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 this at a holiday party and it was an instant hit with friends and family.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: 24
- Fresh basil leaves: 24 large
- 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 My family loves making these together each holiday season, it has become our festive tradition.
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 These skewers bring joy and freshness to any holiday gathering. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and festive look!
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients are used for the skewers?
Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, mini mozzarella balls, olive oil, balsamic glaze, sea salt, black pepper, and rosemary sprigs are used to create the skewers.
- → How are the skewers assembled to resemble a tree?
Ingredients are threaded in a repeating pattern: cherry tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella ball, basil leaf, cherry tomato, basil leaf, then mozzarella ball, arranged on a wooden skewer to form a triangular shape when placed together.
- → Can these skewers be prepared in advance?
Yes, the skewers can be assembled and refrigerated without the olive oil and balsamic glaze; add the dressings just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Are these skewers suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making these skewers suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → What can be used as a substitute for balsamic glaze?
Pesto or a simple vinaigrette can be used as an alternative to balsamic glaze to vary the flavor profile while maintaining freshness.