Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These adorable heart-shaped Caprese skewers are a quick, fresh, and festive appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or romantic occasions, they deliver classic Italian flavors with a playful twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 16 cherry tomatoes (about 1 cup or 8 oz), rinsed and dried
- 16 fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine, about 8 oz), rinsed and drained
- 16 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 16 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the cherry tomatoes. Slice each tomato in half lengthwise, angling the cut slightly to create heart shapes when pressed together.
- Pair two tomato halves, rounded edges touching and cut sides down, gently pinching the point to form a heart. Use a tiny dab of mozzarella to help them stick if needed.
- Lay out the mozzarella balls and basil leaves. Place a basil leaf on top of each mozzarella ball.
- Slide a mozzarella ball onto a skewer or toothpick, followed by a basil leaf, then carefully add the heart-shaped tomato pair.
- Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter in neat rows or a heart pattern.
- Drizzle evenly with balsamic glaze using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Add a tiny drizzle of olive oil if desired, and sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, or cover lightly and chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For best results, use firm, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. Pat all ingredients dry to prevent slippery skewers. You can substitute grape tomatoes, vegan mozzarella, or other herbs like mint or oregano. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead (without glaze) and refrigerate; drizzle glaze just before serving. For a grilled variation, lightly grill tomato hearts before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese, appetizer, party, skewers, heart-shaped, balsamic glaze, Italian, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy, finger food