Roasted Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
They're ideal for parties: pretty, portable, and easy to eat with one hand while holding a drink in the other. The skewers contain just four components—cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil—and are finished with a balsamic glaze that adds a subtle sweetness and acidity to brighten up the proceedings. The skewers take all of 20 minutes to make and require minimal effort, making them a great weeknight meal or party appetizer.
The Caprese is a classic Italian salad that's known for its simplicity and freshness. It's made with just three ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The flavors of these ingredients are so complementary that they don't need much else to make a delicious dish.
But what if you want to take your Caprese up a notch? That's where these skewers come in. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and flavor, while the mozzarella melts and becomes gooey. The basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note, and the balsamic glaze brings it all together with its subtle sweetness and acidity.
These skewers are perfect for parties or gatherings. They're easy to make ahead of time, and they can be served at room temperature or warm. They're also a great way to use up any leftover tomatoes or mozzarella.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 ball fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Thread the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves onto skewers.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and the mozzarella is melted.
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt and pepper.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers and serve immediately.
Why It Works
Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and flavor.
The mozzarella melts and becomes gooey, providing a rich and creamy contrast to the tomatoes.
The basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.
The balsamic glaze brings it all together with its subtle sweetness and acidity.
The skewers are easy to make ahead of time and can be served at room temperature or warm.
They're perfect for parties or gatherings, and they're a great way to use up any leftover tomatoes or mozzarella.