Caprese Skewers

This is such a fun and simple party appetizer idea that all your guests will love. Caprese Skewers are a yummy mini Caprese salad that you can hold in your fingertips!

Caprese Skewers are the perfect party appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlicky croutons, and zesty pepperoni, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction sauce! #capresesalad #capreseappetizer www.savoryexperiments.com


 

One thing I find is that people tend to pronounce Caprese incorrectly. They tend to say “Caprice” like the car, instead of pronouncing it “kuh-prey-sey,” the correct way.

Recipe Essentials

A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

  • Balsamic glaze – You can certainly buy a bottle from the grocery store, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own balsamic glaze!
  • Mozzarella balls or cubes
  • Basil leaves
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Toothpicks
  • Pepperoni
  • Croutons
Caprese Skewers are the perfect party appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlicky croutons, and zesty pepperoni, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction sauce! #capresesalad #capreseappetizer www.savoryexperiments.com

5S Philosophy 👩🏻‍

  • Salt – If you want to add a little crunch and saltiness to these skewers, try sprinkling with some flakey sea salt at the end.
  • Seasoning – I love the flavors of these caprese skewers as is, but try sprinkling with some italian seasoning to give them a little extra something.
  • Sauces – In addition to the balsamic glaze, you can drizzle these skewers with olive oil if you’d like. You can also try using different flavored balsamic vinegars.
  • Swaps – Instead of the pepperoni, prosciutto, salami, or a soppressata would all work wonderfully. Or keep the meat off entirely to make them vegetarian friendly.
  • Senses – Caprese skewers are fresh and vibrant—juicy tomatoes pop, creamy mozzarella melts on the tongue, and basil adds a fragrant, peppery bite, all kissed with tangy balsamic.
Caprese Skewers are the perfect party appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlicky croutons, and zesty pepperoni, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction sauce! #capresesalad #capreseappetizer www.savoryexperiments.com

Perfect Pairings

You don’t have to stop at the caprese skewers with this recipe. These ingredients would be great scattered over a bed of arugula to make a salad, on top of simple pasta, as a pizza topping or even between two slices of bread for a sandwich or a panini.

I decided to transform the traditional Caprese salad into skewers so I could serve them as an appetizer. They are a little more mobile and allow your guests to mingle before sitting down at the table. Other finger food favorites that would pair perfectly with these would be Cold Tortellini Salad Kabobs, Classic Shrimp Cocktail, Fresh Tomato Bruschetta or Air Fryer Burrata.

Caprese Skewers are the perfect party appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlicky croutons, and zesty pepperoni, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction sauce! #capresesalad #capreseappetizer www.savoryexperiments.com
Caprese Skewers are the perfect party appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlicky croutons, and zesty pepperoni, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction sauce! #capresesalad #capreseappetizer www.savoryexperiments.com

Caprese Skewer Recipe

4.91 from 11 votes
Caprese Skewers are the perfect party appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlicky croutons, and zesty pepperoni, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction sauce!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 16

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Layer one each of the 16 1-inch mozzarella cheese cubes/balls, 16 basil leaves and halved 16 cherry tomatoes on each toothpick. Add a 8 large croutons to half of the skewers. Add 8 thick slices pepperoni to the other half, using them as a base to stand them up. 
  • Before serving, drizzle with the 2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

If you don’t want to use croutons, a small piece of cubed bread such as Italian white bread or focaccia can also work. 
Prosciutto can also be used. 

Nutrition

Calories: 89 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 6 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 22 mg, Sodium: 180 mg, Potassium: 60 mg, Sugar: 1 g, Vitamin A: 295 IU, Vitamin C: 4 mg, Calcium: 146 mg, Iron: 0.3 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Formicola
Calories: 89
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: caprese appetizer, caprese salad
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!


Storage and Freezing

How to store?

Store any leftover caprese skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend eating within a day or two.

Can I freeze caprese skewers?

This is one recipe I wouldn’t recommend freezing. The amount of water in the ingredients will get mushy when thawed

Caprese Skewers are the perfect party appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlicky croutons, and zesty pepperoni, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction sauce! #capresesalad #capreseappetizer www.savoryexperiments.com

More Easy Party Appetizers

If you know me, you know how much I love snacks! These are some of my favorite party appetizers and snacks.

Caprese Skewers are the perfect party appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlicky croutons, and zesty pepperoni, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction sauce! #capresesalad #capreseappetizer www.savoryexperiments.com

Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.91 from 11 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    Definitely perfect for summer parties and celebrations! So fun and the flavors sound so refreshing.

  2. 5 stars
    These were so easy to make for our recent pot luck! Everyone asked me to bring them again!!

  3. 5 stars
    So simple and easy! I usually use prosciutto, but the pepperoni gives it a spicy twist. I love it!

  4. 5 stars
    I am all about this. I think about making these pretty much constantly, They’re that good. Is it wrong for me to have this everyday?