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Delicious Mini Caprese Skewers featuring red and yellow cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze on a speckled plate.
Layla

Festive Cranberry-Balsamic Caprese Skewers

A delightful holiday twist on a classic appetizer, these mini Caprese skewers feature juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy cranberry-balsamic glaze.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 skewers
Course: Appetizer, Holiday
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 75
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry-Balsamic Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar Good quality yields the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar Or maple syrup
For the Skewers
  • 1 pint Cherry or grape tomatoes Rinsed and dried
  • 8 oz Fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine) Drained well
  • 24 Large fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp Fine sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp Freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Small mixing bowl
  • 4-inch bamboo skewers

Method
 

Prepare the Cranberry-Balsamic Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly until the cranberry sauce and sugar have completely dissolved.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The glaze is ready when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Assemble the Skewers
  1. While the glaze is cooling, prepare the other ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, gently toss the drained mozzarella pearls and the cherry tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. To assemble each skewer, first thread one cherry tomato onto a 4-inch bamboo skewer.
  3. Next, take one large basil leaf, fold it in half or into a small bundle, and thread it onto the skewer next to the tomato.
  4. Finish by threading one mozzarella pearl onto the end of the skewer. Repeat this process until you have used all the ingredients, which should yield approximately 24 skewers.
Serve
  1. Arrange the completed Mini Caprese Skewers on a serving platter or board.
  2. Just before serving, drizzle the cooled cranberry-balsamic glaze over the skewers. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Re-warm gently on the stove or in the microwave before using. For a time-saver, you can assemble the skewers (without the glaze) a few hours ahead of your event; cover them tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated.