The first time I made a Caprese Skewer Wreath, it was out of pure panic. My in-laws were arriving early for our annual Christmas Eve gathering, and I had only a handful of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls in the fridge. I skewered them with some basil from the windowsill, shaped them into a wreath, and drizzled on balsamic glaze like it was tinsel. Shaym here, and ever since that accidental masterpiece, it’s become a holiday must-have in our home. Simple, stunning, and seriously tasty, this appetizer is my go-to for making guests feel like I planned everything, even when I didn’t.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Skewer Wreath
This elegant-yet-easy appetizer is perfect for any holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting Christmas brunch, a cozy family dinner, or a festive cocktail party, a Caprese Skewer Wreath fits right in. It’s fresh, colorful, and fun to eat, not to mention it travels well if you’re heading to someone else’s gathering.
Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t love mozzarella, basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes? Arrange them in a circle, and suddenly it screams holiday magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cherry tomatoes (red and yellow mix for festive colors)
- Mozzarella pearls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Mini skewers or toothpicks
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil (optional)
- Sea salt + cracked pepper (to finish)
How to Make a Caprese Skewer Wreath
- Skewer It Up: On each toothpick, layer a tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball. You can alternate for variety, some skewers with tomato-mozzarella-tomato, others with basil in between.
- Shape Your Wreath: On a round platter, arrange the skewers in a circle. Tuck extra basil around the edges to create a lush wreath look.
- Garnish Like You Mean It: Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. For a little flair, add a light touch of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
That’s it. Seriously. No baking, no mess, just a stunning appetizer in 15 minutes.
Make It Even More Special
Want to add a fun twist? Try using marinated mozzarella or stuffing your tomatoes with a little pesto before skewering. You can also add kalamata olives or prosciutto for a salty, savory upgrade.
And if you’re building out your full Christmas menu, pair the Caprese Wreath with these easy Air Fryer Carrots or go bold with a Blooming Onion for a crispy contrast. Your table will look next-level festive.
Why It Works for the Holidays
This appetizer hits every holiday checklist:
- ✅ It’s quick and make-ahead friendly
- ✅ It’s vegetarian (and gluten-free!)
- ✅ It doubles as table décor
- ✅ It travels well if you’re not hosting
Plus, kids love grabbing their own skewers, and adults appreciate how light and refreshing it is before a hearty main course.
Storing Tips
If you’re prepping in advance, store the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge, but hold off on the balsamic drizzle until right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.