Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

There are some recipes that are less about cooking and more about the feeling in the house while you make them. This is one of those. I usually start these at the kitchen counter while the late afternoon sun is coming through the window and the whole house has that quiet hum. Someone is asking where the scissors are even though they are in the same drawer they have always been in, a cabinet closes a little too hard, and I am standing there lining up cherry tomatoes like I am preparing them for inspection. These little skewers always make me laugh because they look fancy. Like you spent the whole day preparing appetizers for a dinner party with linen napkins and matching plates. In reality, I am in my kitchen in socks, moving things over just enough to make room on the counter, and sneaking mozzarella pearls while nobody is looking.

Caprese is one of those foods that proves simple is sometimes the most comforting. No complicated steps. No special equipment. Just good ingredients put together in a way that makes people feel cared for. And honestly, that is what I love most about it. When someone walks by and grabs one before dinner and goes, “okay wait, these are really good,” I consider that a success. This is my favorite appetizer for Valentine’s week because it is fresh, light, and it balances out all the sweets that are about to take over the kitchen. Chocolate and strawberries will absolutely happen here, but before that, we need something bright and herby and a little savory. And the balsamic glaze? That is the part that makes everyone think you did something complicated. You didn’t. You just drizzled it and suddenly it looks like it came from a restaurant. Sometimes the smallest recipes end up being the ones people remember.

Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Takes about 10 minutes to make
• No cooking required
• Perfect for parties, snacks, or a light lunch
• Looks elegant but is incredibly easy
• Kid and adult approved

Ingredients

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes

8 ounces mozzarella pearls (small fresh mozzarella balls)

Fresh basil leaves

Balsamic glaze

Toothpicks or small appetizer skewers

Optional: pinch of salt and cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Wash and Prep: Rinse the tomatoes and gently pat them dry. If your basil leaves are large, tear them into smaller pieces about the size of the tomatoes.
2. Assemble the Skewers: Slide one tomato onto the toothpick. Fold a basil leaf and add it next. Finish with a mozzarella pearl.
3. (You can also do mozzarella first, then basil, then tomato. There is no wrong order. I promise they all get eaten.)
4. Arrange: Place the skewers on a serving platter or wooden board in a single layer.
5. Season: Lightly sprinkle with salt and a little cracked black pepper if desired.
6. Drizzle: Right before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers. Not too early or the basil wilts. A light drizzle is perfect.

Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients

1 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, pour in the balsamic vinegar and add honey or brown sugar.
2. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Check Consistency: The glaze should coat the back of a spoon and be slightly thickened. Remember it will thicken more as it cools.
4. Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let cool. Drizzle over Caprese skewers or store in a airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

(If it gets too thick after chilling, warm slightly before drizzling)

Tips

• Add them to the fridge for 10 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing bite
• If serving for a party, place them on a white platter so the colors really pop
• You can shape the skewers into a heart on the tray for Valentine’s Day

Storage

Best served fresh, but they can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Wait to add the balsamic glaze until serving time.

A Little Kitchen Note

This is the kind of recipe that reminds me food does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. A plate of tiny skewers, people walking through the kitchen, someone grabbing one and smiling before dinner is even ready. That is what I want my kitchen to feel like.

“Love is rarely loud. Most of the time, it looks like a plate set out before someone even realizes they were hungry.”