Save A festive and colorful appetizer featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves arranged in a stunning tree shape—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This dish has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing smiles and compliments every year.
Ingredients
- Produce: 20 red cherry tomatoes 20 green grape tomatoes (or green cherry tomatoes) 20 fresh basil leaves
- Dairy: 20 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Pantry: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional) Sea salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Rinse and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves. Pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels.
- Step 2:
- On each skewer, thread one red cherry tomato, one mini mozzarella ball, one green grape tomato, and one basil leaf. Alternate the order for visual variety if desired.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the finished skewers on a large serving platter or board in the shape of a Christmas tree, starting at the bottom and stacking rows upward in a triangle.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the skewers. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
- Step 5:
- (Optional) Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor and festive shine.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Save This recipe always brings us together around the holidays and creates joyful memories.
Required Tools
Small skewers or toothpicks Large serving platter or board Paper towels Small bowl (for olive oil)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (mozzarella) Gluten-free Always verify mozzarella ingredients for possible additives or allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories: 50 Total Fat: 3.5 g Carbohydrates: 1.5 g Protein: 2.5 g (per skewer)
Save Enjoy these vibrant skewers as a festive appetizer at your next holiday gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → What tomatoes work best for these skewers?
Use red cherry tomatoes and green grape or cherry tomatoes to create a striking color contrast and juicy texture.
- → Can fresh mozzarella be substituted?
Mini mozzarella balls such as bocconcini or ciliegine provide the perfect size and softness for threading onto skewers.
- → How should the skewers be arranged for serving?
Arrange the assembled skewers in a triangle shape resembling a tree, layering rows from bottom to top for a festive presentation.
- → Is balsamic glaze necessary?
Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy finish and festive shine but can be omitted if preferred or unavailable.
- → How long can these skewers be stored before serving?
They can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving, keeping flavors fresh and the ingredients firm.
- → Are these skewers suitable for special diets?
Yes, they are vegetarian and gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.