You know those moments when you realize you said, “I’ll bring an appetizer!” without actually thinking it through? Yeah, been there. As a mom of three, I need easy appetizers for a party that don’t require me to spend half the day in the kitchen while also mediating a sibling battle over who looked at who wrong. Enter: Caprese Skewers—or as I like to call them, “fancy-but-effortless food on a stick.”
These Tomato Mozzarella Skewers are everything you want in a Caprese Appetizer—fresh, flavorful, and most importantly, fast. They’re basically a Salad Caprese in bite-sized form, making them one of the best finger foods for parties (because, let’s be real, food just tastes better when it’s bite-sized). Plus, since they’re cold appetizers, there’s no last-minute oven stress. Just assemble, drizzle, and boom—instant gourmet vibes.
Whether you need easy finger foods for a party, quick and easy appetizers for a girls’ night, or something simple yet impressive for a fancy but easy appetizer, these Caprese Bites check all the boxes. Oh, and bonus? You can totally make them ahead of time—because no one wants to be rushing around right before guests arrive.
So grab your skewers (or let’s be honest, toothpicks, because who even has fancy skewers on hand?) and let’s make some Caprese Salad Skewers that’ll have everyone thinking you’re a Pinterest mom. (Spoiler: you’re not, but they don’t need to know that.)
What You’ll Need
This recipe is as simple as it gets. Here’s what you need:
- Cherry or grape tomatoes (because big tomatoes on a stick would be weird)
- Fresh mozzarella balls (the mini ones, called bocconcini, or just chop up a big block)
- Fresh basil leaves (the little green magic that makes these taste amazing)
- Olive oil (extra virgin, if we’re feeling fancy)
- Balsamic glaze (optional, but makes you look like a pro)
- Salt & pepper (seasoning = flavor, don’t skip it)
- Toothpicks or small skewers (because eating off a stick is just more fun)
How to Make Caprese Skewers
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First, grab everything you need. If you’re anything like me, this involves rummaging through the fridge while also preventing a toddler from climbing on the counter.
Rinse your tomatoes, drain your mozzarella, and pull off some fresh basil leaves.
Step 2: Start Skewering
Now, take a toothpick and start stacking:
- Tomato goes on first (it’s like the base of our delicious little tower).
- Basil leaf – You can fold it if it’s big. Or don’t. We’re not here for perfection.
- Mozzarella ball – Gently press it on so it doesn’t split in half.
Repeat this process until you either run out of ingredients or decide you’ve made enough for people to be impressed.
Step 3: Make it Fancy
Lay all your beautiful little skewers on a serving plate. Now, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the top. Look at you, seasoning things like a real chef.
Step 4: Serve and Watch Them Disappear
That’s it! You made something fancy with almost no effort. Set them out and let people think you spent way more time on them than you actually did.
Or, if you’re like me, eat three of them before anyone else gets a chance.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Caprese Skewers
Can I make Caprese Skewers ahead of time?
Yes! These are one of the best make-ahead appetizers for a party. Just assemble them a few hours in advance, store them in the fridge, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving so they stay fresh.
What’s the best type of mozzarella to use?
I recommend bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls) because they’re the perfect size for skewers. If you can’t find them, just cut up a big ball of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized cubes.
What’s the best tomato for Caprese Skewers?
Cherry or grape tomatoes work best because they’re small, juicy, and easy to skewer. If you can, get the colorful heirloom ones—they make your tomato skewers look extra fancy.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Mmm… not really. Fresh basil is a must for that classic Salad Caprese flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can skip the basil and drizzle with pesto instead.
What can I use instead of balsamic glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens. Or just skip it—these Caprese Bites are still delicious with just olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Caprese Skewers Recipe card
Caprese Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls bocconcini
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze optional but delicious
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 20-25 toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
Prep Ingredients –
- Wash the tomatoes, drain the mozzarella, and pick out some fresh basil leaves.
Assemble Skewers –
- Take a toothpick or skewer and stack a tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat until you run out of ingredients.
Drizzle & Season –
- Arrange the skewers on a plate, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Serve & Enjoy –
- That’s it! Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make it meaty – Add prosciutto or salami for extra flavor.
- No skewers? – Toss everything in a bowl and serve as a Salad Caprese.
- Dairy-free? – Swap mozzarella for avocado chunks!
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a Caprese Appetizer that looks fancy but takes almost zero effort. Seriously, these Caprese Skewers are my go-to when I need easy appetizers for a party but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a girls’ night appetizer, a bite-size appetizer for a holiday spread, or just a way to keep the kids from begging for snacks again—these Tomato Mozzarella Skewers never disappoint.
The best part? No cooking, no stress, and you can even make them ahead of time. That’s right—these are make-ahead appetizers for a party (because nobody wants to be frantically skewering things while guests are walking in). Just assemble your Salad Caprese Skewers, pop ‘em in the fridge, and drizzle on the good stuff before serving.
