Save It Festive, fresh, and vibrant skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, styled in a charming Christmas tree shape — the perfect holiday appetizer.
I love serving these skewers at holiday parties because they always bring a smile and add festive charm to the table.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: 24
- Fresh basil leaves: 24 large leaves
- Mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): 24
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Balsamic glaze: 1 tablespoon
- Sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: For the tree trunk and decoration
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and pat dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Step 2:
- Drain the mozzarella balls and gently pat them dry.
- Step 3:
- On each wooden skewer, thread ingredients in the following order to mimic a tree: 1 cherry tomato, 1 basil leaf (folded if large), 1 mozzarella ball, 1 basil leaf, 1 cherry tomato, 1 basil leaf, 1 mozzarella ball.
- Step 4:
- Arrange the skewers on a large platter in a triangular (tree) shape.
- Step 5:
- Place rosemary sprigs at the base to resemble the tree trunk and tuck a few extra sprigs among the skewers for a festive look.
- Step 6:
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the skewers.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Save It This recipe always brings joy to our family gatherings, and my kids love helping me thread the skewers!
Notes
For added color, use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes. Swap balsamic glaze for pesto if desired. To make ahead, assemble skewers and refrigerate (without dressing); add oil and glaze just before serving. Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
Wooden skewers (6 8 inches), large serving platter, small bowl for olive oil and glaze
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (mozzarella). Gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Save It These skewers are a simple yet festive appetizer that will impress your guests with their presentation and taste.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What is the best way to assemble the skewers to resemble a tree?
Thread cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls alternately on skewers in a layered pattern and arrange them in a triangular shape on a platter to mimic a Christmas tree.
- → Can I use different varieties of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, mixing red and yellow cherry tomatoes adds colorful contrast and enhances the festive look.
- → How should I store the skewers if preparing in advance?
Assemble the skewers without olive oil and glaze, refrigerate covered, and add dressing just before serving.
- → What alternatives can I use instead of balsamic glaze?
Pesto or a simple drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil can be used as flavorful alternatives to balsamic glaze.
- → Are these skewers suitable for gluten-free and vegetarian diets?
Yes, the skewers contain vegetarian-friendly ingredients and are naturally gluten-free.