Description
These Caprese Skewers with Cranberry Glaze combine classic Italian caprese salad with a festive sweet-tart cranberry glaze. Featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on elegant skewers, this no-cook appetizer delivers stunning presentation in just 20 minutes perfect for holiday parties, dinner gatherings, or any occasion requiring impressive yet effortless finger food.
Ingredients
24 fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), drained and patted dry
24 cherry or grape tomatoes, washed and dried
24 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
24 wooden or bamboo skewers (6-inch)
2 tablespoons high-quality balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Cranberry Glaze:
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Make the cranberry glaze: Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and pinch of salt in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Stir until sugar dissolves and bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens to syrup consistency.
4. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature (glaze will thicken as it cools).
5. Optional: For smooth glaze, blend cooled mixture in food processor and strain through fine-mesh sieve.
6. Transfer glaze to squeeze bottle or small pitcher.
7. Pat mozzarella balls completely dry with paper towels.
8. Thread one cherry tomato onto each skewer, followed by one folded basil leaf, then one mozzarella ball.
9. Arrange assembled skewers on serving platter in neat rows.
10. Drizzle each skewer lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
11. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
12. Just before serving, drizzle cooled cranberry glaze over skewers in zigzag pattern or pool on individual plates.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Cranberry glaze can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored refrigerated in airtight container.
Assemble skewers up to 4 hours before serving, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Don’t add glaze until right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Bring skewers to room temperature 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Pat all ingredients completely dry before assembly to prevent dilution.
Use mozzarella balls roughly the same size as cherry tomatoes for visual balance.
Leftover glaze can be frozen up to 3 months or used on roasted vegetables, turkey, or cheese boards.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook (glaze requires stovetop)
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 52
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: caprese skewers with cranberry glaze, caprese appetizer, holiday appetizers, cranberry caprese, mozzarella skewers