Get ready to transform the classic Caprese salad into a bite-sized sensation that will make your taste buds dance! 🍅🧀 Imagine the perfect combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all elegantly skewered and drizzled with a luxurious balsamic glaze. This Italian-inspired appetizer is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that's quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress your guests at any gathering. Whether you're hosting a summer party, looking for a quick snack, or wanting to elevate your appetizer game, Caprese on a Stick is your ultimate go-to dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella balls, 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, and skewers or toothpicks.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Ensure they are clean and free of any dirt or debris.
- Drain the fresh mozzarella balls from their packaging. If they are packed in water, give them a gentle rinse under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Wash the fresh basil leaves gently under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Select the largest leaves for skewering.
- Take a skewer or toothpick and begin assembling your Caprese on a Stick. Start by threading one cherry tomato onto the skewer.
- Next, add a fresh basil leaf by folding it in half if it's large enough, then slide it down the skewer.
- Follow the basil leaf with a mozzarella ball, pushing it down gently to secure it in place.
- Repeat the process, alternating between cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls until the skewer is filled or until you reach your desired quantity. Aim for 2-3 sets per skewer for a balanced bite.
- Once all the skewers are assembled, place them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers generously, ensuring each one gets a touch of the flavorful glaze.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the assembled skewers to enhance the flavors.
- Serve immediately as a fresh appetizer or snack, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your Caprese on a Stick!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients: The key to an amazing Caprese on a Stick is using the freshest cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil you can find.
- Pat ingredients dry: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly dried to prevent soggy skewers and maintain a crisp texture.
- Use uniform-sized ingredients: Try to select cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls of similar sizes for a consistent and visually appealing presentation.
- Fold larger basil leaves: If your basil leaves are large, fold them in half to create a more compact and neat skewer.
- Don't assemble too far in advance: For the best flavor and texture, prepare these skewers just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant.
- Experiment with variations: Try adding a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or using different types of balsamic glaze to customize your skewers.
- Serve at room temperature: While you can refrigerate these skewers, allowing them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving will enhance their flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
