Description
A fresh and delicious appetizer combining cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups balsamic vinegar
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz Ciliegine mozzarella cheese (also called “cherry” size, I like Belgioso)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 package toothpicks
Instructions
- Add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan over high heat then bring to a boil.
- Turn heat down to medium then simmer until vinegar is the consistency of thin maple syrup, about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you can see the bottom of the pan for a second or two after scraping a spatula across.
- Pour balsamic reduction into a small bowl then set aside to cool. Can be made then refrigerated up to 5 days ahead of time. Alternatively you could use store bought balsamic reduction (see notes).
- Thread a cheese ball onto a toothpick, followed by a basil leaf – fold in half or into quarters if large. Finish with a cherry tomato then place onto a serving platter.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Just before serving, sprinkle skewers with salt and pepper then drizzle with cooled balsamic reduction. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using store bought balsamic reduction can save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg