Strawberry Basil Mozzarella Skewers

$- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (8-inch or smaller) You will need a few simple tools for this recipe: - A cutting board to prepare your ingredients. - A knife to hull the strawberries. - A bowl for the mozzarella and basil. - Skewers for assembling the bites. - A serving platter to display your skewers. If you cannot find fresh mozzarella, try using cheese cubes or feta. For the strawberries, you can use ripe peaches or cherries. If you want a twist, swap basil for mint or arugula. Use a different glaze if you prefer; a honey or yogurt drizzle works well too. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with fresh strawberries. Rinse them well and remove the green tops. Pat them dry with a towel. Next, take the mozzarella balls. If they are packed in water, drain them. This keeps the skewers from getting too soggy. Gather fresh basil leaves. Make sure they are clean and dry too. Grab your skewers, about 8 inches long. Begin by threading a strawberry onto the skewer. Next, add a basil leaf. Then, slide on a mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern: strawberry, basil, mozzarella. Keep going until you fill the skewer. You can make about 8 to 10 skewers with these ingredients. Once your skewers are ready, drizzle them with balsamic glaze. This adds a sweet touch and makes them look nice. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top for extra flavor. Place the skewers on a serving platter. For a special touch, add a bit more balsamic glaze before serving. Everyone will love these tasty bites! When making your skewers, choose sturdy skewers. Wood or metal works best. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents burning. Aim for an equal pattern on each skewer. Thread a strawberry, then a basil leaf, followed by a mozzarella ball. Repeat this to create a colorful and tasty bite. Make sure to keep a bit of space between each piece. This helps flavors mix and keeps it fresh. To boost the taste, try adding lemon zest. This adds a bright note. You can also swap the balsamic glaze for a fruity dressing. A splash of olive oil can give a rich flavor. For those who like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a kick that pairs well with sweet strawberries. Remember to season lightly with salt and pepper before serving. This enhances the overall taste. Presentation matters, especially for a summer gathering. Use a big, white platter to showcase the vibrant colors. Arrange the skewers in a circular pattern for a fun look. You can also stand them up in a glass jar for a rustic touch. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top for a glossy finish. Adding some whole strawberries and basil leaves around the skewers can make it pop. This makes your dish appealing and ready for sharing. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Strawberries: Look for strawberries that are bright red and slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor. Fresh Mozzarella is Key: Use fresh mozzarella balls for a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries. Layering Technique: Alternate the ingredients on the skewer to create a balanced flavor profile in each bite. Balsamic Glaze Tips: For a thicker glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens, enhancing its flavor. {{image_2}} You can change up the ingredients for fun! Instead of strawberries, try using ripe peaches or cherries. They add a sweet twist. If you want a different cheese, try feta or goat cheese. Both bring a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs well with basil. For a crunchy touch, add a slice of cucumber. It adds a nice crunch and freshness. To explore new flavors, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Honey will sweeten each bite, while chili flakes give a little heat. You can also use flavored balsamic glazes like raspberry or fig. These add a unique taste that surprises your guests. For a zesty kick, squeeze some lemon juice over the skewers. It brightens the flavors and makes each bite pop. Serving with dips can elevate your skewers. A simple yogurt dip or tzatziki complements the fresh taste. You can also use a pesto dip for a herby twist. If you love spice, try a sriracha mayo. It adds creaminess and heat. Arrange the skewers on a platter with your dips in the center. This invites everyone to grab and enjoy! To store leftover Strawberry Basil Mozzarella Skewers, first, remove the balsamic glaze. The glaze can make the skewers soggy. Place the skewers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to keep them cool. This helps the flavors stay bright. These skewers taste best cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, heat them gently. Use a microwave and heat in short bursts. Check every 10 seconds to avoid overcooking. You want the cheese to soften, not melt fully. Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. These help keep your skewers fresh. Avoid metal containers, as they may react with the balsamic glaze. If you have a lot, use separate containers for easy access. Keeping them neat also makes it fun to grab a snack later! Strawberry Basil Mozzarella Skewers last about two days in the fridge. The freshness of strawberries and basil is key. After two days, the strawberries can get mushy. The mozzarella may lose its firmness, too. Enjoy these skewers fresh for the best flavor and texture. Yes, you can make these skewers ahead of time. I recommend preparing them a few hours before serving. This way, the flavors can blend nicely. Store them in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. Just drizzle the balsamic glaze on right before serving. This keeps the skewers looking great and tasting fresh. Yes, you can easily modify this recipe for different diets. For a vegan option, swap the mozzarella for marinated tofu or avocado. If you want a lower-carb choice, skip the mozzarella altogether. You can use cherry tomatoes or other veggies instead. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty summer bite! You now have all you need to create amazing Strawberry Basil Mozzarella Skewers. We covered ingredients, suggested tools, and how to switch things up. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips for the best taste and look. Explore variations to keep your skewers exciting and fresh. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. With these ideas, you can impress anyone at your next gathering. Dive into this tasty treat with confidence, and don’t hesitate to experiment!$

Strawberry Basil Mozzarella Skewers

A refreshing appetizer featuring strawberries, basil, and mozzarella on skewers, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
to taste salt and pepper
as needed skewers (8-inch or smaller)

Instructions

Start by preparing your ingredients: wash and hull the strawberries and pat them dry, then drain the mozzarella balls if they're in water.
On each skewer, thread a strawberry followed by a basil leaf and a mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern (strawberry, basil, mozzarella) until you fill the skewer or reach the desired length.
Continue threading until all ingredients are used up; you should get about 8-10 skewers, depending on how packed you like them.
Once assembled, drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Season with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
Arrange the skewers on a serving platter, and if desired, drizzle with a little more balsamic glaze right before serving for a lovely touch.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, drizzle extra balsamic glaze before serving.

Keyword appetizer, basil, mozzarella, skewers, strawberry