These Mini Caprese Skewers are a unique and creative appetizer for your next party! These little one-bite appetizers are easy to make. You’ll simply assemble the marinated fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and you’re good to go. They’re also great with cocktails before dinner.
Looking for a quick and easy appetizer for a late summer party? Then I have the answer for you with this gem of a recipe using the fresh, summery flavors of a classic Caprese salad.
This caprese on skewers recipe is a mini appetizer consisting of one perfect little bite with all the elements of the classic salad.
Assembling these room temp appetizers is really simple. Mix the marinade and add the mozzarella. When you’re ready to serve your Mini Caprese Skewers, assemble the tomatoes, cheese, and basil on a pick or skewer and pass the plate around to your guests!
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: None
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 20
Primary Ingredient(s): Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bocconcini (Mini Mozzarella Balls), Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil Leaves
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredient Notes
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- Cherry Tomatoes – If you grow your own, use them! But you’ll find lovely ones in your grocery store’s produce section.
- Bocconcini – These are simply small fresh mozzarella balls. I find them in the cheese case of my store’s deli department. They do vary in size so choose what you like. You may need to cut larger ones in half. They’re also available in a smaller size called mozzarella “pearls.”
- Fresh Basil Leaves – There really isn’t a substitute for fresh basil. Its flavor is what makes this appetizer special. It’s typically available year round in most grocery stores.
- Olive Oil – Because it will be eaten without cooking and is a major component of the recipe, I recommend using a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Parsley, Chives, Salt, and Black Pepper – These are the seasonings that flavor the marinade for the bocconcini. Use fresh herbs if possible. If you need to substitute dried, remember that dried herbs substitute at 1/3 the amount of fresh (for example: 1 teaspoon dried parsley = 3 teaspoons (1 tablespoon) of chopped fresh parsley).
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
“I made this for a dinner party last week. They disappeared very quickly! Even with one fussy eater at the table!”
— SGBabe
How to Make Mini Caprese Skewers
- In a small bowl, combine the parsley, chives, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the mozzarella and toss well to coat. Cover and set aside for at least one hour.
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- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Tear the basil leaves in half.
- Using toothpicks or short wooden skewers, place one half of a tomato, a piece of basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, and finish with the second tomato half.
- Serve at room temperature.
Can I Make These Ahead?
The mini caprese bites may be made up to 24 hours in advance. Be sure to remove them from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Use multicolored cherry tomatoes for a beautiful caprese salad skewers.
- Drizzle the finished skewers lightly with balsamic vinegar.
- Choose tomatoes that are about the same size as the mozzarella balls so that the finished skewers look more balanced.
- If a big bite of fresh basil doesn’t seem appealing, slice the basil very finely and add it to the mozzarella marinade.
- Swap out the basil for baby spinach leaves.
- Try replacing some of the cherry tomatoes with strawberries or cubes of fresh peaches.
Questions About Mini Caprese Skewers
Caprese Salad is a simple, classic recipe from the Mediterranean region. It contains mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil well seasoned with salt and cracked black pepper. Some versions include a balsamic glaze drizzled over the top.
Sure can! These skewers are delicious with marinated feta in place of the mozzarella. Cubed Cheddar cheese would also be delicious.
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
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Recipe
Mini Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- salt and pepper to taste
- 20 bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls) or make pieces from a large mozzarella ball
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the parsley, chives, olive oil, salt, and pepper.2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper
- Add the mozzarella and toss well to coat. Cover and set aside for at least one hour.20 bocconcini
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Tear the basil leaves in half.20 cherry tomatoes, 20 basil leaves
- Using toothpicks or short wooden skewers, place one half of a tomato, a piece of basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, and finish with the second tomato half.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
— This post was originally published on July 1, 2009. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
I made this for a dinner party last week. They disappeared very quickly! Even with one fussy eater at the table!
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it!
Love your website! Thanks for the great recipe.
Lovely for a cocktail party! These are so cute!
They are pretty on an hors d’oeuvres buffet. And they taste so good!
Looks wonderful!!! Wish I could taste them.
Neena
They look beautiful! Could eat them all day long!
Great idea. You are a very talented women. I always enjoy your recipes.
Thank you for sharing
Such a cute idea! A mini caprese salad – perfect!
That’s so cute. These are perfect little appetizers. I can eat that whole thing and be totally content for the day.
Isn’t fresh mozza just so good? And room temp is so right. You can really taste the flavors that way. Very elegant presentation too!