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Easy Overnight Marinated Caprese Skewers Recipe with Balsamic Drizzle for Perfect Appetizers

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Fresh, simple, and impressive appetizers made with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil marinated overnight in a tangy balsamic and olive oil dressing. Perfect for last-minute gatherings and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) creamy fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 1 pint (about 250 grams) cherry or grape tomatoes, preferably ripe and firm
  • Approximately 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) good-quality aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 large garlic clove, finely minced or pressed
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • About 20 wooden or bamboo skewers, 4-inch (10 cm) length

Instructions

  1. Drain the mozzarella balls well to remove excess moisture. Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined and slightly emulsified.
  3. Thread one mozzarella ball, followed by a folded basil leaf, and then a cherry tomato onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used (about 20 skewers).
  4. Place the skewers in a shallow container and pour the marinade evenly over them. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours) to let flavors meld and mozzarella soften.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, remove skewers from the fridge to come closer to room temperature. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the skewers before serving.

Notes

Marinate overnight for best flavor and texture; minimum 2 hours if short on time. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent mozzarella from becoming too soft and tomatoes mushy. Use good-quality balsamic vinegar for best taste. If basil leaves tear when threading, fold gently or use tweezers. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 2 days; avoid freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, marinated mozzarella, balsamic drizzle, easy appetizers, summer potluck, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-overnight-marinated-caprese-skewers-recipe-with-balsamic-drizzle-for-perfect-appetizers/