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An extreme close-up of a caprese skewer, showing the vibrant red of the cherry tomato against the creamy white mozzarella and green basil.

Mini Caprese Mozzarella Bites: The Perfect Party Appetizer

Create the perfect party appetizer with these Mini Caprese Mozzarella Bites. This quick and easy recipe combines fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a rich homemade balsamic glaze for an unforgettable bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 skewers
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Skewers
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes about 24 tomatoes
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls (ciliegine) drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves packed
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
For the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar good quality

Equipment

  • 12 4-inch appetizer skewers
  • 1 Small Saucepan For balsamic glaze

Method
 

Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
  1. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
Assembly
  1. Gently wash and pat dry the tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain the mozzarella pearls.
  2. Thread one cherry tomato onto a skewer. Fold a small basil leaf in half and thread it onto the skewer next.
  3. Follow with one mozzarella pearl. For a single bite, stop here. For larger skewers, repeat the pattern.
  4. Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter.
  5. Just before serving, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  6. Finish with a generous drizzle of the cooled balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: For the best flavor, let the mozzarella pearls sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before assembling.
Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the skewers. One tomato, one basil leaf, and one mozzarella pearl make the perfect single bite.
Tip 3: The balsamic glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.