add a little salt and pepper, and that’s it—you’re done.
If you ever want more protein on your table, check out how to throw together some bang bang chicken skewers for a spicy twist alongside your Caprese Skewers. Guests love the mix. Anyway, let the flavors sit together a few minutes before serving so the basil can work its magic. You’ll thank me later.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Daily Value (%DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 80-100 | 4-5% |
| Protein | 5-6g | 10-12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5-6g | 2% |
| Fat | 5-7g | 8-10% |
| Calcium | 150-200mg | 15-20% |
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
So, honestly, these are what I call “guilt-free grazing.” Caprese Skewers are mostly fresh veggies and cheese, so they won’t wreck your diet. One serving (let’s say two skewers, but who’s counting) has about 80-100 calories, depending on how wild you go with cheese and oil. Almost no carbs, good hit of protein, a decent amount of calcium, and a touch of healthy fat from olive oil.
Bonus? They’re gluten-free and vegetarian, so nobody at the table gets left out. If you wanna make them vegan, you could swap out the cheese for your favorite plant-based alternative, though I haven’t found one as tasty as mozzarella just yet. Go easy with the glaze if you’re watching sugars—it sneaks up.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Daily Value (%DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 80-100 | 4-5% |
| Protein | 5-6g | 10-12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5-6g | 2% |
| Fat | 5-7g | 8-10% |
| Calcium | 150-200mg | 15-20% |
More Favorite Summer Appetizers
Okay, let’s talk upgrades! If you love Caprese Skewers, you’ll probably dig these simple picks too:
- Try bang bang chicken skewers for a spicy kick at your next BBQ.
- Fresh veggie sticks with hummus are always a hit (plus, no cooking!).
- Whip up watermelon feta cubes with mint for a sweet-salty mix.
- Load up bruschetta toasts with tomato, basil, and a goofy amount of garlic.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Daily Value (%DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 80-100 | 4-5% |
| Protein | 5-6g | 10-12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5-6g | 2% |
| Fat | 5-7g | 8-10% |
| Calcium | 150-200mg | 15-20% |
Common Questions
Can I make Caprese Skewers ahead of time?
Totally, just assemble everything except the glaze. Wrap and chill, then add glaze before serving so it doesn’t get soggy.
What if I can’t find mozzarella balls?
Slice regular mozzarella into bite-sized cubes or triangles. Nobody will complain, I promise.
Do these travel well for picnics?
Yup! Pack them in a single layer and add glaze right before you eat.
Can I swap other veggies in?
Absolutely. Cucumber or roasted pepper are solid alternatives if you’re feeling wild.
How do I make balsamic glaze at home?
Simmer a cup of balsamic vinegar till it thickens (maybe add a tiny spoon of sugar). Easy peasy.
Bring a Smile to the Party
When it comes to stress-free entertaining, Caprese Skewers really are the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and no need to cook, you’ll look like a snack genius—without sweating it. For more tasty inspiration, check out the original Caprese Skewers Recipe – Love and Lemons or the Best Caprese Skewers Recipe on Allrecipes for a different spin. Give this one a whirl next time you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Let me know if you try them, and don’t forget some extra napkins—those are always in short supply at my place!
For official guidance on food storage and fresh ingredient handling, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 Cherry tomatoes (the juicier, the better) Use the freshest tomatoes
- 20 Mozzarella balls (bocconcini recommended) Look for the cute little ones
- 20 leaves Fresh basil leaves Use the freshest leaves possible
- 2 tbsp Balsamic glaze A little zigzag goes a long way
- 2 tbsp Good olive oil Drizzle lightly
- 1 pinch Salt To taste
- 1 pinch Black pepper To taste
- 8 Skewers (toothpicks work in a pinch) Use for assembling the skewers
Instructions
Assembly
- Take a skewer and slide on a cherry tomato.
- Follow with a mozzarella ball.
- Add a folded basil leaf.
- Repeat until the skewer is filled or has enough length.
- Lay finished skewers on a plate.
- Drizzle with olive oil and zigzag the balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the flavors sit together for a few minutes before serving.