Save Festive, fresh, and vibrant skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, styled in a charming Christmas tree shape – the perfect holiday appetizer.
I first served these skewers at our family Christmas party and they were a huge hit, loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Vegetables & Herbs: 24 cherry tomatoes, 24 fresh basil leaves large
- Dairy: 24 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Pantry: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for the tree trunk and decoration)
Instructions
- Step 1 Wash and dry:
- Wash and pat dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Step 2 Prepare mozzarella:
- Drain the mozzarella balls and gently pat them dry.
- Step 3 Assemble skewers:
- 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 skewers:
- Arrange the skewers on a large platter in a triangular (tree) shape.
- Step 5 Add rosemary:
- 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 dressing:
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the skewers.
- Step 7 Season:
- Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Save This recipe always brings joy to our family gatherings and adds a special festive touch to the holiday table.
Notes
For added color use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes. 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 These easy skewers offer a beautiful and tasty appetizer sure to impress at your next holiday event.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What ingredients create the Christmas tree shape?
The skewers alternate cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mini mozzarella balls in a layered sequence to mimic a Christmas tree.
- → How is the rosemary used in the skewers?
Fresh rosemary sprigs are placed at the base of the skewers to resemble the tree trunk and add aromatic garnish.
- → Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers and refrigerate them without the olive oil and balsamic glaze; add the dressing just before serving.
- → Are these skewers suitable for special diets?
They are vegetarian and gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
- → What is an alternative to balsamic glaze for dressing?
Pesto can be used as an alternative drizzle for added flavor variety.