(Valentine) Caprese Skewers
Going to a Super Bowl party, book club or family gathering in the month of February? Valentine Caprese Skewers are such a fun, love themed appetizer to bring to parties. And they are super quick and easy to make!
What are Valentine Caprese Skewers?
This cute appetizer is a fun twist on classic Caprese Salad. This recipe still has simple sweet tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella, but instead of being stacked on a plate like the Italian flag, everything is slid onto a skewer so that it can easily be eaten with one hand. No knife and fork required. This makes skewers a fantastic appetizer to bring to a party.
We always seem to have a social engagements in February. We have a lot of family birthdays that we get together for, and of course we are always headed somewhere to watch the big Super Bowl commercials game.
Caprese skewers are a quick and easy appetizer that I like to bring to parties, but this year, I thought it would be fun to add a little Valentine’s Day twist by making the tomatoes into heart shapes.
Bonus Recipes
Looking for a sweet Valentines treat to bring as well? Try my White Chocolate Cherry Cookies or Dipped Apple Bites.
Need another fun appetizer idea? Try BLT Bites, Grown Up Pigs in a Blanket or Pretzel Dip.
What do you need?
- wooden skewers (I like 6″ ones like these)
- grape tomatoes
- mozzarella balls (ciliegine “cherry” size)
- fresh basil
- Italian salad dressing (I like Olive Garden brand)
How do you make Valentine Caprese Skewers?
These might look a bit complicated, but they are honestly so simple!
Start by draining the the liquid form the mozzarella balls. Place them in a bowl and pour 1T of the Italian dressing over top of the cheese. Give it a good stir and set aside to marinade for a few minutes.
Next make the tomato “hearts”. Cut the grape tomato on a diagonal. Then twist one half 180 degrees so that both tips meet at the bottom forming a heart shape.
Slide both halves of the tomato onto the wooden skewer to keep the heart together.
Build the caprese skewers by adding the marinated mozzarella. I like to alternate three tomato hearts and two mozzarella balls per skewer.
Once all of the skewers are built, drizzle remining 1T of Italian dressings over the top.
Slice fresh basil leaves into thin “ribbons” and sprinkle over the top of the skewers.
Can you make these ahead of time?
You can build the skewers a few hours before you are planning on serving them. Just keep them refrigerated.
Wait to add the Italian dressing drizzle and basil ribbons until just before you serve.
FAQ’s
Yes, but you will need more tomatoes and mozzarella to fill them. I prefer ti use the 6″ skewers. The perfectly fit 3 tomato hearts and 2 mozzarella balls which is a visual good balance and serving size.
Nope. You only need to soak wood skewers if you will be using them on the grill so that they do not scorch.
No! I serve them at bridal showers all year round. I have also served them at Christmas parties.
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(Valentine) Caprese Skewers
Equipment
- 12 6" wooden skewers
Ingredients
- 8 oz mozzarella balls ciliegine "cherry" size
- 10 oz grape tomatoes
- 2 T Italian dressing
- basil 3-4 leaves cut inti thin "ribbon" strips
Instructions
- Drain the liquid from mozzarella balls. Place them in a bowl and pour 1T of the Italian dressing over top of the cheese. Give it a good stir and set aside to marinade for a few minutes.
- Cut the grape tomato on a diagonal. Then twist one half 180 degrees so that both tips meet at the bottom forming a heart shape.
- Slide both halves of the tomato onto the wooden skewer to keep the heart together.
- Build the caprese skewers by adding the marinated mozzarella. I like to alternate three tomato hearts and two mozzarella balls per skewer.
- Once all of the skewers are built, drizzle remining 1T of Italian dressings over the top.
- Slice fresh basil leaves into thin "ribbons" and sprinkle over the top of the skewers before serving.
