Perfect Prosciutto-Wrapped Caprese Christmas Tree Skewers
Festive and easy holiday appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and prosciutto arranged on skewers to resemble Christmas trees. Quick to assemble and perfect for holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 mini fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 16 cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
- 16 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 8 thin prosciutto slices, cut in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze, optional for drizzling
- 8 wooden skewers, about 8 inches long
Instructions
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently, then pat dry. Drain the mozzarella balls well to avoid soggy skewers. Cut the prosciutto slices lengthwise into strips about ½ inch wide.
- Start with one mozzarella ball on the skewer as the tree’s “star” tip. Then alternate threading a cherry tomato and a folded basil leaf. Repeat this pattern, stacking the ingredients so the skewer gradually widens like a tree shape, adding 4-5 layers per skewer.
- Take a prosciutto strip and gently wrap it spirally around the stacked ingredients. Don’t wrap too tight; allow the balls and leaves to peek through.
- Finish all 8 skewers, ensuring each looks balanced and festive. Add extra basil leaves or tomato slices if needed to stabilize the stack.
- Lay the skewers side by side in a triangular shape on your serving tray to create the visual of a Christmas tree. Add extra basil leaves or small mozzarella balls around the base to mimic snow or greenery.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze if desired. Optionally sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavors.
- Serve immediately. These skewers are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes if you plan to lightly toast them to prevent burning. Assemble skewers close to serving time to keep basil fresh and prevent tomatoes from releasing moisture. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving to avoid sogginess. Handle prosciutto gently to avoid tearing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 9
Keywords: prosciutto, caprese, Christmas tree skewers, holiday appetizer, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy appetizer, festive snack