Picnic Caprese Skewers (Printable)

Fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on skewers with a sweet balsamic drizzle for tasty outdoor bites.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# How To Make It:

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.
02 - On each 6-inch cocktail skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf. Repeat to fill the skewer, finishing with a tomato.
03 - Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with sea salt and 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 skills required—just assembly, which means less stress and more time actually enjoying people.
  • The balsamic reduction adds this sophisticated sweet-tangy punch that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Travels beautifully to picnics, potlucks, and parties without falling apart or needing reheating.
02 -
  • Don't assemble these more than 2 hours ahead—mozzarella can start sweating and the basil will darken. It's a last-minute appetizer, and that's its charm.
  • The balsamic reduction must cool completely before drizzling, otherwise it'll turn the whole thing warm and the tomatoes will start to soften.
03 -
  • Buy the mozzarella the day before and keep it in the fridge—cold mozzarella is much easier to thread onto skewers without tearing.
  • Taste a cherry tomato before committing to a batch; if it's mealy or bland, your whole skewer will suffer, so choose carefully.
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