Strawberry Caprese Skewers (Print Version)

Juicy strawberries, mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic drizzle combine for a vibrant, easy-to-make snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Produce

01 - 12 large fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
02 - 24 fresh basil leaves, washed

→ Dairy

03 - 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained

→ Pantry

04 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon honey
06 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
07 - Flaky sea salt to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Equipment

09 - 12 small wooden or bamboo skewers

# Cooking Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. Simmer gently while stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
02 - Thread one strawberry half onto each skewer, followed by a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finish with the second strawberry half.
03 - Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and the cooled balsamic reduction.
04 - Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No cooking required except a quick vinegar simmer, which means you can assemble these moments before guests arrive without stress.
  • The combination of creamy, sweet, tangy, and peppery hits every taste bud in ways that make people pause mid-bite to ask what's in them.
02 -
  • Don't over-reduce the balsamic or it'll taste bitter and candy-like instead of complex and balanced, so pull it off heat while it still jiggles a little on a spoon.
  • If your mozzarella balls have been refrigerated, they'll hold together better on the skewer than ones at room temperature, which can tear if you're not gentle threading them.
03 -
  • Use a microplane to add a tiny shower of lemon zest over everything just before serving for a brightness that elevates the entire situation.
  • If you're serving these at a warm outdoor gathering, keep the platter in a shady spot and refresh the mozzarella with a small ice pack nearby to keep it from softening.
Go Back