Grilled Caprese Skewers bring the spirit of summer to your plate. Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil get a quick turn on the grill for a smoky twist on the classic. They are simple to assemble, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing.
Grilled Caprese Skewers
Equipment
- 1 Grill gas or charcoal
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Basting brush or pastry brush
Ingredients
Skewers
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine or bocconcini; mozzarella pearls for mini skewers; plant-based mozzarella works
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves small leaves whole; larger leaves torn in half
- 8 wooden or metal skewers soak wooden skewers 20 to 30 minutes
Balsamic Drizzle & Seasoning
- 0.33 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp honey optional, to taste
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small clove garlic grated; optional
- 0.25 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 0.125 tsp black pepper freshly ground; plus more to taste
Instructions
Preheat the grill
- Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates so the cheese releases easily.
Make a quick balsamic drizzle
- In a small saucepan, warm 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar with 1 to 2 teaspoons honey over low heat until slightly syrupy, 3 to 5 minutes. Cool while you assemble.
Build the skewers
- Thread a cherry tomato, fold a basil leaf, then add a mozzarella ball. Repeat once more for longer skewers. Continue until all ingredients are used.
Brush and season
- Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little grated garlic if using. Lightly brush the skewers on all sides.
Grill briefly
- Place skewers on the grill and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side. You want light char on the tomatoes and gentle softening of the mozzarella without melting through the grates.
Finish and serve
- Transfer to a platter and drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Add a few torn basil leaves and a final crack of black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Caprese Skewers
- Fast flavor: ready in minutes with minimal prep.
- Smoky and fresh: the grill deepens sweetness in tomatoes while mozzarella softens beautifully.
- Party perfect: easy to grab, no forks required.
- Make-ahead friendly: assemble early, grill just before serving.
Grilled Caprese Skewers Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cherry tomatoes: grape tomatoes work too.
- Fresh mozzarella balls: ciliegine or bocconcini; mozzarella pearls for mini skewers. Plant-based mozzarella can be used.
- Fresh basil leaves: small whole leaves or larger leaves torn in half.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: avocado oil also works.
- Balsamic vinegar: for drizzling or a quick glaze.
- Honey or brown sugar: optional, to balance acidity in the glaze.
- Garlic: 1 small clove grated into the oil, optional.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: to season.
- Wooden or metal skewers: soak wooden skewers in water for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Grilled Caprese Skewers
1. Preheat the grill
Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates so the cheese releases easily.
2. Make a quick balsamic drizzle
In a small saucepan, warm 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar with 1 to 2 teaspoons honey over low heat until slightly syrupy, 3 to 5 minutes. Cool while you assemble.
3. Build the skewers
Thread a cherry tomato, fold a basil leaf, then add a mozzarella ball. Repeat once more for longer skewers. Continue until all ingredients are used.
4. Brush and season
Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little grated garlic if using. Lightly brush the skewers on all sides.
5. Grill briefly
Place skewers on the grill and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side. You want light char on the tomatoes and gentle softening of the mozzarella without melting through the grates.
6. Finish and serve
Transfer to a platter and drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Add a few torn basil leaves and a final crack of black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Keep it quick: mozzarella softens fast, so short grill time is key.
- Dry the cheese: pat mozzarella with paper towels for better browning and grip.
- Mind the skewers: if using wood, soak them so they do not scorch.
- Oil the grates: a lightly oiled grill helps prevent sticking.
- Stagger the order: end each skewer with a tomato for a sturdier tip.
Variations of Grilled Caprese Skewers
- Pesto drizzle: thin pesto with a splash of olive oil and spoon over before serving.
- Smoky touch: sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika after grilling.
- Citrus lift: add lemon zest to the olive oil brush for brightness.
- Herb swap: try small oregano or mint leaves along with basil.
- Sweet heat: add a light swirl of chili honey over the platter.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Grilled Caprese Skewers
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a simple cookout spread.
- Crusty bread or garlic toasts to catch the balsamic and juices.
- Simple greens with olive oil and lemon.
- Chilled sparkling water with citrus slices for a refreshing sip.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days. Store the balsamic drizzle separately.
- Serve again: best enjoyed cold or room temp. If you want warmth, give a very quick turn on a grill pan over medium heat, 30 to 45 seconds per side.
- Make ahead: assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate; brush with oil and grill just before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
These skewers are the kind of bite that vanishes while you are still setting the table. I love listening to the quiet sizzle as they hit the grates and watching the basil perfume the air. They always bring people closer, reaching, laughing, and chatting between bites.
FAQs
Can I skip the grill? Yes. Serve them fresh without grilling, then finish with olive oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking? Dry the mozzarella, oil the grates, and keep the heat at medium-high for a quick sear.
What if I do not have balsamic vinegar? Reduce pomegranate or grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar until syrupy for a similar sweet-tangy drizzle.
Can I use large mozzarella? Yes, cut into 1-inch cubes for skewering, then pat dry before grilling.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Caprese Skewers are proof that simple ingredients can taste extraordinary. A few minutes at the grill turns tomatoes sweeter, mozzarella silkier, and basil more aromatic. Set out a platter and watch them disappear.