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Tortellini Caprese Skewers

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Tortellini Caprese skewers are the ideal easy no-bake appetizers to make as your next party snack. Everyone will love the Caprese kabob skewers with a balsamic drizzle. So grab the ingredients and get started on this amazing tortellini appetizer!

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a closeup of a caprese kabobs with a tray of caprese skewers with balsamic glaze and a red and white napkin in the background

Easy Caprese Appetizer on a Stick

This easy kabob party appetizer is a twist on the classic Caprese salad, but on a stick! Since they are made with cheese tortellini, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.

These fun and tasty kabobs are simple to make and taste delicious. Plus, they are perfect for any event. Serve them at birthday parties or game day gatherings.

I love these Caprese snacks because they are delicious, elegant, and so easy to put together. This tortellini appetizer is always a hit at parties, BBQs, or potlucks.

Plus, it is ready in only 20 minutes. So, let’s make some!

Be sure to check out our other Caprese recipes, like our Caprese chicken, and Caprese flatbread.

a white tray of kabob party appetizers with balsamic glaze on top of a red and white napkin

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Grape tomatoes – You can also use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
  • Basil leaves – Fresh basil leaves add a nice flavor to the skewers. You can also use Purple Basil leaves for a unique twist.
  • Tortellini – We used cheese tortellini for this recipe. You can also use any type of Tortellini you prefer, such as Spinach or Mushroom Tortellini.
  • Mozzarella – You can use mini mozzarella balls, regular-sized mozzarella balls, or cubes of mozzarella.
  • Balsamic vinegar glaze to substitute balsamic glaze, use 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Boil on the stove until the vinegar has reduced by half for about 5-7 minutes.

    You can also microwave the balsamic vinegar. To do this, put it in a microwave-safe bowl and cook it for 30 seconds at a time until it has reduced by half. This should take about 6 rounds of microwaving.
Caprese skewers ingredients in bowls: grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, cheese tortellini, basil all placed on top a white tray with bamboo skewers on side

Equipment For This Caprese snack

a closeup of a caprese tortellini appetizer with a tray of caprese skewers with balsamic drizzle and a red and white napkin in the background

Making the Tortellini Caprese Skewers

Cook the Cheese Tortellini

Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Then, wash the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, and let them dry.

Add the cheese tortellini to the pot of water. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil right away.

tortellini pasta cooking in a sauce pan

Cook the pasta for the time listed on the package. No more than 5 minutes for fresh pasta.

Note: Boil the pasta at a gentle boil, or it will open up too much and soften. This will make it difficult for the pasta to stay on the sticks. So boil it gently to keep it firm.

After cooking the pasta, drain and rinse it in cold water right away. This will keep them from sticking to each other. Set it aside for later.

cooked cheese tortellini drained in a colander

PreparE the Skewers

Thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, a mozzarella cheese ball, a tortellini, then a cheese ball, a basil leaf, and a final cherry tomato on each skewer. Then fold large basil leaves in half.

Note: I used marinated mozzarella balls from a grocery store for this recipe. Marinated balls add more flavor and color to the tortellini appetizer skewer.

bowls of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, pasta, and basil leaves along with a tray of 4 assembled tortellini appetizers and a pair of scissors on a white serving tray

After all 24 skewers are made, place them on a serving tray. Then, drizzle the tortellini skewers with balsamic glaze.

Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.

Recipe Variations

For a different twist on your Caprese skewers with tortellini, try these tips:

  • Add sliced salami or pepperoni.
  • Add black olives to the skewers.
  • Use ravioli pasta instead.
a white tray of tortellini skewers with balsamic glaze on top of a red and white napkin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Tortellini Caprese Skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can! I suggest that you make the skewers no more than 6 hours ahead. Or the basil can wilt and turn brown, and the pasta will dry out. 

Do I need to soak the bamboo skewers?

No, you don’t need to soak the skewers since there isn’t any cooking in this Caprese snack. The bamboo kabobs will fine dry. Just be sure to use sharp skewers so that they will go through the pasta easily.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can try it with different types of cheese in this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into small cubes so that they will fit onto the skewers.

What is the difference between Ciliegine and bocconcini?

Ciliegine are small balls of mozzarella that are about the size of a cherry. While bocconcini are slightly larger balls that are about the size of a golf ball. I suggest using ciliegine, buffalo or pearl sized.

Get the Full Easy Appetizer Recipe Here

a white tray of kabob party appetizers with balsamic glaze on top of a red and white napkin

Tortellini Caprese Skewers

Tortellini Caprese skewers are the ideal easy appetizers to make as your next party snack. These fun and tasty kabobs are simple to make and taste delicious. So grab your ingredients and let's get started on this amazing tortellini appetizer!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Italian, American
Servings 24 skewers
Calories 70 kcal

Equipment

  • 24 6" bamboo skewers - (or 12, 12" skewers cut in half)
  • 4 – 6 quart saucepan or stock pot - (to cook the tortellini)
  • colander - (to drain and rinse the pasta)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 1 large bunch basil leaves (about 8 ounces)
  • 8 ounces cheese tortellini, refrigerated, fresh, frozen
  • 12 ounces mozzarella balls, plain or marinated* (Ciliegine, buffalo or pearl size)
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar glaze (see notes for substitutions)

Instructions
 

  • Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Wash the mini tomatoes and basil leaves, and let dry.
  • Add the cheese tortellini to the pot of water and reduce the heat to a gentle boil. Cook the pasta for the amount of time listed on the package (I recommend no more than 5 minutes for fresh, refrigerated pasta). Immediately drain and rinse the pasta in cold water. Set aside.
  • Thread the bamboo skewers with a tomato, a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, a tortellini, then a mozzarella ball, a basil leaf, and a tomato. Fold large basil leaves in half.
  • After threading all 24 skewers, place them on a serving tray. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar glaze over the skewers. Serve right away or cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.

Notes

The mozzarella balls used in this recipe are fresh mozzarella that is preserved in fluid. You’ll find them in plastic containers or the pearls often come in a sealed package.
To substitute balsamic glaze, use 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Boil on the stove until the vinegar has reduced by half (about 5-7 minutes).
You can also microwave the balsamic vinegar. Using a microwave-safe bowl, microwave for 30-second at a time until the vinegar has reduced in half (about 6, :30 second increments). 

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewer | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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