- 24 cherry tomatoes
- 12 mini mozzarella balls
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 1 –2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- 1 –2 tablespoons balsamic reduction for drizzling
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
12–24 Mini Skewers
1 Medium mixing bowl
1 Set Measuring Spoons
1 Basting Brush
1 Serving Platter
Prepare Ingredients: Begin by carefully washing the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat the ingredients dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure no excess moisture affects the flavor or presentation. Gather the mini mozzarella balls and set all ingredients on a clean, flat surface for easy assembly. Assemble Skewers: Take a mini skewer and start by threading one cherry tomato onto the pointed end, followed by a fresh basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball. Repeat the layering process until the skewer is complete, making sure the ingredients sit snugly but not too tightly to prevent crushing the delicate mozzarella. Place the finished skewer onto a prepared serving platter, leaving space between each skewer for even presentation. Drizzle and Season: Once all skewers are assembled, use a basting brush or small spoon to lightly drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the tops, coating evenly for a rich, glossy finish. Next, add a small drizzle of balsamic reduction to each skewer to introduce a sweet, tangy contrast that enhances the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cheese. Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the skewers to taste, ensuring balanced seasoning. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the Caprese Skewers neatly on the serving platter and present immediately to guests, or cover with plastic wrap for up to an hour before serving to maintain freshness. These skewers are best enjoyed fresh at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without losing the crispness of the tomato or the softness of the mozzarella.
- Use the freshest cherry tomatoes available for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Mini mozzarella balls can be substituted with sliced mozzarella if needed, but small bites work best for skewers.
- Basil leaves should be fresh and whole; avoid bruised or wilted leaves.
- Assemble skewers shortly before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the basil from wilting.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic reduction sparingly to avoid soggy skewers.