Caprese Skewers With Pesto Recipe

Have you ever had a snack that feels like a party on a stick? Well, get ready to meet your new go-to appetizer for impressing your friends (and yourself) with these vibrant Caprese skewers!

Creating uncomplicated, tasty hors d’oeuvres is something I relish, and these Caprese Skewers with Pesto are right there at the top of my list. They are a favorite around my house and super easy to do.

The flavors of the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on their own are downright fantastic, but with a drizzle of the basil pesto and a little balsamic glaze on top, they are really something special. I am huge on not complicating things in the kitchen.

If I can do it, so can you.

Caprese Skewers With Pesto Recipe Ingredients

• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, low in calories.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Creamy, mild, good source of protein and calcium.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic, adds freshness, contains Vitamin K and antioxidants.
• Basil Pesto: Flavorful, made from nuts, olive oil, basil; high in healthy fats.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Heart-healthy, adds depth, rich in monounsaturated fats.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy, complements flavors, a touch of acidity.

Caprese Skewers With Pesto Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• Fresh basil leaves, about 20-30 depending on size
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 20 bamboo skewers or toothpicks

How to Make this Caprese Skewers With Pesto Recipe

1. Wash the cherry tomatoes and dry them with a paper towel.

2. Remove the liquid from the mozzarella balls and set them aside.

3. Rinse the basil that is fresh and directly from the plant. Let it dry slowly. You can use a salad spinner.

4. In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto and the extra-virgin olive oil. Mix them well to loosen and combine them.

5. Begin by taking a cherry tomato and threading it onto a bamboo skewer or toothpick.

6. Following that, place a mozzarella ball onto the skewer. After the mozzarella goes on, position a basil leaf next. If the basil leaf is on the larger side, feel free to fold it.

7. Using a second skewer, repeat the process with a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf. Alternate between the tomato, the cheese, and the basil until the skewer is filled but not too crowded.

8. Finish skewering the remaining skewers with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

9. Position the skewers on a serving platter and lightly drizzle them with the balsamic glaze.

10. Skewers should be salted and seasoned with freshly ground black pepper to taste, and can optionally be served with pesto sauce for dipping.

Caprese Skewers With Pesto Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Salad spinner
2. Paper towels
3. Small bowl
4. Spoon (for mixing)
5. Bamboo skewers or toothpicks
6. Serving platter

FAQ

• Can I use regular mozzarella instead of bocconcini?Certainly, it is permissible to chop standard mozzarella into tiny cubes to serve as a stand-in for bocconcini when required.
• Is it necessary to use fresh basil leaves?It is recommended that fresh basil be used to ensure optimal flavor; however, dried basil will not provide the same freshness or fragrance.
• Can I make these skewers ahead of time?Absolutely, they can be made a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them, and they’ll stay fresh.
• What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?At home, you can create a balsamic reduction that’s pretty much as good as anything you’d get in a restaurant. It’s a straightforward process, involving just one ingredient (balsamic vinegar), and a few easy steps. And once you’re done, the resulting sauce is worth twice the effort—both for its marvelous flavor and for the way it dresses up even the humblest dish.
• What type of pesto is best for this recipe?The flavors work well with a classic basil pesto, but other pesto varieties can be used.
• Are there any alternatives to using bamboo skewers?Indeed, if bamboo skewers are not obtainable, you may utilize tiny cocktail sticks or toothpicks.
• How do I store leftovers?You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Put fresh basil in right before you serve it again.

Caprese Skewers With Pesto Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Grape tomatoes can be substituted for cherry tomatoes with no change to the size or sweetness of the final dish. Use the same quantity of grape tomatoes so as not to alter the taste, texture, or appearance of whatever you are preparing.
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini): If bocconcini are unavailable, substitute cubes of fresh mozzarella.
Basil leaves, fresh: Utilize fresh spinach leaves for a different taste. Profile.
Basil pesto: For a tangy twist, try pesto made with sun-dried tomatoes.
Balsamic glaze: Substitute with a reduction of balsamic vinegar for a touch that is made at home.

Pro Tips

1. Optimize Herb Freshness To ensure your basil stays vibrant and fresh, consider storing it in a glass of water like a bouquet until you’re ready to use it. This keeps the leaves from wilting too quickly.

2. Enhanced Pesto Flavor For an extra depth of flavor, make your own pesto by blending fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. This homemade version can elevate the taste compared to store-bought options.

3. Tomato Sweetness If you have time, consider roasting the cherry tomatoes briefly before assembling the skewers. This can intensify their sweetness and add a different flavor dimension to the dish.

4. Balsamic Glaze Control To prevent overwhelming the delicate flavors, drizzle the balsamic glaze lightly over the skewers by using a squeeze bottle for even distribution.

5. Serving Suggestion For better presentation and ease of serving, consider placing the skewers in a circle or fan shape on the platter, making them visually appealing and easy for guests to grab.