These Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers are a vibrant, effortless appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With just a few fresh ingredients, these skewers deliver classic Caprese flavors in a fun, portable format. They’re simple to assemble and always impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers
- Effortless elegance: Looks gourmet with just minutes of hands-on work.
- Fresh, vibrant flavors: Sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil shine.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble hours ahead; dress before serving.
- Surprisingly versatile: Easy to customize with salami, pesto, or artichokes.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella ciliegine (small, cherry-sized balls)
- 1 large bunch fresh basil
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Tools: 12 small wooden or bamboo skewers (6-inch size works well), a small bowl for mixing, a sharp knife
Notes: Quality ingredients make a big difference—use ripe, red tomatoes and fragrant basil.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 180 kcal |
| Protein: | 8 g |
| Fat: | 14 g |
| Carbs: | 6 g |
| Fiber: | 1 g |
Serves: 4 (3 skewers per person) | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Can I use large mozzarella balls? You can, but you’ll need to cut them down to size. The small ciliegine balls are ideal because they’re already a perfect, bite-sized match for the tomatoes.
- What if my basil leaves are huge? No problem at all. You can gently tear larger basil leaves in half before skewering. You want a nice, visible green layer without it completely overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar? Not quite! The glaze is thicker, sweeter, and less acidic, and it drizzles beautifully without making the skewers soggy. If you only have vinegar, you can simmer it gently to reduce and thicken it.
- Should I soak the skewers? If you’re using wooden skewers, a quick 10-minute soak in water will prevent them from burning or splintering. It’s a small step that makes for a much nicer eating experience.
How to Make Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers
Step 1: First, get your dressing ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Let this sit for a few minutes while you prep the other ingredients—this allows the garlic flavor to infuse gently into the oil. You’ll notice the aroma is already fantastic.
Step 2: Now, pat your mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial little step! Fresh mozzarella is packed in water, and if you skip drying them, the dressing won’t cling properly. You want each ball to be ready to soak up that flavorful oil.
Step 3: Time to assemble. Take a skewer and start by threading one cherry tomato. Next, add a fresh basil leaf—I like to fold it loosely to create some volume. Then, slide on a mozzarella ball. Repeat the pattern: tomato, basil, mozzarella. You should end with a tomato for a nice, balanced look. Repeat this process until all your skewers are beautifully layered.
Step 4: Arrange your completed skewers on a serving platter. They should look like a little row of edible flags—so colorful and inviting. Now, give them a light drizzle with the olive oil and garlic dressing you made earlier. Use a spoon to distribute it evenly, making sure each component gets a little love.
Step 5: The final flourish! Just before serving, take your balsamic glaze and drizzle it artistically over the skewers. The dark, syrupy glaze against the red, white, and green is just stunning. It adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that ties the whole dish together perfectly.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store assembled (undressed) skewers in an airtight container up to 4 hours.
- Freezer: Not recommended; tomatoes and basil will become mushy when thawed.
- Reviving: If basil wilts, mist lightly with water and refresh dressing before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken — The bright, savory flavors of the chicken are a perfect hearty counterpart to the fresh, light skewers.
- Garlic and Herb Crostini — A little crunch on the side is wonderful, and these toasts are ideal for scooping up any leftover dressing and tomato juices from the platter.
- A Simple Arugula Salad — The peppery bite of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes without competing for attention.
Drinks
- A Crisp Rosé — Its light, fruity notes and dry finish are a classic pairing that enhances the Mediterranean vibe of the skewers.
- Sparkling Water with Citrus — For a non-alcoholic option, the bubbles and hint of lemon or lime cleanse the palate beautifully between bites.
- An Italian Pinot Grigio — This wine is light, crisp, and acidic, which cuts through the richness of the cheese and oil perfectly.
Something Sweet
- Lemon Sorbet — After the savory, herby notes, a scoop of bright, tart sorbet is the most refreshing and light way to end the meal.
- Almond Biscotti — The nutty, crunchy texture and subtle sweetness of biscotti are a lovely, simple treat with an after-dinner coffee.
- Fresh Berry Crostata — A rustic, fruit-forward dessert that continues the theme of fresh, high-quality ingredients in a beautiful, un-fussy way.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using soggy mozzarella. If you don’t pat the cheese balls dry, the water will dilute your delicious dressing and pool unappealingly on the platter.
- Mistake: Skewering the basil too tightly. You want to fold it gently, not jam it on. Bruised, crushed basil loses its vibrant color and some of its delicate aroma.
- Mistake: Drizzling the balsamic glaze too early. If it sits on the skewers for hours, the acid can start to “cook” the tomatoes and basil slightly, making them wilt.
- Mistake: Over-salting. Remember, the mozzarella often has some salt, and the balsamic glaze is sweet. Taste as you go—you can always add more salt at the end.
Expert Tips
- Tip: Let your ingredients come to room temperature. Cold tomatoes and cheese straight from the fridge don’t release their full flavor. Taking them out about 20 minutes before assembling makes a world of difference.
- Tip: Use a variety of tomato colors. If you can find a mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes, your skewers will have an even more spectacular visual impact.
- Tip: Infuse your olive oil ahead of time. For an extra flavor boost, you can warm the olive oil with the garlic, a sprig of rosemary
Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers
Make easy Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers in 15 minutes! This fresh appetizer features cherry tomatoes, mozzarella & basil. Perfect for parties. Get the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
-
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
-
8 oz fresh mozzarella ciliegine (small, cherry-sized balls)
-
1 large bunch fresh basil
-
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
-
1 small clove garlic (minced)
-
1/4 tsp sea salt
-
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
-
First, get your dressing ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Let this sit for a few minutes while you prep the other ingredients—this allows the garlic flavor to infuse gently into the oil.01
-
Now, pat your mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial little step! Fresh mozzarella is packed in water, and if you skip drying them, the dressing won't cling properly.02
-
Time to assemble. Take a skewer and start by threading one cherry tomato. Next, add a fresh basil leaf—I like to fold it loosely to create some volume. Then, slide on a mozzarella ball. Repeat the pattern: tomato, basil, mozzarella. You should end with a tomato for a nice, balanced look. Repeat this process until all your skewers are beautifully layered.03
-
Arrange your completed skewers on a serving platter. They should look like a little row of edible flags—so colorful and inviting. Now, give them a light drizzle with the olive oil and garlic dressing you made earlier. Use a spoon to distribute it evenly, making sure each component gets a little love.04
-
The final flourish! Just before serving, take your balsamic glaze and drizzle it artistically over the skewers. The dark, syrupy glaze against the red, white, and green is just stunning.05
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