A few weekends ago, while on bridesmaid duty for my pal Tessa, I arrived at the rehearsal dinner with a growling stomach. I grabbed a glass of wine and promptly accepted an appetizer offered by a college-age waitress. I was so glad to see this stranger that I almost hugged her.
She had a whole plate of cute Caprese skewers in her arms, complete with a bowl of balsamic dipping sauce that was thick enough not to drip all over my new silk dress.
I grabbed a skewer, then another, and marveled at how simple and perfect these appetizers were. Tomato, basil and mozzarella on a stick. They’re easy to make, easy to hold, and easy to eat.
You can’t say that for most appetizers, which make mingling and eating at the same time a less-than-pleasant affair. (Like, why do we serve big hunks of broccoli on veggie trays? So we can all walk around with broccoli bits between our teeth? Am I the only person who experiences party broccoli paranoia? Please say no.)
Maybe Caprese skewers are old news. Certainly, Caprese salads are often overrated (if only all Caprese salads were this good). Maybe they’ve been overplayed, but if so, I’m coming to their defense. They’re perfect and I had to share them with you all.
I happened across some perfectly ripe peaches at the store, so I decided to thread peach slices onto mine as well. Feel free to do the same, or skip the peach and be traditional with just tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. If you skip the peach, one pint of cherry tomatoes should still be plenty. These skewers deserve a party!
Simple Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Dipping Sauce
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 22 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: By hand
- Cuisine: Italian
Caprese skewers made with cherry tomatoes, basil and baby mozzarella balls are the perfect party appetizer. Your guests will love this recipe! Serve with a simple balsamic dipping sauce (recipe below). This recipe yields about 22 little skewers, size as shown here.
Ingredients
Skewers
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (smaller tomatoes are preferable)
- 1 medium ripe peach (totally optional), pitted and sliced into small, bite-sized pieces no larger than your tomatoes
- 8 ounces ciliegine (mini mozzarella balls)
- 1 small bunch of basil (smaller basil leaves are preferable, you’ll need between 22 to 44 leaves total)
- 22 small (4 to 6-inch) skewers (I used these)
Balsamic dipping sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- Pinch salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Onto each skewer, thread the following in alternating patterns: one cherry tomato, one ciliegine, one to two leaves of basil and a slice of peach or an additional tomato.
- To prepare the sauce, simply whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl until emulsified. Serve skewers on plates or a platter with sauce nearby.
Notes
Recipe inspired by Legends in Norman, OK.
Make it tomato free: Skip the cherry tomatoes and use two peaches (total) instead.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Jamie | The Kitchenarium
I am a sucker for cute apps! Food thread on a tiny skewer?! Stop me now! Overplayed? I don’t care we are in the midst of tomato season and caprese is a must!
kristin | W [H] A T C H
we just went peach picking — perfect!
Anca
They look good and taste amazing, I’m sure. Party food should be easy to eat and these are perfect.
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well
These are so bright and cheery they are jumping off the page at me! Just love <3.
Kate
Thank you, Jessie! :)
Leah @ Grain Changer
LOVE the idea of adding peaches to these caprese skewers! What a lovely summer appetizer!!
Amy @ Parsley In My Teeth
These would look so beautiful on a picnic table. Simple, delicious and nutritious! My kind of summer eats!
Kate
They really would! Thanks, Amy!
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run
Yum, a perfect summer party app!
John
Fantastic. Something as classic as caprese can never be overplayed. This time of year when tomatoes and basil are fresh and ready to be harvested in the garden, something like this is just perfect. I don’t know if I’ve ever put them on skewers, but it would make a great little app.
Eileen
Yes! Sometimes a classic combination of tomato, mozz, and basil is all you need. Plus that peach! Such a great idea!
Kate
Amen! Thanks, Eileen!
Beth
Beautiful Photos! This looks sooo good:)
Lynne
I love this ! I love the simplicity of them and the unique flavours. What an awesome idea. :-)
Julia | Orchard Street Kitchen
I love caprese skewers! Such an elegant and easy appetizer to serve, and guests always love them. Your balsamic glaze looks wonderful, too – I like the sweetness from the maple syrup. And no, you’re not the only one who doesn’t want to eat a big bunch of raw broccoli at a party!
Tessa Langer
I’m glad you liked the appetizers at the rehearsal dinner! :) And it’s a great idea to make these as a super easy snack as well as an appetizer! <3 Tessa
Kate
Thanks, Tessa! Loving the wedding photos you’ve been uploaded. Thanks for letting me play bridesmaid!
Deborah
Can’t wait to try these! Yum!
Kate
Hope you love them, Deborah!
Joanne
The day caprese goes out of style is a day I never want to see! Now pass me a skewer. :P
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
There’s nothing better than caprese anything in the summer, love these skewers!
Kate
Agreed! Thanks, Laura!
Winnie Anderson
I’ve been looking for things that are easy to eat while sitting on the deck and these look perfect for that. Loving the idea of the peach bites — never would have thought of it.
I’m making these on Friday night :-)
Kate
I hope they turn out great, Winnie!
Cris
I will surely try this mix of ingredients. Peaches, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls?? My kinda healthy snack. Thanks for the idea, Kate! :)
Jennie
These look AMAZING. Thanks for the share!
Jody
I made these skewers last night for a dinner party and they were beautiful as well as tasty! They were a huge hit and I would definitely make them again!
Kate
Thank you, Jody! Delighted to hear it!
RD
Made these for a garden party and they were a huge hit! The peaches added a wonderful touch and really elevated the flavor. I made these several hours in advance and they held up nicely. Will definitely be making these for more parties.
Dina Herron
Did you use maple syrup or honey in the balsamic dipping sauce?
RD
Honey
Dina Herron
That would’ve been my choice. I’ll be making these for a family party in a few weeks. Thanks!
Rodi
I was looking for a good recipe for a Bunco party!! These are great!!
Jennifer S.
These are soooo good! Perfect for my bbq tomorrow! Thank you – I love all your recipes!
Kate
You’re welcome, Jennifer! These are perfect for summer. I hope they were a hit.
Loretta
These were finished off right away! Delish. I made the sauce and wasn’t a big fan, next time I’ll try honey rather than maple syrup. But I did a balsamic reduction/glaze and drizzled that over. These apps make a beautiful presentation and the peaches were a great addition.
Kate
Great to hear, Loretta!