Fresh American Flag Caprese Skewers Easy Patriotic Appetizer with Balsamic Glaze
These Fresh American Flag Caprese Skewers are a quick, easy, and festive appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, and a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings and patriotic celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), bite-sized
- Cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
- Fresh blueberries, firm and plump
- Fresh basil leaves, small
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional, about 1 tablespoon)
- Salt, a pinch
- Freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes, blueberries, and basil leaves thoroughly to prevent sogginess (about 5 minutes).
- Drain the fresh mozzarella balls; halve if large. Toss them lightly in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the skewers by threading three blueberries first (blue section), followed by two mozzarella balls and two cherry tomatoes alternating (white and red stripes). Add small basil leaves between layers if desired. Each skewer should have about 7-8 pieces.
- Arrange the skewers side by side on a serving platter to resemble the American flag.
- Drizzle the skewers evenly with balsamic glaze using a spoon or squeeze bottle, avoiding overdoing it.
- Lightly sprinkle extra cracked black pepper and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately or chill up to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Assemble skewers close to serving time to keep basil fresh. Add balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain presentation. For dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella and almond-based balsamic glaze. Frozen blueberries can be used but pat dry to avoid sogginess. Optional quick grilling for 1-2 minutes per side adds smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3.5
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 5.5
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 4.5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4.5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, patriotic appetizer, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, summer recipe, easy appetizer