Let’s be honest for a second. Thanksgiving is a beautiful whirlwind of family, gratitude, and a whole lot of food. But it can also be just a little bit chaotic in the kitchen, right? With the turkey taking up all the oven space and timers going off left and right, the last thing you need is a complicated appetizer to manage.
That is where this recipe comes in to save the day. Seriously. These little skewers are the answer to your search for Thanksgiving appetizers easy enough to make you feel like a holiday hero. They are fresh, flavorful, and require absolutely no cooking. What could be better?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with these simple bites, and I can tell you exactly why. First off, they are visually stunning. The bright red of the tomatoes, the creamy white of the mozzarella, and the vibrant green of the basil create a beautiful, festive look on any platter. They practically scream holiday cheer.
Another big win? They are incredibly fast to assemble. We are talking minutes from start to finish. This makes them one of the best Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods easy to prepare when you have a million other things to do. You can even get the kids involved in the skewering. It is that simple.
Let’s talk flavor. Thanksgiving dinner is often rich and heavy. These appetizers offer a wonderful contrast. They are light, fresh, and packed with a classic taste that everyone recognizes and loves. It is a perfect way to wake up the palate before the main feast.
These are also fantastic appetizers for Thanksgiving dinner because they cater to many dietary needs. They are naturally gluten free and vegetarian, so you can serve them with confidence to a crowd. It takes one more thing off your mind when planning the menu.
Plus, this recipe is super budget friendly. It uses a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that will not break the bank. During a season that can get expensive, finding an elegant yet affordable option is always a good thing. These are truly wonderful holiday appetizers Thanksgiving guests will adore.
Finally, they are completely customizable. While the classic combination is flawless, you can easily add other elements to make them your own. Think a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a small piece of prosciutto. The possibilities are endless, making this a great base recipe to have in your collection.
Ingredients
One of the best parts about these Thanksgiving appetizers easy skewers is the short and simple ingredient list. Here is what you will need.
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 10 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed or small balls
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 20 toothpicks or small skewers
Now let’s talk a little more about these ingredients, because quality really makes a difference here. For the tomatoes, look for cherry or grape tomatoes that are firm, bright red, and fragrant. They should have a nice pop when you bite into them.
When it comes to the mozzarella, fresh is best. Look for small mozzarella balls, often called bocconcini or ciliegine. They are the perfect size for skewering. If you can only find a larger ball of fresh mozzarella, no problem. Just cube it into bite sized pieces.
Your choice of extra virgin olive oil will also have an impact. Since you are not cooking it, the flavor will really shine through. Choose a good quality oil that you enjoy, perhaps one with a fruity or peppery note.
And please, use fresh basil. Dried basil just does not have the same bright, aromatic flavor. Fresh basil leaves are essential for that authentic Caprese taste. You can usually find it in the produce section of any grocery store. The salt and pepper should ideally be freshly ground for the best flavor punch.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how ridiculously easy this is? Let’s walk through the process together. Making these holiday appetizers Thanksgiving style has never been simpler.
Step 1: Gather And Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, gather everything you need. This is what chefs call ‘mise en place,’ and it makes any recipe feel smoother. Wash your cherry tomatoes and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the olive oil mixture stick to them.
Next, prepare your mozzarella. If you are using small balls, drain them well from any liquid they are packed in. Gently pat them dry too. If you are cubing a larger piece, try to make the cubes about the same size as your cherry tomatoes for a uniform look.
Finally, chop your fresh basil. You can do a rough chop, or if you want to be a little fancy, you can stack the leaves, roll them into a tight log, and slice them thinly. This technique is called a chiffonade.
Step 2: Combine In A Bowl
Find a medium sized bowl. Add your prepared tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Now, gently toss everything together until all the tomatoes and mozzarella are evenly coated in the oil and seasonings. Be gentle so you do not bruise the basil or smash the cheese.
The goal here is just to get everything acquainted. This simple marinade adds a huge amount of flavor to the individual components, bringing them together beautifully. This is a key step for creating delicious Thanksgiving appetizers.
Step 3: Skewer Your Bites
Now for the fun part. Grab your toothpicks or small decorative skewers. Thread one cherry tomato onto a toothpick, followed by one piece of mozzarella. The order is up to you, but this classic combination is visually appealing and easy to eat. It is the perfect assembly for Thanksgiving appetizers finger foods easy enough for anyone.
Continue this process until you have used up all your ingredients. You should have about 20 skewers. If you have any leftover oil and basil mixture in the bowl, you can save it to drizzle over the top right before serving.
