Tortellini Caprese Skewers are a fun spin on the classic caprese salad. They're an easy appetizer ready in just 20 minutes, bursting with fresh flavors.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Let's be honest, who doesn't love food on a stick? Especially when it's as fresh and flavorful as these tortellini caprese bites.
If you enjoy authentic Italian flavors, you're in for a treat. The combination of al dente tortellini, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil will have you reaching for more.
Not only do these skewers burst with Mediterranean flavors, but they also come together in just 20 minutes. Ideal for those lazy summer days or last-minute get-togethers, this is a delicious appetizer recipe you'll love having in your back pocket.
Though you can make these any time of the year, I love making them with all those fresh farmer's market summer tomatoes.
If you love Caprese as much as I do, try this Spinach Caprese Salad or this Peach and Heirloom Tomato Caprese with Prosciutto.
What is Caprese
Caprese is a simple Italian salad made with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, drizzled with high-quality olive oil. These skewers take this classic dish, add a fun twist with cheese tortellini, and transform it into a portable party food.
Ingredients
- Fresh Cheese Tortellini: This is the star ingredient. You can usually find these in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. Frozen ones would work too if you can't find fresh tortellini, but cook them al dente.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Any small, sweet tomatoes will do. They add a burst of juicy freshness to each skewer. Learn more about the difference between grape and cherry tomatoes.
- Mini Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): These bite-sized mozzarella balls are perfect for skewers. If you can't find them, cut regular mozzarella into small chunks.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is a must in this recipe for the best flavor. Dried basil will not work in this recipe.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This ties all the flavors together. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt adds some depth of flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: This is optional but adds a tangy-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. You can also substitute for a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
*The full ingredient list with amounts is in the recipe card below.
How to Make Caprese Skewers with Tortellini
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to the package directions, until they're al dente. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while you assemble the skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread a tomato, basil leaf, tortellini, and mozzarella ball onto each skewer.
- Season: Drizzle the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Serve: Serve them as is or with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Buon appetito!
Expert Tip: When assembling the skewers, gently fold the basil leaf in half, if they are larger, before adding it to the skewer. Doing this also helps release its essential oils and adds more flavor.
Variations
One of my favorite things about cooking is making a recipe my own. If you want to change this up, here are some suggestions!
- Add prosciutto. Add small pieces of prosciutto to each skewer for a savory and salty flavor.
- Drizzle some pesto. Instead of balsamic glaze, you can drizzle them with your favorite pesto for an extra punch of herby flavor. Try my favorite Almond Basil Pesto.
- Use marinated mozzarella balls. You can typically find mozzarella balls marinated in herbs and oil at most grocery stores in the cheese section.
- Make them into rainbow skewers. Add some additional color and flavor by including other fresh ingredients, like pieces of bell pepper, cucumber, or even melon or peach, for a sweet addition.
- Make them Gluten-Free. If you're catering to gluten-free guests, use gluten-free tortellini.
- Try a Vegan alternative. Swap out the regular cheese tortellini and mozzarella balls for their vegan alternatives to make them vegan.
Serving Suggestions
These caprese bites are perfect for picnics, BBQs, cookouts, game days, and potlucks! They're great to make ahead of time and are easy to transport to serve as a party appetizer. Serve them cold or at room temperature.
Make this caprese appetizer into a meal by serving them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Or with a big green salad for a light lunch or dinner.
They're also a great finger food to serve as a holiday appetizer. Especially for Christmas parties because the red and green stand out!
Make Ahead and Storage
To make ahead, prepare the skewers up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. Add the balsamic glaze (if using) just before serving to maintain freshness.
To store, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. The texture may change slightly once chilled.
Freezing these caprese bites is not recommended because it will affect the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Yes, you can use other types of filled pasta, like ravioli. Make sure they're not too big and cooked al dente to hold up on the skewer without falling apart.
If you can't find mini mozzarella balls, you can cut a regular-sized fresh mozzarella ball into small cubes. A cubed feta or white cheddar is an excellent option if you don't like mozzarella.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
If you're looking for more simple appetizer recipes to serve at your next get-together, try one of these favorites!
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PrintTortellini Caprese Skewers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: about 16 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: American / Italian
Description
Tortellini Caprese Skewers are a fun spin on the classic caprese salad. They're an easy appetizer ready in just 20 minutes, bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
- ½ pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 6 ounces mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt, to taste
- balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the tortellini according to the package directions, until they're al dente. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while you assemble the skewers.
- Thread a tomato, basil leaf, tortellini, and mozzarella ball onto each skewer.
- Drizzle the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Serve them as is or with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Enjoy!
Notes
Make Ahead: Prepare the skewers up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. Add the balsamic glaze (if using) just before serving to maintain freshness.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. The texture may change slightly once chilled. It is not recommended to freeze these skewers.
Nutritional Values (per serving) are approximates only.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 64
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 168.9 mg
- Fat: 3.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 3.4 g
- Cholesterol: 11.4 mg
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