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. They look stunning and they taste even better. So grab the ingredients and get started on this amazing tortellini appetizer!
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Fun and Tasty Twist: A creative spin on classic Caprese with cheese tortellini, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil. All of this yummy goodness in a hand held appetizer.
- Perfect for Any Event: Great for birthday parties, game day gatherings, BBQs, potlucks, and more.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to assemble but elegant enough to impress guests. The colors make these skewers pop and they taste just as good as they look. Plus they are ready in 20 minutes!
- Always a hit: This tortellini appetizer is always one of the first to go at events. Everyone can feel good about eating creamy cheese, bold basil, zesty tomato and savory tortellini, all covered with a sweet and savory balsamic glaze.
Be sure to check out our other Caprese recipes, like our chicken caprese skillet, and Caprese flatbread pizza recipe.
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.
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.
Equipment For This Caprese snack
- Bamboo skewers (to hold the stacked Caprese snack)
- Sauce pan or stock pot (for cooking the pasta)
- Colander (to drain and rinse)
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.
Cook the pasta for the time listed on the package. No more than 5 minutes for fresh pasta.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
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.
Prepare the Skewers
Layer the skewers by threading 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.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
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.
After all 24 caprese tortellini 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 FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Tortellini Caprese Skewers
Equipment
- 24 bamboo skewers - (or 12, 12" skewers cut in half)
- 4 – 6 quart large saucepan - (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
- 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.
- I used marinated mozzarella balls from a grocery store for this recipe. Marinated balls add more flavor and color to the tortellini appetizer skewer.
- Add sliced salami or pepperoni.
- Add black olives to the skewers.
- Use ravioli pasta instead.
Nutrition
Check out our other Appetizers
- Oven Baked Jalapeno Poppers
- Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer
- Soft Pretzel Bites
- Loaded Tater Tots Appetizer Recipe
- Wonton Poppers
- Knorr Spinach Dip
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1v1 Lol Unblocked says
I love the idea of combining tortellini and Caprese on skewers! This looks like a perfect appetizer for summer gatherings. Can’t wait to try it out at my next barbecue! Would adding a balsamic glaze be a good idea?
Gianne - TFN Team Member says
Absolutely, adding a balsamic glaze is a fantastic idea! In fact, it’s already part of our recipe card. The sweet and tangy drizzle perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and savory tortellini, tying all the flavors together beautifully. It adds that finishing touch to make the skewers extra irresistible. We can’t wait for you to try it at your next barbecue—your guests are going to love it! Let us know how it turns out!
whatsapp plus says
I absolutely love the idea of Tortellini Caprese Skewers! They look so fresh and vibrant, perfect for a summer gathering. Can’t wait to try this recipe at my next picnic! Thanks for sharing!
myfreemp3 says
These Tortellini Caprese Skewers look absolutely delicious! I love how colorful and fresh they are, perfect for a summer gathering. Can’t wait to try this recipe!