When you’re looking for something light, flavorful, and festive to add to your holiday spread, these mini Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze hit every mark. They’re simple to prepare, absolutely beautiful on a platter, and bring that unmistakable combo of creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil to your guests in an easy-to-eat format. The sweet tang of balsamic glaze ties it all together, making each skewer a burst of Mediterranean sunshine—something we could all use in the middle of winter. Whether you're hosting a casual holiday get-together or planning a more elegant Christmas Eve gathering, these skewers will disappear fast, guaranteed.
Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Italian
Small saucepan To make the balsamic glaze. A nonstick or stainless steel pan works best.
Skewers/toothpicks Use 4-inch cocktail skewers for the perfect bite-size presentation. You can substitute fancy bamboo picks or even decorative plastic ones if needed.
Cutting board and knife For slicing tomatoes or mozzarella if needed.
Serving platter A white or wooden platter helps the vibrant colors pop, adding to the festive feel.
For the Skewers
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes choose vibrant red for a festive look
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls Ciliegine size works best – these are the small cherry-sized ones
- 20 fresh basil leaves roughly one per skewer; small leaves work best or tear larger ones
- 20 small bamboo cocktail skewers or toothpicks
For the Balsamic Glaze
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, but adds a nice balance to the acidity
Optional Garnishes
- Flaky sea salt or kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- A drizzle of good quality olive oil
Make the Balsamic Glaze
Start by preparing the glaze so it has time to cool slightly. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy. If you like a sweeter glaze, stir in a tablespoon of honey while it simmers. Remove from heat and let it cool. It will thicken a bit more as it cools.
Assemble the Skewers
Now for the fun part—building your mini Caprese bites:
Start with a cherry tomato.
Follow with a folded basil leaf (fold in half or roll if it’s large).
Then skewer a mozzarella ball.
Add another folded basil leaf (optional, for extra color and flavor).
Finish with a second cherry tomato.
Push all the ingredients gently together near the top of the skewer so they’re snug and hold nicely.
Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
Drizzle with Glaze and Serve
Arrange the skewers on your serving platter. Once the glaze is cool and syrupy, drizzle it generously over the skewers. If desired, sprinkle with flaky salt and a touch of freshly ground pepper. A few drops of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly until guests arrive. They’re best served at room temperature.
Perfect Pairings
These mini Caprese skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a range of other appetizers and drinks. For a full spread of festive Christmas appetizers, consider serving them alongside:
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon or asparagus for a salty-sweet balance
- Stuffed mushrooms for a warm, savory contrast
- Mini puff pastry tartlets with caramelized onion or fig jam
- Sparkling wine or Prosecco to complement the acidity of the balsamic and the creaminess of the mozzarella
- A holiday charcuterie board with nuts, cheeses, and dried fruits to create a visually stunning, flavor-packed appetizer table
They also work beautifully with a white sangria with winter fruits or a non-alcoholic cranberry spritzer for a family-friendly option.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Yes! Grape tomatoes tend to be firmer and slightly sweeter than cherry tomatoes, which makes them ideal for skewers. However, cherry tomatoes offer a juicier bite. Just make sure they’re small enough to skewer easily.
2. What kind of mozzarella is best for this?
Ciliegine (cherry-sized) mozzarella balls are perfect. If you can’t find them, you can cut larger mozzarella balls (like bocconcini) into bite-sized pieces. Avoid pre-shredded or block mozzarella—it won’t offer the same fresh, creamy texture.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the skewers up to 4 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent sogginess.
4. What are some good basil substitutes if I can’t find fresh?
Fresh basil is really the signature here, but in a pinch, you could use baby arugula for a peppery twist or even a small piece of spinach. Just note the flavor won’t be quite the same.
5. Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Absolutely. If you're short on time or want to simplify things, a good quality store-bought balsamic reduction works just fine. Look for one without too many additives or corn syrup.
