The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year. It’s full of joy, family, and of course, delicious food. But let’s be honest, it can also get a little hectic, especially when you are hosting a party. Finding the right recipes can be a bit of a puzzle.
You want something that looks amazing but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all day. That’s where these simple antipasto skewers come in. They are one of my favorite Christmas Appetizers because they are incredibly easy and look so festive. They form a beautiful wreath that brings instant holiday cheer to your table.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is a lifesaver during the busy holidays. There is absolutely no cooking involved. If you can thread ingredients onto a stick, you can make this. It’s that simple. It’s a great recipe for beginners or when you need something you can assemble quickly.
Another reason to love these skewers is how they look. Arranged in a circle with sprigs of rosemary, they create a stunning edible wreath. It’s one of those Holiday Party Appetizers that doubles as a beautiful centerpiece for your table. Your guests will definitely be impressed.
The flavors are classic and balanced. You get the sweetness from the cherry tomatoes, a salty bite from the olives and chorizo, and creamy goodness from the mozzarella. The fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch. It’s a combination that pretty much everyone enjoys.
Plus, this recipe is very flexible. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have or what your guests like. It is a fantastic addition to your list of Christmas Party Food Ideas because it is so adaptable. It is a simple concept with lots of room for creativity.
Ingredients
Here is everything you will need to create this festive appetizer. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store. This list makes about 20 skewers, which is a good amount for a small gathering.
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 green olives
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese (pearls or small balls)
- 20 slices beef chorizo
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Step By Step Instructions
Making these Christmas Appetizers is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps to assemble your beautiful and tasty holiday wreath. It is a fun activity to do with family, too.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First, gather all your ingredients and about 20 bamboo cocktail sticks. Make sure your tomatoes and basil are washed and dried. Having everything prepped and within reach makes the assembly process go so much faster. It’s all about setting up your workspace.
Step 2: Assemble The Skewers
Now for the fun part. Take a cocktail stick and start skewering your ingredients. The best order is a cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, a green olive, a slice of beef chorizo, and finally a mozzarella pearl. The order helps balance the colors and flavors on each stick. Repeat this process until you have used all your ingredients.
Step 3: Create The Wreath Shape
Choose a large, round platter or plate for your wreath. Start by arranging the fresh rosemary sprigs around the outer edge of the platter. This forms the base of your wreath. Next, place the antipasto sticks in a circle on top of the rosemary. Have the top of the skewer, the tomato end, facing the edge of the plate. Continue arranging them until you have a full circle.
Step 4: Add The Finishing Touches
Once your wreath is formed, you can add or move a few rosemary sprigs to fill in any gaps and make it look more like a wreath. Just before serving, drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the skewers. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt. And that’s it, your delicious christmas appetizers are ready to serve.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. It’s best to take the skewers off the platter and place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days. The basil might wilt a little, but they will still taste great.
For the best results, try to store them without the olive oil and balsamic drizzle if possible. If you know you might have leftovers, you can set some undressed skewers aside. This helps keep the ingredients from getting too soft. Great for many Christmas Buffet Ideas Food.
Want to customize your skewers? Go right ahead. This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You could add marinated artichoke hearts, different types of olives, or small cubes of provolone cheese. Salami or prosciutto would also work well in place of the chorizo.
If you need to make these ahead of time, you absolutely can. Assemble the skewers a day in advance, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge. Wait to arrange them on the platter and add the rosemary and dressing until just before your guests arrive. This keeps everything looking and tasting fresh.
Choosing the right platter can make a big difference. A large, simple white platter really makes the colors of the wreath pop. The contrast of red, green, and white looks so festive against a plain background. It’s a key part of the presentation for your Holiday Party Appetizers.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. A little black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes could add a nice kick. You could also use an infused olive oil, like garlic or lemon, for an extra layer of flavor. These small touches can make your Christmas Party Food Ideas stand out.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, beautiful, and delicious appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. These antipasto skewers are proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special. They are a fantastic choice when you need reliable Christmas Appetizers.
The combination of fresh ingredients and festive presentation makes this recipe a true winner. It’s a low stress, high reward dish that lets you spend more time enjoying the party with your loved ones. I hope you and your guests enjoy these wonderful christmas appetizers as much as I do.
FAQ
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. It’s a great time saver. You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to cover them well and store them in the refrigerator. Wait to arrange the wreath and add the oil, vinegar, and salt until you are ready to serve.
What Other Ingredients Can I Use?
There are so many possibilities. Consider adding things like marinated mushrooms, small pieces of bell pepper, or different cheeses like provolone or cheddar cubes. For the meat, salami, pepperoni, or even small cooked shrimp would be tasty alternatives. Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Appetizers.
How Many Skewers Does This Recipe Make?
This particular recipe makes 20 skewers. It is a good amount for a small to medium sized party. If you are expecting a larger crowd, you can easily double or even triple the recipe. Just make sure you have a large enough platter to create the wreath.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Of course. To make a vegetarian version, simply leave out the beef chorizo. You can replace it with something else, like a cube of firm tofu, a marinated artichoke heart, or an extra cherry tomato to keep the skewer full. It’s a simple swap for your vegetarian guests.
Simple Antipasto Skewers
These simple antipasto skewers are a lifesaver during the busy holidays. No cooking involved, just thread ingredients onto a stick to create a stunning edible wreath. A balanced mix of sweet cherry tomatoes, salty olives and chorizo, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, gather all your ingredients and about 20 bamboo cocktail sticks. Make sure your tomatoes and basil are washed and dried. Having everything prepped and within reach makes the assembly process go so much faster. It’s all about setting up your workspace.
- Take a cocktail stick and start skewering your ingredients. The best order is a cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, a green olive, a slice of beef chorizo, and finally a mozzarella pearl. The order helps balance the colors and flavors on each stick. Repeat this process until you have used all your ingredients.
- Choose a large, round platter or plate for your wreath. Start by arranging the fresh rosemary sprigs around the outer edge of the platter. This forms the base of your wreath. Next, place the antipasto sticks in a circle on top of the rosemary. Have the top of the skewer, the tomato end, facing the edge of the plate. Continue arranging them until you have a full circle.
- Once your wreath is formed, you can add or move a few rosemary sprigs to fill in any gaps and make it look more like a wreath. Just before serving, drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the skewers. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt. And that’s it, your delicious christmas appetizers are ready to serve.
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. It’s best to take the skewers off the platter and place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days. The basil might wilt a little, but they will still taste great.
For the best results, try to store them without the olive oil and balsamic drizzle if possible. If you know you might have leftovers, you can set some undressed skewers aside. This helps keep the ingredients from getting too soft.
Want to customize your skewers? Go right ahead. This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You could add marinated artichoke hearts, different types of olives, or small cubes of provolone cheese. Salami or prosciutto would also work well in place of the chorizo.
If you need to make these ahead of time, you absolutely can. Assemble the skewers a day in advance, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge. Wait to arrange them on the platter and add the rosemary and dressing until just before your guests arrive. This keeps everything looking and tasting fresh.
Choosing the right platter can make a big difference. A large, simple white platter really makes the colors of the wreath pop. The contrast of red, green, and white looks so festive against a plain background. It’s a key part of the presentation.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. A little black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes could add a nice kick. You could also use an infused olive oil, like garlic or lemon, for an extra layer of flavor. These small touches can make your Christmas party food ideas stand out.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
