Picnic Caprese Skewers Balsamic (Printable)

Fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil paired with a sweet-tangy balsamic drizzle.

# 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 allow to cool completely.
02 - On each 6-inch wooden or bamboo skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf. Repeat this sequence to fill the skewer, finishing with a cherry tomato.
03 - Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil, then 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 as a dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in under 30 minutes, so last-minute gatherings become stress-free victories.
  • Every bite tastes like summer, and your guests will ask for the recipe even though you barely spent time cooking.
02 -
  • If your balsamic reduction breaks and looks separated, just whisk it gently off the heat; it'll come back together and thicken up fine.
  • Don't assemble these more than a couple hours ahead, or the tomatoes will start weeping liquid and the basil will darken—timing matters here.
03 -
  • Soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before assembling so they don't burn if they hang over the edge of your platter.
  • If fresh basil isn't available, a whisper of fresh mint or oregano can stand in, though basil really is the heart of this dish.
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