Budget-Friendly Caprese Skewers with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
Budget-Friendly Caprese Skewers with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
For the Caprese Skewers
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes, often cheaper
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, small, ciliegine or bocconcini. Look for store brand or bulk options.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, small to medium. Grow your own for ultimate savings!
- 12 wooden skewers, 6-inch, reusable if possible
For the Homemade Balsamic Glaze
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, store brand is fine
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional, for sweeter glaze, or use a pinch of honey
For Serving (Optional, Budget-Friendly)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling, optional, use sparingly
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, kosher or sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the budget-friendly balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and optional granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This homemade glaze is much cheaper than store-bought!
⏱️ 2 min
- 2
Reduce the balsamic vinegar: Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon. It should be thick and syrupy. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely; it will thicken further as it cools. You can make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for other uses.
⏱️ 8 min
- 3
Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato onto a wooden skewer, followed by a fresh basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern, ending with a cherry tomato. You should aim for 3 tomatoes, 2 basil leaves, and 2 mozzarella balls per skewer, or adjust as desired to fill the skewer. If you have extra ingredients, make a small Caprese salad!
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Arrange and serve: Arrange the assembled Caprese skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the cooled homemade balsamic glaze. If desired, lightly drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These are great for stretching ingredients as an appetizer.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Serve immediately as a delightful and affordable appetizer or light snack. Leftovers can be deconstructed into a small salad.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Budget-Friendly Caprese Skewers with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
For the Caprese Skewers
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes, often cheaper
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, small, ciliegine or bocconcini. Look for store brand or bulk options.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, small to medium. Grow your own for ultimate savings!
- 12 wooden skewers, 6-inch, reusable if possible
For the Homemade Balsamic Glaze
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, store brand is fine
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional, for sweeter glaze, or use a pinch of honey
For Serving (Optional, Budget-Friendly)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling, optional, use sparingly
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, kosher or sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the budget-friendly balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and optional granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This homemade glaze is much cheaper than store-bought!
⏱️ 2 min - 2
Reduce the balsamic vinegar: Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon. It should be thick and syrupy. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely; it will thicken further as it cools. You can make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for other uses.
⏱️ 8 min - 3
Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato onto a wooden skewer, followed by a fresh basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern, ending with a cherry tomato. You should aim for 3 tomatoes, 2 basil leaves, and 2 mozzarella balls per skewer, or adjust as desired to fill the skewer. If you have extra ingredients, make a small Caprese salad!
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Arrange and serve: Arrange the assembled Caprese skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the cooled homemade balsamic glaze. If desired, lightly drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These are great for stretching ingredients as an appetizer.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Serve immediately as a delightful and affordable appetizer or light snack. Leftovers can be deconstructed into a small salad.
⏱️ 5 min