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I’ve got a secret weapon for your next holiday shindig: these Italian Antipasto Skewers with Mozzarella & Olives. They land on every top list of christmas appetizers for a reason—bright, savory, and oh-so-easy to assemble. Ever wondered why simple ingredients can pack so much punch? IMO, it’s all about balance. Picture creamy bocconcini, briny olives, silky prosciutto, and a pop of basil on a toothpick. Who doesn’t love finger food that feels fancy but takes zero stress? Plus, they fit right in with your Christmas Party Food Appetizers spread or Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties lineup.
I whipped these up last Christmas Eve when my cousin announced he was suddenly lactose-intolerant (talk about timing!). I swapped in vegan mozz and no one even noticed. FYI, you can totally customize to your taste buds. Ready to earn the title of Host With The Most? Grab those skewers and let’s get started—your guests will be raving about these Holiday Party Appetizers before the eggnog even kicks in 🙂
Ingredients
- 20 wooden or bamboo skewers
- 20 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 20 pitted green or black olives
- 10 slices of prosciutto, torn in half
- 10 slices of Genoa salami, folded
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep your station. Lay out a clean cutting board, a small dish for oil, and your skewers. Having everything within arm’s reach keeps you moving—nobody wants to spelunk under the table for supplies mid-assembly.
- Layer the meats. Fold a prosciutto slice in half, then thread it onto the skewer. Follow with a piece of salami. This combo ranks high among Christmas Dinner Appetizers because the cured meats bring big flavor.
- Add the cheese. Thread one bocconcini (mozzarella ball) next. Make sure it’s **snug**, so it won’t wobble off your skewer at the party. Ever wondered why this works so well? The cheese’s creaminess balances the saltiness.
- Olive time. Slide on an olive—green for brightness, black for depth. You can even mix them up for a festive red, white, and green vibe. Bold move: use stuffed olives for an extra punch.
- Brighten with basil and tomato. Alternate a basil leaf and a cherry tomato. The herb oils and the tomato’s acidity lift the entire bite. These skewers easily earn a spot on any Holiday Party Appetizers table.
- Season and glaze. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then give each skewer a tiny swirl of balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Remember: a little goes a long way—no one likes a soggy presentation.
- Chill or serve. Place the skewers on a platter and cover with plastic wrap. Chill for up to 2 hours if you’re prepping ahead. These Xmas Appetizers stay fresh and festive, even when made in advance.
- Garnish and enjoy! Just before guests arrive, top with a few extra basil leaves or a light dusting of chopped parsley. Set next to your Christmas Charcuterie Board for maximum effect.
Variations
1. Swap mozzarella for marinated burrata or vegan cheese for a twist.
2. Add marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra color and tang.
3. Thread small chunks of grilled zucchini or eggplant to cater to vegetarians.
Serving & Tips
Serve these skewers cold or at room temperature alongside your favorite Holiday Appetizers Easy dips—think pesto aioli or spicy arrabbiata sauce. Pair them with a Christmas Charcuterie Board loaded with nuts, fruit, and crackers. If you need to store leftovers, wrap the platter in foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to serve, let them sit at room temp for 15 minutes to release those flavors. Pro tip: place a small bowl of balsamic glaze on the side so guests can drizzle more if they’re feeling fancy. Cozy touch: scatter pine sprigs or cranberries around the platter for that true holiday vibe.
Final Thoughts
I still remember the first time I served these on Christmas Eve—my foodie friend declared them “Michelin-star worthy.” Cue the ego boost, right? Seriously though, these skewers hit the sweet spot between easy and impressive. Whether you’re hunting for Christmas Eve Appetizers or need quick Christmas Snacks For Party fixes, keep this recipe in your back pocket. Next time, double the batch—you’ll thank me when guests circle back for seconds.
Italian Antipasto Skewers with Mozzarella & Olives
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep your station: lay out a clean cutting board, a small dish for oil, and your skewers — everything within arm’s reach keeps things moving.
- Layer the meats: fold each prosciutto slice in half, then thread it onto a skewer, followed by a folded slice of Genoa salami.
- Add the cheese: thread one mini mozzarella ball (bocconcini) onto each skewer — make sure it fits snug so it won’t wobble.
- Olive time: slide on a pitted olive (green or black) for a briny pop.
- Brighten with basil and tomato: alternate threading a basil leaf and a cherry tomato onto each skewer.
- Season and glaze: drizzle lightly with extra‑virgin olive oil, swirl on a little balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Chill or serve: place the skewers on a platter and cover with plastic wrap. Chill for up to 2 hours if prepping ahead, then bring out 10‑15 minutes before serving so flavors shine.
- Garnish and enjoy! Just before guests arrive, top with a few extra basil leaves or a light dusting of chopped parsley. Set next to your charcuterie board for maximum effect.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
What makes these skewers ideal Christmas appetizers?
They combine creamy mozzarella, salty meats, and briny olives for a balanced bite. Plus, they look festive and require zero cooking—perfect for last-minute hosting stress.
Can I prep these skewers in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble them up to 2 hours before serving and keep them chilled. Just bring them out 10–15 minutes prior so the flavors shine.
What cheese alternatives work well?
Try burrata, halloumi (grilled first), or vegan mozzarella for dairy-free options. You can even cube aged provolone for a sharper taste.
How do I keep these skewers fresh during a party?
Place the serving platter over a bed of ice or use a chilled marble tray. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel and refresh every hour to avoid dryness.
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