Caprese Bites are a fresh, colorful, and bite-sized twist on the classic Caprese salad. With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a sweet balsamic glaze, these skewers make the perfect appetizer for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to assemble in under 20 minutes
- Uses fresh, simple ingredients for bold flavor
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer for parties and potlucks
- Portable, mess-free, and easy to serve on skewers
- A healthier alternative to heavy appetizers
- Looks elegant while requiring minimal effort
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 ounces mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt, to taste
24 cherry tomatoes
12 fresh basil leaves
1 cup balsamic vinegar
Directions
- In a small bowl, toss mozzarella balls with olive oil, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to marinate.
- Assemble skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf, one marinated mozzarella ball, and another cherry tomato onto small skewers or toothpicks. Arrange on a serving platter.
- Make balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened and syrupy, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Drizzle skewers with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 12 skewers
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time (for glaze): 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Mini Salad Cups: Serve the ingredients in small cups instead of skewers for easier plating.
- Pesto Twist: Add a small dollop of pesto on top before serving.
- Sweet Touch: Swap balsamic glaze for a drizzle of honey or fig reduction.
- Different Cheese: Use marinated feta cubes instead of mozzarella.
- Extra Garnish: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper.
Storage/Reheating
- Make Ahead: Assemble skewers (without glaze) up to 4 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate.
- Glaze: Store balsamic glaze separately in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently if too thick before drizzling.
- Leftovers: Best enjoyed fresh, but skewers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
FAQs
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes work just as well and may be slightly sweeter.
Do I need to use fresh mozzarella balls?
Yes, fresh mozzarella gives the best texture and flavor. Avoid shredded or block mozzarella.
Can I buy balsamic glaze instead of making it?
Absolutely—store-bought glaze works well and saves time.
How far in advance can I assemble these skewers?
Up to 4 hours ahead without the glaze. Add glaze just before serving.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based mozzarella or marinated tofu cubes.
What can I use instead of basil?
Fresh spinach or arugula leaves can be used as an alternative.
How do I keep the basil fresh?
Assemble close to serving time, or lightly mist basil leaves with water before assembling.
Can I make smaller or larger portions?
Yes, adjust the number of skewers by scaling ingredients up or down.
What type of skewers should I use?
Toothpicks work for smaller bites, while short bamboo skewers work for larger servings.
Can I serve these warm?
These are best served chilled or at room temperature for freshness.
Conclusion
Caprese Bites are a vibrant, simple, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings together the best of Italian flavors in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether for a casual get-together or an elegant dinner party, these skewers are guaranteed to impress while keeping prep stress-free.
Print
Caprese Bites
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 12 skewers
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caprese Bites are a colorful and refreshing appetizer made with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. Quick to assemble and bursting with classic Italian flavors, these skewers are perfect for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
8 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt, to taste
24 cherry tomatoes
12 fresh basil leaves
1 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Toss mozzarella balls with olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to marinate.
- Thread one cherry tomato, a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, and another tomato onto skewers or toothpicks.
- Simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened into a glaze, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over skewers just before serving.
Notes
- Make skewers up to 4 hours in advance but add glaze right before serving.
- Store-bought balsamic glaze can be used to save time.
- Use grape tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
- For a vegan option, substitute plant-based mozzarella or marinated tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook + Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
