Basil-Infused Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Skewers
Fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes threaded onto skewers, drizzled with basil-infused olive oil and balsamic glaze for a simple yet flavorful appetizer. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, leaves fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 20 pieces cherry tomatoes
- 20 pieces (about 8 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 20 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves for infusion
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 5 skewers, 4 pieces each wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: To infuse the olive oil, gently bruise 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves and combine with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 10 minutes without boiling, then strain and let cool.
- Step 2: Thread onto each of the 5 wooden skewers in alternating order: 4 cherry tomatoes, 4 fresh basil leaves, and 4 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini).
- Step 3: Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the cooled basil-infused olive oil evenly over the skewers, then sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Finish by drizzling 2 tbsp balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers for a sweet tangy contrast.
- Step 5: Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 1 hour before serving to keep fresh.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Basil-Infused Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Basil-Infused Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Basil-Infused Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Basil-Infused Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Basil-Infused Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Skewers vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.