Caprese Skewers (Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Appetizers)
Caprese skewers are a great appetizer for the summer, but are also a hit for Christmas parties. When I make any type of Caprese salad, I prefer the authentic flavors of the original dish: only tomato, basil, mozzarella, salt and olive oil.
Who doesn’t love a Caprese salad?
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Even if it’s in the form of Caprese skewers, they’re absolutely irresistable! However, did you know that an authentic Caprese salad never includes balsamic vinegar in any form–no balsamic glaze, or reduction?
I constantly see recipes for Caprese-style dishes, salads and appetizers which include balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze. Hey, I am a vinegar fiend (see my “About” page), but I just don’t want it on my Caprese salads. I think the lovely inhabitants of Capri knew exactly what they were doing when they created this simple salad. Of course, Caprese skewers are a twist on the original. It’s a deliciously different way of presenting the dish.
Authentic Caprese Salads
If you’ve been adding vinegar to your Caprese salads, sandwiches, or whatever you’ve been making with tomato, basil and mozzarella, do me a favor. Please try it without the vinegar for a change, and see what you think.
HOLD the vinegar!
I did, however, spot a wonderful article by J. Kenji López-Alt from Serious Eats. He feels the same as I do, and I was so glad to read his command recommendation to “Step away from the balsamic vinegar!”
By all means, if you like Caprese skewers better with balsamic vinegar, then go right ahead. I just like to know the authentic way that ethnic dishes are prepared so that I at least know whether I’m making the recipe the way it was intended.
As I say over and over, please use the best ingredients you can find.
These little beauties make a the perfect Christmas cocktail party offering for adults, but Caprese skewers are also great for kids’ get togethers during the holidays. As a snack or appetizer during the summer they couldn’t be easier or more fun, and travel well for picnics and hikes. Kids love putting these together, too–it’s like a fun craft that they can eat–and will love!
Caprese Skewers
by Christina Conte serves 4
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- grape or cherry tomatoes, homegrown or organic, if possible
- small, fresh basil leaves (dried will not do in this recipe) or larger ones, torn
- fresh mozzarella (ciliegini, if possible) and a really good quality brand
- top quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- fine sea salt
Special equipment: 6″ skewers
Assemble the Caprese Skewers
Begin skewering the ingredients in the following order:
tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato
Repeat to finish the ingredients that you have (make as many Caprese skewers as you need).
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Mini Caprese Skewers (Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Appetizers) HOLD the Vinegar!
Special Equipment
- 8 skewers
Ingredients
- 24 whole grape or cherry tomatoes (homegrown or organic, if possible)
- 16 whole fresh basil leaves small leaves or large - see notes
- 8 oz container of fresh mozzarella balls (mini- preferably ciliegini)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (to drizzle on top, use top quality oil)
- ⅛ tsp sea salt (fine)
Instructions
- Begin skewering the ingredients in the following order: tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato
- Repeat to finish the ingredients that you have (make as many or few as you need).
Notes
- These can be made ahead, but tomatoes shouldn't be refrigerated and the cheese should be, so don't make them too far in advance.
- Dried basil will not do in this recipe. Larger basil leaves can be torn in half.
Nutrition
And for another version, try my friend Jill’s recipe for a similar tomato appetizer!
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Simplicity at its best.
That’s it. :)
These are so cute. I may need to serve these at a cookout I’m hosting this weekend.
Cool! Be sure to make a lot! They disappear quickly! :)
This is one of my favorite appetizers! And THANK YOU for telling people to skip the vinegar. :) All this needs is the best olive oil and some good sea salt!
I know you would never put vinegar on a Caprese salad, David! It’s so delicious without it!
These look so simple and delicious…and now I’m completely intrigued to try them without the vinegar!
Let me know what you think, Sarah!
I also don’t like vinegar with my caprese salads! Good choice ;)
Yes it is, Tina! I agree! :)
sometimes the simplest recipes are the best aren’t they!? No bells and whistles if you use good quality ingredients.
Agreed, agreed, agreed!
These are perfect for a summer or even picnic. Plus point is that these are healthy and fresh .
These are so cute and healthy too! They would be perfect to serve up at a summer garden party.
Absolutely!