Looking to elevate your grilled vegetable game? These Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Veggie Skewers bring a burst of vibrant color and a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors to your plate. The fresh cranberries combined with balsamic vinegar create a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving every bite a juicy pop. Whether you’re serving these as a side dish at a summer barbecue or a light main for a weeknight dinner, these skewers are guaranteed to impress.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

These Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Veggie Skewers are a hit because they marry simplicity with sophistication. The glaze made from fresh cranberries and balsamic vinegar is unique but approachable, offering a slight tartness that complements the natural sweetness of bell peppers and zucchini. Mushrooms soak up the glaze, giving them a rich, savory depth, while red onions add a gentle bite and sweetness when grilled.

Vegetables on skewers are always a crowd favorite—they’re easy to eat, look gorgeous on the grill, and cater to a variety of diets. Plus, the honey in the glaze adds just enough sweetness to create that irresistible caramelized finish without overpowering the veggies.

If you love dishes like Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Turkey Bacon, you’ll find these skewers bring a similarly delightful tang and sweetness but with a fresh, fruity twist.

What to Buy

Fresh cranberries – 1 cup, for that vibrant, tart base of the glaze
Balsamic vinegar – 1/2 cup, to add depth and acidity
Honey – 2 tablespoons, for natural sweetness
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons, to help veggies cook evenly and keep moist
Salt – 1 teaspoon, to enhance all the flavors
Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon, for a mild kick
Bell peppers – 2, cut into squares (choose your favorite colors for a vibrant skewer)
Zucchini – 1, sliced into rounds
Red onion – 1, cut into wedges for sweetness and texture
Mushrooms – 8 oz, whole or halved, to soak up the glaze perfectly
Skewers – wooden or metal (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning)

What’s in the Gear List

Grill or grill pan – for that perfect char and smoky flavor
Medium saucepan – to simmer the cranberry balsamic glaze
Mixing bowl – to toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper
Brush – to apply glaze on the skewers while grilling
Tongs – for flipping skewers easily

Cook Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Veggie Skewers Like This

Step 1: Make the cranberry balsamic glaze

Start by combining 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally as the cranberries burst and the liquid thickens into a glossy glaze—this should take about 10-12 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the veggies

While the glaze is simmering, wash and chop the vegetables. Cut the bell peppers into bite-sized squares, slice the zucchini into rounds, wedge the red onion, and clean the mushrooms. Toss them in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the skewers

Thread the veggies alternately onto the skewers, aiming for a colorful mix on each one. This not only looks beautiful but ensures each bite has a variety of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Grill and glaze

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. During the last few minutes, brush the veggie skewers generously with the cranberry balsamic glaze. Let the glaze caramelize slightly, then flip and brush the other side. Continue grilling until the veggies are tender and slightly charred.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Remove the skewers from the grill, give them one last brush of glaze for extra shine and flavor, and serve warm. These skewers pair wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a vibrant vegetarian main course.

Smart Substitutions

Instead of fresh cranberries, use frozen cranberries (thawed) if fresh aren’t available.
Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetener.
Use other sturdy vegetables like cherry tomatoes, eggplant chunks, or asparagus if preferred.
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, a red wine vinegar mixed with a touch of brown sugar can mimic the flavor.
Metal skewers can be replaced with bamboo, but soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

What I Learned Testing

Testing the Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Veggie Skewers taught me a few key things:

The glaze thickens nicely if you simmer it gently without rushing; too high heat makes it bitter.
Using a mix of colorful bell peppers not only looks inviting but adds layers of sweetness.
Red onion wedges become beautifully sweet when grilled and balance the tartness of the glaze.
Brushing glaze towards the end of cooking prevents it from burning and keeps the skewers glossy.
The mushrooms absorb the glaze best when left whole or halved, ensuring juicy bites.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

These skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill but can be stored for later:

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain the glaze’s texture—avoid microwaving as it can make the vegetables soggy.
The glaze can be stored separately in the fridge for up to one week and reheated gently before brushing onto skewers.

Common Questions

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cranberry balsamic glaze can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it up slightly before brushing it onto the veggies during grilling.

Are these skewers suitable for indoor cooking?

Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning the glaze.

Can I add protein to these skewers?

Definitely! For a balanced meal, try pairing these veggie skewers with a protein like chicken or halloumi cheese. If you enjoy recipes like Grilled Halloumi And Vegetable Skewers Salad, you’ll love how halloumi complements these veggie flavors.

How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the vegetables. This soaking helps prevent them from catching fire or burning quickly on the grill.

Reader Favorites

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Turkey Bacon – Another tangy and savory side dish perfect for gatherings.
Grilled Halloumi And Vegetable Skewers Salad – A hearty and delicious grilled option featuring cheese and veggies.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken – A juicy, flavorful chicken recipe with a bright cranberry glaze.

Hungry for More?

If you love the vibrant, fresh flavors in these Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Veggie Skewers, you might want to explore other recipes that bring fruit-forward glazes to your meals. Try pairing with roasted or grilled mains to round out your menu. The balance of tart and sweet in this recipe is a fantastic way to celebrate seasonal produce and bring a gourmet touch to your everyday cooking.

These skewers are simple to prepare, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Whether for a casual weeknight or a festive weekend gathering, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Fire up your grill, grab those fresh cranberries, and enjoy the delicious magic of these glazed veggie skewers!

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