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Hey there, friend! Are you hunting for the perfect christmas appetizers to wow your guests? I’ve been there—scrambling around the kitchen, wishing I could clone myself for a holiday party. That’s why these Italian Antipasto Skewers with Mozzarella & Olives hit the sweet spot between easy prep and show-stopping taste. They pack all the vibes of a Christmas Charcuterie Board into bite-sized wonder. What’s not to love about **mozzarella**, savory **olives**, and cured meats dancing on a stick? IMO, they beat soggy crackers any day 🙂 I first stumbled on this idea at my Nonna’s annual feast—she had a twinkle in her eye when she handed me one on Christmas Eve. Since then, I’ve tweaked it for **Holiday Appetizers Easy** and even adapted it for **Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties**. You can line them up on a platter for a classy look or stick them upright in a festive vase—either way, they steal the show. Ever wondered why holiday party appetizers that are both pretty and practical feel like magic? These skewers work for **Xmas Appetizers**, **Christmas Party Food Appetizers**, and even double as **Christmas Dinner Appetizers** if you’re feeling casual. They also pull triple duty as **Christmas Snacks For Party**, so guests can graze while mingling. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll zip through prep time and earn yourself serious host points. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast? Let’s get skewer happy!
Ingredients
- 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks (6-inch preferred)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, rinsed and dried
- 16 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 16 assorted olives (green and black), pitted
- 8 thin slices salami, folded
- 8 thin slices prosciutto, torn in half
- Fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (plus extra for drizzling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace. Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper to catch any drips. Set out a small bowl for olive oil and balsamic glaze—having everything in reach makes assembly a breeze (and keeps you sane!).
- Marinate the mozzarella. Toss the mozzarella balls in olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a crack of pepper. Let them sit 5–10 minutes. This little step amps up the flavor and keeps the cheese silky smooth.
- Fold the meats. Take each slice of salami and prosciutto, fold them into neat ribbons. Folding adds visual interest and prevents the meat from slipping off the skewer—ever tried to spear a flat slice? Frustrating!
- Skewer assembly—phase one. Slide one cherry tomato onto each skewer, followed by a basil leaf folded in half. The tomato adds pop, the basil adds aroma, and the green makes it look extra festive.
- Skewer assembly—phase two. Next, thread a folded salami ribbon, then a mozzarella ball, then an olive. Aim for balanced color and shape on each skewer. You want that red-white-green combination screaming “Christmas!”
- Add optional extras. If you love artichoke hearts or roasted peppers, tuck a small wedge between layers. These add extra tang and keep your skewers in the **Holiday Party Appetizers** hall of fame.
- Drizzle and season. Once all skewers are ready, place them on your serving platter. Drizzle with **balsamic glaze** and a final swirl of olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with flaky salt and black pepper.
- Chill or serve immediately. You can refrigerate up to 30 minutes before guests arrive—this helps flavors meld. Just don’t chill for hours or basil wilts (sad face, I know!).
- Arrange for effect. Stand some skewers upright in a decorative vase or rustic jar for a centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer station. Others you can fan out on a tray lined with evergreen sprigs for a cozy vibe.
- Keep extras fresh. Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Consume within 24 hours for peak taste—after that, the basil loses its charm and the meat gets a bit floppy.
- Adjust to your crowd. Hosting kids? Swap olives for milder grape halves. Want a spicier kick? Add a pepperoncini or two. These tweaks let you tailor to any gathering, from **Christmas Eve Appetizers** to casual game nights.
- Enjoy and repeat. Watch how fast these disappear—seriously, I’ve refilled trays three times at a single party. You’ll get a reputation as the host with the best **Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods** in town.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try these twists:
• Swap basil for fresh mint and add prosciutto—gives you an Italian-Mediterranean mashup that tastes like a mini vacation.
• Use marinated artichoke hearts in place of olives for a tangy surprise that elevates your skewers to elite **Holiday Appetizers Easy** status.
• Drizzle with chili-infused honey or sprinkle red pepper flakes to create a sweet-heat contrast. Perfect if you want to show off some bold flavor chops at your Christmas party.
Serving & Tips
Present your skewers on a large wooden board or white platter for maximum contrast. Garnish with rosemary sprigs or cranberries for that extra festive pop. If you host outside or worry about little hands, stand the skewers upright in a mason jar filled with coarse salt—keeps them sturdy and upright. To make cleanup painless, line your tray with parchment paper or festive napkins. If you need to prep ahead, assemble without basil and tomatoes, then add those last-minute fresh ingredients. Serving at room temperature enhances flavor, so pull them out of the fridge 10 minutes before guests arrive. These skewers shine as **Christmas Party Food Appetizers** or a snack option next to a DIY **Christmas Charcuterie Board**—the perfect complement to cheeses, nuts, and dips.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, these Italian Antipasto Skewers with Mozzarella & Olives strike the balance between simplicity and elegance. I love how they feel fancy without the fuss—just the kind of **Holiday Party Appetizers** we all need during a busy season. Plus, they bring back warm memories of family gatherings and Nonna’s kitchen tales. Give them a try at your next gathering—I promise they’ll become your go-to for **Xmas Appetizers**. And hey, if you catch me hovering around the tray, please pass a skewer my way 🙂
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
Can I make these skewers vegan?
Absolutely! Swap mozzarella balls for vegan cheese cubes or marinated tofu cubes. Replace cured meats with smoked tofu strips or roasted mushrooms. The olives, cherry tomatoes, and basil stay—so you still pack in that festive color and flavor without any dairy or meat.
How far in advance can I prep them?
You can assemble skewers up to 2 hours before serving if you skip the basil and tomatoes. Store them covered in the fridge. Add fresh basil and tomatoes 10–15 minutes before guests arrive to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Layer leftover skewers in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Keep them in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours. After that, the meat can get soggy and basil loses its bright color—so better to eat up quickly!
Can I add other ingredients to these skewers?
Yes! Feel free to thread marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, or even small mozzarella-stuffed peppers. Just make sure ingredients are bite-sized and pitted if needed to avoid toothpick accidents.
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