Strawberry Caprese Skewers (Printer-Friendly)

Juicy strawberries and mozzarella paired with basil and balsamic for a fresh, flavorful appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 12 large fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
02 - 24 fresh basil leaves, washed

→ Dairy

03 - 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained

→ Pantry

04 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon honey
06 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
07 - Flaky sea salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Equipment

09 - 12 small wooden or bamboo skewers

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
02 - Thread one strawberry half onto each skewer, followed by a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finish with the second strawberry half.
03 - Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle evenly with olive oil and the cooled balsamic reduction.
04 - Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while ingredients are at optimal temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes just 20 minutes from start to plating, making it perfect when unexpected guests arrive.
  • The sweet strawberries and tart balsamic create a flavor combination that feels fancy but tastes effortless.
  • Everyone assumes you spent hours in the kitchen, but your secret is safe with me.
02 -
  • Never assemble these more than an hour before serving, or the strawberries will start releasing their juice and things get watery.
  • The balsamic reduction has to cool completely before you use it, otherwise it'll soften the mozzarella in ways you don't want.
  • Cherry tomato slices tucked between the mozzarella and strawberry add a savory note that makes people pause and ask what you did differently.
03 -
  • If you're making these for a crowd, prep the strawberries and mozzarella in advance, but thread them only 45 minutes before serving so everything stays fresh and crisp.
  • The balsamic reduction can be made a full day ahead and stored in a small jar at room temperature, so you're actually way more prepared than it looks.
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