Ingredients
Scale
For the Skewers:
- 24 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 24 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 24-30 fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: If mozzarella balls are large, you can cut them in half. Pat mozzarella dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Wash and dry cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves gently.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread one cherry tomato onto a small skewer or pick, followed by a folded basil leaf (fold in half or thirds depending on leaf size), then a mozzarella ball. You can also do: tomato, mozzarella, basil, with basil on top as a garnish. Repeat until you’ve made 24 skewers.
- Arrange on Platter: Arrange finished skewers on a serving platter in an attractive pattern. You can lay them flat, stand them up in a bowl, or arrange in rows.
- Drizzle and Season: Just before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over all the skewers using a spoon or squeeze bottle, creating attractive drizzle patterns. If using olive oil, drizzle lightly over everything. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 4 hours ahead). Let come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes for best flavor—peak summer tomatoes are ideal.
- Fresh mozzarella packed in water is essential; dried mozzarella won’t work.
- Pat mozzarella dry to prevent skewers from becoming watery.
- Fresh basil is non-negotiable—dried basil cannot substitute.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent ingredients from getting soggy.
- Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, but don’t add glaze until serving time.
- For easier eating, you can alternate the order: tomato, basil, mozzarella works well too
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 78
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg