Caprese Skewers Recipe

Cherry tomatoes: These small, juicy tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color to the skewers.

Vegan mozzarella balls: A dairy-free alternative to traditional mozzarella, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor.

Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant and slightly peppery taste that complements the other ingredients.

Balsamic glaze: A thick, sweet, and tangy reduction of balsamic vinegar that enhances the overall flavor of the skewers.

To enhance the flavor of your cherry tomatoes, consider roasting them in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes before assembling the skewers. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add a delightful depth of flavor to your Caprese skewers.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar size and sweetness, making them a great alternative for skewers.

• vegan mozzarella balls - Substitute with marinated tofu cubes: Marinated tofu cubes can mimic the texture and absorb flavors well, providing a similar experience to vegan mozzarella.

• fresh basil - Substitute with fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves offer a refreshing flavor that pairs well with tomatoes and tofu, providing a unique twist.

• balsamic glaze - Substitute with reduced balsamic vinegar: Reduced balsamic vinegar has a similar thick consistency and rich flavor, making it a suitable replacement for balsamic glaze.

• To keep your Caprese skewers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a damp paper towel at the bottom of the container to maintain moisture.
• Arrange the cherry tomatoes, vegan mozzarella balls, and basil leaves in a single layer to prevent squishing.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. These skewers will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• If you need to prepare them in advance, assemble the skewers without the balsamic glaze. Add the glaze just before serving to keep the skewers from becoming soggy.
• For freezing, it's best to avoid freezing the assembled skewers as the texture of the vegan mozzarella and cherry tomatoes can change. Instead, freeze the components separately.
• To freeze the vegan mozzarella balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Cherry tomatoes can be frozen whole. Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• Basil leaves can be frozen by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Alternatively, chop the basil and freeze it in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil.
• When ready to use, thaw the components in the refrigerator. Assemble the skewers and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Caprese skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes, just until the vegan mozzarella balls start to soften slightly. Be careful not to overheat, as the cherry tomatoes can burst.

• If you prefer a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the Caprese skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check to ensure the vegan mozzarella balls are warm but not melted.

• For a stovetop option, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the Caprese skewers and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming. This method helps maintain the texture of the basil leaves.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the Caprese skewers in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes. This method gives a slightly crispy exterior to the cherry tomatoes while keeping the vegan mozzarella balls soft.

• For a more gourmet touch, use a sous-vide machine. Set the temperature to 140°F (60°C). Place the Caprese skewers in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse them in the water bath for about 10 minutes. This method ensures even heating without altering the texture of the ingredients.

• Skewers: Wooden or metal sticks used to thread the cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and vegan mozzarella balls.

• Cutting board: A flat surface used to prepare and organize the ingredients.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used to trim and prepare the basil leaves if needed.

• Serving platter: A large dish used to arrange and present the finished skewers.

• Small bowl: A bowl used to hold the balsamic glaze for easy drizzling.

• Spoon: A utensil used to drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers.

Pre-prep ingredients: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until ready to use.

Use assembly line: Set up an assembly line with all ingredients and skewers. This speeds up the threading process.

Buy pre-made balsamic glaze: Save time by purchasing a ready-made balsamic glaze instead of making it from scratch.

Opt for larger skewers: Use slightly larger skewers to hold more ingredients, reducing the number of skewers you need to prepare.