Caprese Skewers with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes
If there’s one appetizer I always keep up my sleeve for last-minute gatherings, it’s Caprese Skewers with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes. Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together, these vibrant little bites pack a punch that belies their simplicity. I remember making them for a garden party in late August, when the tomatoes in my backyard were bursting off the vine and the basil wanted to take over the herb bed. A friend took one bite, turned to me with wide eyes, and said, “Wait, where did you get these?” It made me smile—because the "secret" was just letting good ingredients do all the talking.
Beyond their undeniable crowd-pleasing appeal, Caprese Skewers are a gorgeous nod to the Italian tradition of letting fresh produce shine. And while they’re undeniably simple, a few small tweaks can take this humble appetizer from snack plate to star attraction.
Let’s make some magic on a stick.
The Beauty of Bite-Sized Simplicity
The brilliance of Caprese Skewers with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes lies in their structure: they’re designed to offer the perfect bite, every single time. The creamy, cool mozzarella. The sweet burst of juicy cherry tomato. A fragrant basil leaf that ties everything together with a whisper of garden-fresh spice. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze, and you’ve got a marriage of flavors that sings on your tongue.
You don’t need a culinary degree for this. You need a handful of quality ingredients and a few cocktail skewers. That’s it. In fact, this is one of those rare recipes where less really does mean more. Using ingredients at their peak—ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls (preferably the ciliegine variety), and aromatic Genovese basil—makes all the difference. I always pick up my mozzarella from a local Italian market, where the dairy cases are lined with house-made balls delivered daily.
Choose Your Ingredients Wisely
Sure, you can grab everything you need for these skewers from your local supermarket, and they’ll still be delicious. But if you can, take the time to source the good stuff. Cherry tomatoes should be firm yet sweet—look for the ones that are slightly sticky to the touch. For the mozzarella, skip the pre-shredded options and go for fresh, water-packed balls. Ciliegine mozzarella, which are roughly cherry-sized, work perfectly for this bite-sized format.
And let’s not forget basil. A bright green leaf—not too thick, not too floppy—can completely elevate the profile. I grow mine in terra cotta pots beside the kitchen window, and clipping fresh herbs right before skewering feels like part of the ritual now.
Assembly Tips and Flavor Boosts
I like to assemble each skewer in this order: tomato, basil folded in half, mozzarella, and another tomato if there’s room. This way, the basil serves as a crisp herbal layer between the tomato’s acidity and the creaminess of the cheese.
One of my favorite variations is brushing the mozzarella with a dash of garlic oil before assembling the skewers. It’s a tiny tweak, but it gives them a savory depth that elevates each bite. You can also play around with heirloom cherry tomatoes in orange, red, and even purple for a more vibrant presentation.
Just before serving, a generous drizzle of aged balsamic glaze over the top brings everything together. Not vinegar, mind you—glaze. I often use the one from Giusti, a balsamic producer from Modena, Italy with a 400-year history. The syrupy sweetness paired with the bright acidity of the tomatoes is nothing short of addictive.
Perfect for All Seasons and Reasons
Caprese Skewers aren’t just lovely in summer—they adapt beautifully to indoor entertaining throughout the year. I’ve served them at bridal showers, housewarming parties, and once even at a holiday gathering tucked between rosemary sprigs to add a festive touch. They’re reliable, elegant, and fuss-free—one of those rare recipes that check all three boxes effortlessly.
Better still, they travel well. Pop them into a sealed container over a damp paper towel (to keep the basil vibrant), and you’ve got a shareable sidekick that won’t wilt before arrival.
A Crowd-Pleaser That’s Always in Style
There’s something intrinsically joyful about food on a stick. But Caprese Skewers with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes go far beyond novelty—they bring genuine flavor, eye-catching color, and a hint of rustic luxury to any table. Whether you’re hosting a summer soirée or just need a speedy snack for yourself, you’ll never regret having this little gem in your repertoire.
And every time I thread those skewers, I think back to that outdoor party, the golden evening light filtering through the trees, glasses clinking, friends laughing—and a platter of Caprese Skewers disappearing faster than I could fill it. Classic flavors, simple joy. Isn’t that what good food is all about?