Step 4: Arrange And Serve
The final step is presentation. Arrange your completed skewers on a platter or serving board. You can line them up neatly or arrange them in a circular pattern. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a high quality balsamic glaze over the top just before you serve them. It adds a lovely sweet and tangy flavor that complements the skewers perfectly.
And there you have it. A beautiful, delicious, and incredibly simple appetizer is ready for your guests. You just made one of the best Thanksgiving appetizers easy recipes out there.
How To Store Leftovers
Honestly, these are so good that you probably will not have any leftovers. But on the off chance you do, storing them is simple. Place the skewers in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Keep in mind that they are best served fresh. After a day in the fridge, the tomatoes can soften a bit and the fresh basil will lose some of its vibrant color and flavor. They will still be tasty, but the texture might change slightly. It is best to assemble them as close to serving time as possible for optimal freshness.
If you want to do some prep ahead of time, you can wash the tomatoes and drain the cheese a few hours before your guests arrive. Just hold off on tossing everything together and skewering until you are closer to serving. This keeps everything looking and tasting its best.
Tips
Want to take these simple appetizers for Thanksgiving dinner to the next level? Here are a few easy tips and variations to try.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze is my number one recommendation. The sweet and tangy flavor is a perfect counterpoint to the creamy mozzarella and fresh tomatoes. You can buy premade glaze or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens.
For a heartier bite, add a protein. A small, folded piece of prosciutto, salami, or soppressata threaded onto the skewer adds a delicious salty element. This turns them into slightly more substantial holiday appetizers Thanksgiving guests will rave about.
Feel free to get creative with herbs. While basil is classic for Caprese, a little fresh oregano or thyme could also be a delicious addition to the olive oil marinade. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice, subtle warmth.
Instead of just salt and pepper, try a sprinkle of a nice Italian seasoning blend. Or, use a flavored salt like a garlic salt or a lemon zest salt to add another layer of flavor. Small changes can make a big impact.
Presentation matters. Use decorative toothpicks or skewers to match your holiday theme. Arranging the skewers on a bed of fresh greens like arugula not only looks beautiful but also adds another fresh element to the dish.
Conclusion
In the end, the holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones, not spending every single moment stressed in the kitchen. Having a recipe for Thanksgiving appetizers easy and delicious in your back pocket is a true gift. It frees you up to enjoy the conversations and make memories.
These Caprese skewers are more than just food. They are a simple solution that delivers big on flavor and presentation without demanding much from you. They are a fresh start to a wonderful meal and a reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the most enjoyable.
So this year, give yourself a break and give this recipe a try. I promise it will become a staple in your holiday recipe collection for years to come. Enjoy every bite and have a wonderful, delicious Thanksgiving.
FAQ
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
You can do some prep ahead of time to make things easier on Thanksgiving day. You can wash and dry the tomatoes and drain the mozzarella a few hours in advance. However, I highly recommend assembling the skewers just before serving to ensure they are at their freshest. The basil can wilt and the tomatoes may release water over time.
What Other Cheese Can I Use?
While fresh mozzarella is classic for a Caprese salad, you could certainly experiment. Cubes of provolone or even a firm feta cheese could work. The key is to choose a cheese that is firm enough to hold its shape on a skewer.
Can I Use Dried Basil?
I would strongly advise against using dried basil for this recipe. Because there is no cooking involved, the flavor of every ingredient is very prominent. Dried basil has a very different, much less vibrant flavor than fresh basil. The fresh leaves are really essential for the authentic taste of these skewers.
How Do I Keep The Mozzarella From Getting Watery?
The key is to drain the mozzarella very well and then gently pat it dry with paper towels before you toss it with the other ingredients. This removes the excess liquid and helps the olive oil and seasonings adhere better, preventing a watery result on your platter.
Easy Thanksgiving Caprese Skewers
These festive Caprese skewers are the perfect easy Thanksgiving appetizer. They’re fresh, flavorful, require no cooking, and come together in minutes, freeing you up to enjoy the holiday.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather and prep your ingredients. Wash the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry. Drain the mozzarella well and pat dry. Chop the fresh basil.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add the tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Thread one cherry tomato onto a toothpick, followed by one piece of mozzarella. Continue this process until you have used up all your ingredients.
- Arrange your completed skewers on a platter or serving board. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle with a high-quality balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
A drizzle of balsamic glaze is highly recommended. The sweet and tangy flavor perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
For a heartier bite, add a folded piece of prosciutto or salami to each skewer for a delicious, salty element.
Use decorative toothpicks or arrange the skewers on a bed of fresh arugula to enhance the presentation.
For the best taste and appearance, assemble these skewers as close to serving time as possible.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
