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Fresh Patriotic Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Appetizer with Balsamic Glaze

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These Fresh Patriotic Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are a simple, festive appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, blueberries, and a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for patriotic occasions and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 cherry tomatoes (ripe and firm, vine-ripened recommended)
  • 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, drained)
  • 20 large fresh basil leaves (vibrant green and unblemished)
  • 20 fresh blueberries (plump)
  • 6-inch wooden skewers (soaked in water for 10 minutes if grilling)
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • Fresh cracked black pepper (optional garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the balsamic glaze: Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar into a small saucepan. Stir gently to combine. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, then reduce to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half (10 to 15 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon and look syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Prepare ingredients: Rinse cherry tomatoes, blueberries, and basil leaves under cold water. Drain mozzarella balls well on paper towels to avoid sogginess.
  3. Assemble the skewers: Take a 6-inch wooden skewer and thread one blueberry, one cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball in that order. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  4. Arrange and season: Lay the skewers on a serving platter. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the top.
  5. Drizzle with glaze: Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze generously over the skewers just before serving.
  6. Serve immediately: Best enjoyed fresh. Refrigerate assembled skewers without glaze for up to 2 hours before serving. Add glaze just before serving to keep basil crisp.

Notes

Pat mozzarella dry to avoid sogginess. Fold basil leaves gently to keep fresh appearance. Watch balsamic glaze closely to avoid burning. Prepare glaze ahead and warm gently before use if desired. Assemble skewers ahead but add glaze just before serving to keep basil crisp. Wooden skewers should be soaked if grilling. Variations include swapping blueberries with blackberries or grapes, using vegan mozzarella or tofu for dairy-free, and grilling skewers lightly for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, patriotic appetizer, balsamic glaze, easy appetizer, Fourth of July recipe, summer party snack, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, blueberries

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/fresh-patriotic-caprese-skewers-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-appetizer-with-balsamic-glaze/