The holiday season is filled with so much joy, laughter, and let’s be honest, a little bit of chaos. Between decorating the tree and wrapping gifts, finding time to prepare food for gatherings can feel like a huge task. You want something that looks festive and tastes amazing, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
If that sounds familiar, you are in the right place. I have the solution for your holiday party needs. These Caprese skewers are the definition of Christmas appetizers easy to make. They are simple, fresh, and bring beautiful holiday colors to your table without any cooking at all. Seriously, it’s that simple.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these little skewers, especially during the busy holiday season. First and foremost, they are incredibly simple to put together. There is no oven required, no complicated steps, and no long list of fancy ingredients. It is truly an assembly only kind of recipe, which is a lifesaver.
The visual appeal is just undeniable. The bright red of the tomatoes, the pure white of the mozzarella, and the deep green of the basil leaves create a naturally festive color palette. It’s like Christmas on a stick! They look so elegant and thoughtful, but only you will know they took just a few minutes to prepare. This is one of my favorite Christmas finger food ideas for parties for this exact reason.
Let’s talk about flavor. Amidst a sea of heavy, rich holiday dishes, the fresh and light taste of these skewers is a welcome change. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil create a clean and vibrant bite. A little drizzle of good olive oil and tangy balsamic glaze ties it all together beautifully.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can make a small batch for a family dinner or a huge platter for a large holiday party. They are a definite crowd pleaser, loved by adults and kids alike. Because they are served on skewers, they are perfect Christmas appetizers finger foods, meaning less mess and no need for plates or forks. This makes them ideal for mingling.
Honestly, these skewers are a fantastic example of holiday appetizers easy enough for a total beginner in the kitchen. If you can thread beads onto a string, you can absolutely make these. They build confidence and deliver a wonderful result with minimal effort. What’s not to love about that?
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, which starts with a short and fresh ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful bites.
- 16 to 18 (4 inch) wooden skewers
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 (12 ounce) container miniature cherry sized fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 36 leaves)
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
A little more on the key players here. For the tomatoes, look for cherry or grape tomatoes that are firm, bright red, and sweet. Their small size is ideal for skewers. For the mozzarella, the miniature balls called ciliegine are your best friend. They are the same size as the tomatoes, creating a uniform look.
Fresh basil is non negotiable. Its sweet, peppery flavor is essential to the classic Caprese combination. Make sure the leaves are vibrant green and not wilted. When it comes to the drizzles, a good quality extra virgin olive oil and a thick balsamic glaze will make a big difference. The glaze is much thicker than balsamic vinegar and will cling to the ingredients instead of pooling at the bottom of the platter.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see just how simple these Christmas appetizers easy are to make? Let’s walk through the process together. It will be over before you know it!
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First things first, let’s get everything ready to go. Gently rinse your cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is important so the oil and glaze stick to them later. Next, rinse your fresh basil leaves and pat them dry as well. Set everything out on your workspace so it’s all within reach. Preparation is key to a smooth assembly line.
Step 2: Assemble The Skewers
Now for the fun part. Grab a wooden skewer. Start by threading one cherry tomato onto it. Next, take a basil leaf. If it’s on the larger side, simply fold it in half before skewering it. This keeps it neat and adds a nice little cushion of green. After the basil, add a miniature mozzarella ball. Follow that with another folded basil leaf, and finish with a second cherry tomato. You should have a lovely, symmetrical pattern: tomato, basil, mozzarella, basil, tomato.
Repeat this process for all 16 to 18 skewers. You can set up a little assembly station to make it go even faster. This is also a great step to get kids involved in the kitchen during the holidays. They love helping with simple tasks like this. It is one of the most enjoyable Christmas appetizers finger foods to make.
Step 3: Arrange And Garnish
Once all your skewers are assembled, arrange them on a serving platter. You can line them up in neat rows or try a more creative presentation. For a really festive touch, try arranging them in a circle to look like a Christmas wreath. It looks so impressive on a holiday table.
Right before you are ready to serve, it’s time for the finishing touches. Lightly drizzle the skewers with extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic glaze. You don’t need a lot, just enough to add flavor and a beautiful sheen. Finally, season them with a sprinkle of kosher salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. That’s it! Your beautiful and tasty appetizer is ready to be enjoyed.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Simply place the skewers in a single layer in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the basil may wilt a little bit after the first day, but they will still taste delicious.
