Name: Cherry 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 just something about the bright, juicy burst of cherry tomatoes paired with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil that makes the Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe a standout appetizer. It's a breeze to prepare, brings color to the table, and tastes like summer sunshine on a plate.

On a white plate with a light gray texture, there are six wooden skewers each holding three layers: top and bottom layers are bright red cherry tomatoes with a smooth and shiny surface, and the middle layer is a soft white mozzarella ball. Between each tomato and mozzarella, there is a fresh green basil leaf that looks soft with slight wrinkles. The skewers are drizzled with a dark brown balsamic glaze and sprinkled with a few small specks of black pepper. The plate sits on a white marbled surface 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 Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made these skewers for a casual get-together, and everyone couldn't stop going back for more. They're incredibly simple yet full of vibrant flavors that pair beautifully, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser every time.

Super Simple: No cooking involved, just fresh ingredients that come together on a skewer.
Fresh Flavors: The combination of basil, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes never disappoints.
Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to hold and eat, making them ideal for parties and casual gatherings.
Visual Appeal: The colorful layers make for an irresistible presentation.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe comes down to using fresh, high-quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each plays a key role in the balance of flavors and textures.

Flat lay of fresh cherry tomatoes on the vine, a handful of bright green fresh basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with miniature smooth white mozzarella balls, a small white ceramic bowl with golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding thick dark balsamic glaze, a few whole uncracked light brown eggs, and a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt alongside a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, 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: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for that juicy burst which contrasts beautifully with the soft mozzarella.
Miniature Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): These little cheese bites are just the right size, creamy, and milky—the perfect counterpoint to the tomatoes.
Fresh Basil Leaves: The fresh herbal notes add brightness and aroma to every bite—don't skip the basil!
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness and smoothness that ties all elements together.
Balsamic Glaze: Its sweet tang elevates the skewers with a lovely, glossy finish.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
Wooden Skewers: Use 4-inch skewers for easy, bite-sized servings perfect for snacking.

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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 like to keep these skewers classic but sometimes I play around with adding a touch of pesto instead of olive oil or swapping the balsamic glaze for a flavored reduction. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect twist!

Variation: Once, I tossed in a few marinated artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean spin—and it was a hit at a summer BBQ.
Dietary Modifications: These skewers are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, but you can easily make them vegan by replacing mozzarella with a plant-based cheese.
Seasonal Changes: Swap cherry tomatoes for roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes in the winter months for a similar flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by rinsing and drying your cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently with a kitchen towel. I like to fold larger basil leaves in half so they fit neatly on the skewers without overpowering the bite.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

Take a 4-inch wooden skewer and thread ingredients in this order: one cherry tomato, one folded basil leaf, one miniature mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and end with another cherry tomato.

Don’t crowd the ingredients too tightly – leaving a small gap helps each piece breathe and makes the skewers easier to eat.

Step 3: Arrange and Dress

Lay your assembled skewers on a nice serving platter. Drizzle with good-quality extra-virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze—don’t go too heavy, just enough to add a glossy, flavorful touch.

Finally, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These seasonings really bring out the best in all the fresh ingredients.

Top Tip

After making these skewers a handful of times, I’ve learned a few small tricks that make a big difference in both flavor and presentation.

Choose Firm Tomatoes: Soft, overripe tomatoes can get mushy on the skewer and make the olive oil and balsamic slide off.
Fold Basil Leaves: Folding basil leaves makes them fit better and prevents the leaf from tearing or drooping off the skewer.
Light Drizzle is Key: A light hand with olive oil and balsamic glaze keeps the flavors balanced without making the skewers soggy.
Season at the End: Salt and pepper after arranging on the plate to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Serve Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe

cherry tomato skewers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle these skewers with a few extra torn basil leaves on the platter for a fresh, inviting look. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, but that’s totally up to your taste.

Side Dishes

These skewers make a perfect appetizer alongside crusty bread, a chilled white wine, or even a light pasta salad. When I bring these to barbecues, I usually pair them with grilled veggies or a simple antipasti platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve arranged the skewers standing up in a decorative vase or laid them on a bed of arugula for added color and flavor contrast. You can also place them on a long wooden board for that rustic-chic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I recommend storing them without the olive oil and balsamic glaze and adding those just before serving again to keep the skewers fresh.

Freezing

I don't recommend freezing this recipe because fresh tomatoes and mozzarella lose texture and flavor after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

These skewers are best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If they were chilled, bring them out about 15 minutes before serving to enjoy their full flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble your skewers a few hours before your party and keep them refrigerated, but I recommend adding the olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What’s the best balsamic glaze to use on the skewers?

Look for a good-quality balsamic glaze that isn’t too sweet or syrupy. You can even make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens. A light drizzle adds a perfect tangy balance to the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes.

Can I substitute the mozzarella balls?

Yes! If you can’t find mini mozzarella balls, you can cut regular mozzarella into small cubes. To make it extra special, try marinated mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer vegan options.

How do I keep the basil leaves from wilting?

Keep the basil leaves refrigerated until right before assembling the skewers. You can also gently pat them dry after washing and store them wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. Folding larger leaves when skewering helps keep them intact and fresh-looking.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Tomato Caprese Skewers Recipe is one of those simple joys in life that’s so easy to make yet always impresses. I’ve shared it countless times with friends and family, and it never fails to brighten up any occasion. Give it a try—you’ll love how fresh and flavorful it is, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to appetizers too!