Dessert

Caprese Skewers with Cranberry Glaze Recipe

Bylina moretti November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Introduction

Caprese Skewers with Cranberry Glaze offer a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad. Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together beautifully, enhanced by a sweet and tangy homemade cranberry glaze. Perfect for parties or a simple appetizer, these skewers deliver a burst of taste in every bite.

The image shows several skewers arranged on a white rectangular plate, each skewer composed of a shiny red cherry tomato, bright white mozzarella ball, and green basil leaves stacked in a repeating pattern. A dark brown balsamic glaze is drizzled over the ingredients, creating a glossy texture and slight pooling on the plate. The skewers are wooden and laid diagonally, with some fresh basil and tomatoes blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pint cherry tomatoes
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
Fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Skewers (6-inch or 8-inch)

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Step 2: Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Stir in balsamic vinegar, remove from heat, and let the glaze cool completely.
Step 4: Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain mozzarella balls if packed in water.
Step 5: On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball. Repeat until the skewer is filled, leaving space at ends for handling.
Step 6: Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Arrange skewers on a platter and drizzle the cooled cranberry glaze over them just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Try adding slices of avocado or prosciutto for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with herbs like mint or oregano for a unique twist.
If short on time, a store-bought balsamic glaze works well as a substitute.

Storage

These Caprese Skewers are best served fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cranberry glaze separate until ready to serve to maintain its freshness and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows several skewers arranged on a white rectangular plate, each skewer holding three layers: a shiny red cherry tomato, a small white mozzarella ball, and a fresh green basil leaf in between. The skewers are drizzled with a dark balsamic glaze that pools slightly on the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and some cherry tomatoes with basil leaves are blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.

What can I serve these skewers with?

They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta salads, or as part of a charcuterie board for a well-rounded appetizer spread.

Are these skewers gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

lina moretti