I would recommend waiting to drizzle any leftovers with oil and glaze until you are ready to eat them again. This helps maintain the best texture. If you have already dressed them, no worries, they will still be good. You could even pull the ingredients off the skewers and toss them into a salad for lunch the next day. No food waste here!
Tips
Want to make these skewers even better? Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind.
You can assemble these skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Just put them on your platter, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This is a fantastic way to get a head start on your party prep. Just remember to hold off on the olive oil and balsamic glaze drizzle until right before serving to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.
If you find marinated mozzarella balls at your grocery store, feel free to use them! They come packed in seasoned oil, which adds another layer of flavor. If you use the marinated kind, you can skip the extra virgin olive oil drizzle and just use a bit of the marinade from the container instead. It’s a great shortcut.
Presentation goes a long way. When considering Christmas finger food ideas for parties, think about how the food will look on the table. As mentioned, arranging these skewers in a wreath shape is a wonderful festive touch. You can even place a small bowl of extra balsamic glaze in the center for dipping. This adds a little interactive element for your guests.
When you are shopping, make sure you buy balsamic glaze, not balsamic vinegar. The glaze is much thicker and sweeter. It will cling nicely to your skewers. Regular vinegar is too thin and will just run off and make a puddle on your platter, which can make the mozzarella and tomatoes a bit soggy over time.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A stunning, delicious, and incredibly simple appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. This recipe proves that you do not need to be a professional chef to create beautiful food. Sometimes, the best dishes are the ones with fresh, quality ingredients that are allowed to shine.
The next time you are asked to bring a dish to a party, or you need something quick for your own event, I hope you remember these skewers. They are truly one of the best Christmas appetizers easy to make, and they will save you so much time and stress. Happy holidays and happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Mozzarella?
You certainly can. If you cannot find miniature mozzarella balls, you can buy a block of fresh mozzarella and cut it into half inch cubes. The taste will be the same, and they will still look great on the skewers. The mini balls are just a bit more convenient.
What Kind Of Balsamic Glaze Should I Buy?
Most grocery stores carry premade balsamic glaze in the vinegar aisle. Any brand will work just fine. Look for one that has a consistency similar to syrup. You can also make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it reduces and thickens, but store bought is a great time saver.
My Basil Leaves Are Huge, What Should I Do?
That is a common situation. Simply fold the larger leaves in half before threading them onto the skewer. This makes them more compact and ensures you get a good amount of basil flavor in each bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I Make These Skewers Bigger?
Of course. If you want a more substantial appetizer, you can use longer skewers, like six inch ones, and add more ingredients. You could even add other items like prosciutto, salami, or marinated artichoke hearts to make them more of a mini antipasto skewer.
Are These Gluten Free?
Yes, they are. All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free, making it a wonderful and safe option to serve guests with gluten sensitivities. It is a worry free addition to your list of holiday appetizers easy to prepare.
Easy Holiday Caprese Skewers
These fresh and simple Caprese skewers are a festive, no-cook appetizer great for holiday parties. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, they are a colorful and tasty addition to any table, ready in just minutes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Gently rinse the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- Assemble the skewers: Take a wooden skewer and thread on one cherry tomato. Follow with a basil leaf (folded in half if it’s large), then a miniature mozzarella ball.
- Complete the pattern: Add another folded basil leaf, and finish with a second cherry tomato to create a colorful, symmetrical skewer.
- Repeat for all skewers until you have about 16-18 finished appetizers. Arrange them on your serving platter.
- Garnish and serve: Just before you are ready to serve, lightly drizzle the skewers with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of kosher salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
For a festive touch, arrange the skewers in a circle on a round platter to look like a Christmas wreath.
You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, but wait to add the olive oil and balsamic glaze until just before serving.
Be sure to use balsamic glaze, not vinegar. The glaze is thicker and will cling to the ingredients, while vinegar is too thin.
If you find marinated mozzarella balls at the store, they are a nice shortcut that adds extra flavor.
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