Ah, Valentine’s Day in Manhattan always seems to inspire me to get a little creative in the kitchen, especially when I want to add a touch of love to our dinner table. These delightful Heart Shaped Caprese Skewers are not only adorable but incredibly simple to put together. They’re my go-to for adding a special charm to dinner parties or a cozy family meal. The combination of sweet grape tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and aromatic basil—drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction—is a match made in culinary heaven.
One of my fondest memories involves my little ones helping in the kitchen, giggling as they tried to create perfect tomato hearts. It was a messy affair, but watching them enjoy the art of cooking was priceless. If you’re looking to make another sweet and simple breakfast, don’t miss out on my crescent roll breakfast recipes .
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy : Just 15 minutes to prep.
- Family-friendly : Perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen.
- Healthy and fresh : Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
- Visually stunning : These skewers are sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups mini bocconcini cheese balls
- Balsamic vinegar reduction
- Toothpicks
Step-by-step instructions
- Cut a grape tomato on an angle, which is my little trick to form perfect heart shapes.
- Turn one half of the tomato upside down and match it up with the other to make a heart shape.
- Take a toothpick and skewer a piece of basil, then a bocconcini ball, then the tomato heart, followed by another bocconcini ball and another piece of basil.
- Finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and enjoy the simple elegance of the skewers!
Recipe tips & variations
- Get creative : Swap out bocconcini for mozzarella pearls if you can’t find them.
- Balsamic glaze : If you’re out of balsamic reduction, you can make a quick balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
- Add some flare : Consider adding some thinly sliced almonds between layers for an added crunch.
Storage & reheating
These skewers are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to a day. They can be refreshed with an extra drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving.
FAQs
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble these skewers a few hours in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No worries! You can substitute with fresh spinach leaves for a different twist, though the classic basil flavor really elevates the dish.
What is the best way to cut the tomatoes?
The key is cutting them at a slight angle to get that perfect heart shape. It might take a few tries, but you’ll get the hang of it!
Recipes you may like
- Breakfast potatoes recipe: Easy & crispy
- Breakfast pizza recipe: Easy & cheesy
- Crescent roll breakfast recipes
Valentine’s Caprese Skewers
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy Heart Shaped Caprese Skewers perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups mini bocconcini cheese balls
- 1 balsamic vinegar reduction
- 1 pack toothpicks
Instructions
- Cut a grape tomato on an angle, which is my little trick to form perfect heart shapes.
- Turn one half of the tomato upside down and match it up with the other to make a heart shape.
- Take a toothpick and skewer a piece of basil, then a bocconcini ball, then the tomato heart, followed by another bocconcini ball and another piece of basil.
- Finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and enjoy the simple elegance of the skewers!
Notes
- Get creative: Swap out bocconcini for mozzarella pearls if you can’t find them.
- Balsamic glaze: If you’re out of balsamic reduction, you can make a quick balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
- Add some flare: Consider adding some thinly sliced almonds between layers for an added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers