Summer Caprese Skewers – Easy 4th of July Party Snack

Summer Caprese Skewers are a super simple and totally fun recipe idea for a 4th of July gathering. Just pop some cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls on skewers, then drizzle them with balsamic glaze. It’s all about those fresh flavors. I always end up eating a few cherry tomatoes along the way.

They look really pretty laid out on a platter, which is nice. You can add a sprinkle of salt or pepper if you want, but honestly, they taste good as is. My kids love helping with the skewering part — they think it’s a craft project. And hey, less mess in the kitchen means more time to enjoy the backyard, right?

Choosing the Best Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the star of these skewers, so picking the right ones matters. Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes, preferably heirloom or cherry varieties. Those little cherry tomatoes are super sweet and pop in your mouth, which is just what you want for this kind of snack.

If you can find them on the vine, even better. They tend to be fresher and have that garden taste. If you’re at a farmer’s market, don’t be shy about asking for a taste. The texture should be firm but not hard, and the color should be vibrant. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots.

Oh, and if they smell like tomatoes (yes, that’s a thing), you’re in good shape.

Your Grocery List

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Skewers

Techniques and Tips

Making these skewers is pretty straightforward, but a couple of tips can help. First, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven. If you’re using metal skewers, no worries there.

When assembling, alternate the ingredients to create a nice visual. It’s all about that balance of color and texture. Drizzling the balsamic glaze right before serving keeps everything looking fresh and tasty. Oh, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. It really brings out the flavors.

Make It Even Better

Want to kick it up a notch? Try marinating the mozzarella balls in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before skewering. This adds an extra layer of flavor that’s just fantastic.

If you’re feeling adventurous, toss some prosciutto or salami on there for a savory twist. Grilling the skewers for a few minutes gives them a nice char and enhances the flavors, plus it’s a fun way to impress guests. Just keep an eye on them; you don’t want burnt mozzarella.

Drink Pairings

These skewers pair well with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Something refreshing that won’t overpower the flavors. If you want something non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime is a nice touch. It keeps things light and refreshing. If you’re feeling festive, a fruity sangria could also work, especially if you toss in some fresh berries.

Dessert Pairings

For dessert, something light and fruity matches well. A simple fruit salad with seasonal berries or a lemon sorbet can be a nice finish. If you want to go a bit more indulgent, a berry tart or a cheesecake topped with fresh fruit would be a hit. Just keep it light and fresh to balance the savory skewers.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (lucky you), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last a couple of days, but the tomatoes might get a little mushy. If that happens, just use them in a salad or toss them into a pasta dish. It’s all good. Just don’t freeze them; that texture won’t be great after thawing.

Prep Time

Getting everything ready takes about 15 minutes. Super quick if you have everything prepped and ready to go.

Cook Time

If you’re grilling them, be careful! Just lay them very quickly on each side. You want them warm, slightly charred, but not melted into a gooey mess.

Total Time

So, all in all, you’re looking at about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. Not too shabby for a crowd-pleaser.

Servings

This recipe is great for a small gathering, serving about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is.

Nutritional Info

These skewers are pretty healthy. They’re low in calories and packed with vitamins from the tomatoes and basil. The mozzarella adds some protein and calcium. Just keep an eye on the balsamic glaze, as it can add sugar.

Fun Facts

Did you know that Caprese salad is named after the island of Capri? It’s a classic Italian dish that’s been around for ages. Also, the colors of the ingredients—red, white, and green—represent the Italian flag. Pretty cool!

Allergen Warnings

Watch out for dairy if anyone has a milk allergy. The mozzarella is a common culprit.

Vegetarian or Vegan Substitutes

For a vegan version, swap out the mozzarella for marinated tofu or even avocado slices. Both options bring a nice creaminess without the dairy. If you want to keep it cheesy, look for vegan mozzarella that melts.