Picnic Caprese Skewers (Print)

Fresh skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a sweet balsamic drizzle, ideal for outdoor meals.

# Components:

→ Skewers

01 - 24 cherry tomatoes
02 - 24 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
03 - 24 fresh basil leaves
04 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
05 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Balsamic Drizzle

07 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by half and thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
02 - On each 6-inch cocktail skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf. Repeat this pattern to fill the skewer, finishing with a tomato.
03 - Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Just before serving, lightly drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the skewers, or serve it on the side for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No cooking required for assembly, which means you can prep these while actually enjoying your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • The balsamic reduction is genuinely foolproof once you understand the look of properly thickened vinegar, and it tastes like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
02 -
  • The balsamic reduction is the make-or-break element—if it doesn't thicken noticeably, it'll drip right off the skewer and pool on the platter, so watch it carefully and don't skip the cooling step.
  • Mozzarella balls that are ice-cold straight from the fridge will have a better texture and won't soften and flatten under the weight of the tomato like room-temperature cheese can.
03 -
  • If you can find burrata or stracciatella instead of regular mozzarella balls, you'll have an even creamier, more luxurious bite—it's a small upgrade that guests will absolutely notice.
  • A tiny drizzle of the balsamic reduction on your cutting board before arranging skewers creates a beautiful presentation and gives the entire platter a polished, intentional look.
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