Halloween Caprese Skewers are a fun twist on the classic salad! Stack fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves on sticks for a spooky and tasty treat.
These bite-sized delights are always a hit at parties! Plus, they look super cute on the table. I love serving them with a drizzle of balsamic for extra flavor—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mozzarella: Look for mozzarella shaped like mini skulls for that spooky vibe. If you can’t find them, regular mozzarella works perfectly—just carve the skull faces. This adds a personal touch and is a fun activity!
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy cherry tomatoes are essential for that fresh flavor. If you’re feeling creative, you can use orange cherry tomatoes to resemble pumpkins, which also adds to the Halloween theme!
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a nice herbal note. If you’re not a fan of basil, you can swap it for baby spinach or arugula, though they won’t have the same aroma. But hey, they’ll still taste good!
Black Olives: Charred black olives add a spooky element. If you prefer, you can skip charring and use regular olives or even cherry peppers for a different yet fun look.
How Do You Make Perfectly Carved Mozzarella Skulls?
Carving mozzarella skulls is easier than it sounds! Here’s how to make them look great:
- Use a small, sharp knife for precision when carving the eyes, nose, and mouth. It’s best to work slowly to properly shape the features.
- Keep the mozzarella cold, as it’s easier to carve when firm. If it’s too soft, you can chill it in the fridge briefly.
- Feel free to get creative! Each skull can have its unique personality with different expressions—make them as spooky or silly as you like.
These tips will help you create delightful Halloween Caprese Skewers that will be the talk of the party! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Halloween Caprese Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), preferably shaped like mini skulls or plain mozzarella balls (you can carve skull faces)
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 12 black olives, for charring (optional)
- 12 wooden skewers
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Balsamic glaze or reduction, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few moments crafting the mozzarella skulls and assembling the skewers. It’s quick and fun, perfect for your Halloween gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Skulls:
If the mozzarella balls aren’t already shaped like skulls, take a small paring knife and carefully carve out small eye sockets, a nose, and a mouth to make them look like spooky skulls. Just take your time and have fun with it!
2. Wash the Veggies:
Rinse the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves under cool water. Pat them dry gently with paper towels. This ensures everything stays crisp and fresh!
3. Char the Olives (Optional):
If you want to add some spooky flair, char the black olives! Place them on a grill or in a hot pan for a few minutes until they show some burnt marks. This adds both flavor and spookiness!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take a wooden skewer and carefully thread on one black olive (if using), then a folded basil leaf, followed by a cherry tomato, another basil leaf, and finally, the mozzarella skull. Repeat this step until all the ingredients are used up!
5. Arrange and Dress:
Place the finished skewers on a serving platter. Use a brush to lightly coat the mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes with olive oil. This adds flavor and makes them shine!
6. Drizzle and Season:
Generously drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers for a sweet and tangy kick. Then, sprinkle a little salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Halloween Caprese Skewers right away while they’re fresh and delicious! They’re perfect as a fun appetizer that combines classic Caprese flavors with Halloween spirit!
These skewers not only taste fantastic but also bring a festive touch to your spooky celebrations. Have fun making and sharing them with friends and family!
Can I Use Regular Mozzarella Instead of Skull-Shaped?
Absolutely! If you can’t find mozzarella shaped like skulls, regular bocconcini or mozzarella balls work just fine. Simply carve out faces with a small knife to create your own spooky designs!
How Can I Make These Skewers Vegetarian-Friendly?
These skewers are already vegetarian as they primarily use cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Just make sure to skip any meat-based embellishments if you add other ingredients. The black olives add a great contrast without any meat!
Can I Prepare These Skewers in Advance?
You can prepare the skewers a few hours ahead of time! Assemble them, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just add the balsamic drizzle right before serving for the best taste and presentation.
What Should I Do with Leftover Ingredients?
Leftover mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can make a quick Caprese salad, add them to pasta, or toss them in a sandwich for a tasty meal!