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Mozzarella And Tomato Skewers Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

Mozzarella and tomato skewers are a timeless Italian appetizer that celebrates the simplicity and freshness of Mediterranean ingredients. These elegant bites layer creamy fresh mozzarella with ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and quality olive oil on wooden skewers. Perfect for summer entertaining, they require no cooking and can be assembled just before serving.

Ingredients

• 400g fresh mozzarella di bufala, cut into 24 cubes (about 2cm each)
• 400g ripe Roma tomatoes, cut into 24 cubes (about 2cm each)
• 24 fresh basil leaves
• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 15ml aged balsamic vinegar
• 8 wooden skewers (20cm long), soaked in water for 30 minutes
• Sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning and splintering during handling and presentation.

2. Pat the mozzarella cubes dry with paper towels and the tomato cubes dry separately to remove excess moisture that would make the skewers soggy.

3. Stack the basil leaves and cut them into strips, then set aside. You will use one leaf per skewer as a flavor layer between mozzarella and tomato.

4. Begin threading each skewer: start with one mozzarella cube, then thread one piece of basil leaf folded loosely, followed by one tomato cube. Repeat this pattern three times per skewer.

5. Arrange the completed skewers on a serving platter in a single layer. Season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both the mozzarella and tomato surfaces.

6. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over all the skewers, then add a light drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar just before serving for visual appeal and tangy sweetness.

7. Serve immediately at room temperature for best flavor. If preparing ahead, assemble skewers without the oil and vinegar drizzle, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, then dress just before serving.

Substitutions

• Substitute buffalo mozzarella with fior di latte (cow's milk mozzarella) for a milder flavor and firmer texture
• Use heirloom tomatoes in various colors (yellow, striped) for visual variety and different flavor profiles
• Replace fresh basil with fresh mint leaves for a lighter, more herbaceous note
• Substitute aged balsamic vinegar with white balsamic or red wine vinegar for a less sweet finish

Tips

• Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent them from splintering and to reduce any burnt appearance during handling
• Use room-temperature ingredients for maximum flavor; refrigerated components mute the delicate taste of fresh mozzarella
• Assemble skewers no more than 2 hours before serving to prevent the tomato juices from making the mozzarella slippery
• Choose tomatoes at peak ripeness with a slight give when gently squeezed for the sweetest, most flavorful result

This dish reflects the Italian principle of 'caprese,' which celebrates the iconic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Originally from Campania in southern Italy, these skewers are a modern, handheld variation of the traditional caprese salad, making them ideal for casual gatherings and outdoor celebrations throughout Italy.

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