Caprese Skewers are a great mini appetizer that’s quick, easy, and yummy.

This easy snack is both fresh and delicious with creamy mozzarella balls, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves flavored with olive oil, balsamic, and seasonings!

Stacked on a little skewer, these bite-sized party favorites can be made well ahead of time!

taking Caprese Skewers off the plate

How to Make Caprese Salad Skewers

  • Caprese skewers are a twist on a classic Caprese salad.
  • Use grape or cherry tomatoes if making them ahead of time.
  • Many recipes call for a drizzle of olive oil at the end, I find marinating the cheese adds the best flavor!
  • The recipe is so easy and great to serve at a party.
Bowl of mozzarella cheese balls and Caprese Skewers on a cutting board

As Easy as 1,2,3!

  1. Marinate mozzarella (per the recipe below).
  2. Thread ingredients on small skewers (I used these 4″ bamboo skewers).
  3. Season and serve.

As an alternative, you could use pretty toothpicks threaded with smaller bite-size ingredients. Cut the tomatoes in half, or use grape tomatoes, a quarter of a fresh basil leaf, and a half or third of a mozzarella ball.

Marinate The Cheese

The mini mozzarella balls used for Caprese appetizer skewers or salad is also known as ciliegine. They’re often sold in containers in brine and have a velvety softness that a block of grocery store pizza mozzarella can’t match.

While it is optional, I love top marinate the cheese in a small bowl of seasonings and olive oil for the best flavor. You can also check the deli area of the grocery store as they often sell marinated cheese.

If you don’t have access to fresh mozzarella balls, you can still enjoy Caprese skewers made from cubed mozzarella from a package (or check your deli area for marinated cheeses).

To Make Caprese Skewers Ahead

Make ahead up to 24 hours or so. Prepare the Caprese skewers, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator.

plated Caprese Skewers

Amazing No-Bake Appetizers

Did you make these Caprese Skewers? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

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Overhead shot of Caprese Skewers on a serving plate
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Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers are a flavorful appetizer with creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves flavored with olive oil and seasonings!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 skewers
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Ingredients  

  • 12 mozzarella balls bocconcini
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic sliced, optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 24 cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, about 1 pint
  • 24 small basil leaves or 12 large
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze optional

Instructions 

  • Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic if using, and mozzarella. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  • Wash tomatoes and basil leaves and gently pat dry. If basil leaves are large, rip in half.
  • Thread a cherry tomato on each skewer followed by a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, another basil leave and finally another tomato.
  • Discard garlic slices (or reserve for cooking) and drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil marinade and balsamic glaze over skewers. Season with salt & pepper.

Notes

Marinating the cheese is optional but adds great flavor. You can also check the deli of your local grocery store, they often sell marinated bocconcini.
If you don’t marinate the cheese, you can skip the seasonings and drizzle the skewers with olive oil and balsamic glaze. While you can buy it, balsamic glaze is easy to make at home.
Prepare skewers up to 24 hours ahead of time.
5 from 56 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 91 | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Party Food
Cuisine American, Italian
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plated Caprese Skewers with salt and pepper and a title
Caprese Skewers with balsamic glaze and a title
close up of Caprese Skewers with a title
finished Caprese Skewers on a plate with writing

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. Just want to be sure that I read it right. You use both the marinade and a balsamic glaze on them? Also, Do I just double everything to make double the recipe?

    1. You might not need quite double the marinade but yes you will want to double the recipe.

  2. The marination step makes all the difference and is what sets this recipe apart from the rest! Hot tip – wait to drizzle the balsamic glaze until right before serving so it doesn’t soak into the cheese!5 stars

  3. I took these to an Open House for a friend who asked for ‘beautiful appetizers’ ! These are not only really classy looking but also tasty. Marinating the mozzarella gives flavor and color. I also liked the line up on the stick! Big hit.5 stars