Caprese Christmas Skewers are a fresh and colorful twist on a classic Italian salad, perfect for holiday gatherings. These little bites feature juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with a simple balsamic glaze and olive oil. The red, white, and green colors make them look like little edible ornaments, which is just right for the season.
I love these skewers because they’re so easy to put together and always a hit at parties. You can prepare them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Plus, they don’t require any cooking, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays. I also like to sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top to bring out the flavors even more.
Serving them on a festive platter really amps up the holiday spirit. They make a great appetizer or snack that’s light but still satisfying, giving everyone a fresh break from heavier holiday dishes. Whenever I bring these skewers, people ask for the recipe, and I always smile because such a simple combination can feel so special during Christmas time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cherry Tomatoes
- These little tomatoes bring juicy sweetness and vibrant red color. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes work just as well and have a similar texture.
- Mozzarella Balls
- Fresh mozzarella balls, called bocconcini or ciliegine, are best here. For an easy swap, you can cube fresh mozzarella from a larger ball instead, but try to keep the pieces bite-sized.
- Basil Leaves
- Fresh basil gives Caprese its signature flavor and green color. If fresh basil is out of season, baby spinach or arugula can be a mild substitute, though the flavor will be different.
- Balsamic Glaze
- This adds a touch of sweetness and tang. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can gently simmer balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey until it thickens or use a good quality balsamic vinegar as a drizzle.
How Do You Make the Skewers Look Like a Festive Wreath?
Arranging the skewers to form a wreath adds charming holiday spirit. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Start by laying fresh basil leaves in a circle on your serving plate. This green base looks like a wreath’s foliage.
- Place the prepared skewers evenly around the basil circle, either leaning them upright or laying them flat pointing in a ring shape.
- Make sure the vibrant red tomatoes and white mozzarella contrast well with the green basil for that classic Christmas color combo.
- Drizzle the entire arrangement with olive oil and balsamic glaze for shine and flavor. This also helps the skewers stick slightly to the basil base.
- Adding a little sprinkle of salt, pepper, and dried herbs last will tie the flavors and look together nicely.
Taking these simple steps turns a tasty appetizer into a festive centerpiece that’s sure to catch eyes and taste buds alike!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Wooden toothpicks or small skewers – perfect for threading tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil together easily.
- Large serving platter – you’ll use this to arrange your skewers in a festive wreath shape.
- Small bowl or spoon – handy for drizzling olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the skewers.
- Paper towels – great for drying tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to keep the skewers from getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella balls for marinated feta cubes – adds a tangy, salty twist that pairs well with tomatoes.
- Add thin slices of prosciutto or salami between ingredients for extra savory flavor and a meat option.
- Include fresh or roasted bell pepper pieces for an extra pop of color and mild sweetness.
- Drizzle a little pesto instead of plain olive oil for a fragrant herb boost that changes the flavor profile.
How to Make Caprese Christmas Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 package (8 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- Fresh basil leaves (about 1 bunch)
For Dressing and Seasoning:
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)
For Assembly:
- Toothpicks or small wooden skewers
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required. You can assemble these skewers quickly, and they can be chilled for up to a few hours before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Rinse the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves gently under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to avoid sogginess. Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls as well.
2. Create the Wreath Base on the Platter:
Lay fresh basil leaves in a wreath shape on your serving plate, creating a festive green ring that will serve as the base for your skewers.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Take a toothpick or small skewer and thread on one cherry tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, then another cherry tomato. For variation, you can add a basil leaf between these for extra color and flavor. Repeat with all ingredients until you have multiple skewers.
4. Arrange and Season:
Place the skewers standing up or lying around the basil wreath on the platter, creating a circle reminiscent of a Christmas wreath. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Lightly sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of dried Italian seasoning or oregano if desired.
5. Serve:
Serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor, or refrigerate for up to a few hours before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Balls for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh mozzarella balls for the best texture and flavor. If you only have frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before assembling to avoid extra moisture.
How Long Can I Prepare These Skewers Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the skewers and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before serving. Keep them covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the basil from wilting.
What Can I Use Instead of Balsamic Glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, try drizzling good-quality balsamic vinegar mixed with a little honey or maple syrup. You can also buy store-bought balsamic reduction as a convenient alternative.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Skewers?
Absolutely! You can add slices of prosciutto, olives, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and variety. Just make sure to keep the colors festive to maintain the holiday wreath look.