Christmas Caprese Snowman Skewers

There is nothing like these adorable Caprese snowman skewers to charm guests or delight kids at a holiday table. I love how festive they look and how delicious they taste while requiring barely any work at all. This recipe is my favorite way to turn classic Caprese salad into a fun and memorable Christmas appetizer.

I first whipped up these skewers with my kids during a snow day and they have become a winter tradition everyone looks forward to each holiday season.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes: These provide the sweet juiciness and become the body and hat of each little snowman. Choose tomatoes that are bright red and firm for the best flavor.
• Small mozzarella balls: Soft, creamy, and mild, they offer a gentle contrast to the tomato. Select mozzarella stored in water for extra freshness.
• Black olives: These will become the snowman eyes. Choose pitted black olives that are shiny and plump.
• Small pieces of carrot: The perfect orange color for snowman noses. Use fresh, crunchy carrots and cut them into the smallest tip possible to create cute carrot noses.
• Basil leaves: Fragrant basil adds a burst of flavor and doubles as the snowmans scarf. Go for whole fresh leaves without browning.
• Wooden skewers: Make sure they are food safe and long enough for comfortable serving.
• Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will boost the flavors and add richness.
• Balsamic glaze: This drizzle gives a sweet, tangy finish. Go for a thick balsamic glaze to keep the design neat.
• Salt and pepper: Just a pinch brings everything together. For the best taste use flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.

Instructions

Wash and Prep Ingredients:

Begin by washing and drying your cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Pat them completely dry to avoid excess moisture that will make the skewers soggy.

Prepare Tomatoes:

Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each tomato, letting them stand upright more steadily. This step keeps your snowmen from tipping over on the plate.

Assemble Skewers:

Take a wooden skewer and thread on one cherry tomato as the base, then a mozzarella ball for the snowman belly, followed by another tomato for the head. Press them together gently to secure a tight stack.

Add Features:

Create a snowman nose by pressing a tiny carrot piece into the top tomato. Insert two small pieces of olive for the eyes. If needed, use the tip of a paring knife to poke little holes first.

Wrap the Scarf:

Slide a basil leaf between the bottom tomato and the mozzarella to look like a scarf. This step helps infuse a burst of herb flavor with every bite.

Repeat and Plate:

Continue until all twelve snowmen are assembled. Arrange them on a platter for serving.

Finish and Serve:

Drizzle the skewers very lightly with extra virgin olive oil and a little balsamic glaze so they glisten. Sprinkle on salt and pepper just before serving so the cheese stays dry and the textures stay fresh.

My kids always argue over who gets the snowman with the wonkiest carrot nose, but to me the sweet little basil scarf is the best part of every bite. It reminds me of my grandmother who always said basil brings out the brightness in everything she cooked.

Storage Tips

These skewers are best when served within an hour of assembling. If you need to plan ahead, store prepped vegetables and cheese separately in airtight containers, layer them gently in paper towels so everything stays dry and crisp. Skewer and drizzle right before serving to keep the flavors vibrant.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find small mozzarella balls, cut a large mozzarella ball into even cubes. Bocconcini works beautifully for this recipe. If basil is not available, try fresh mint for a different twist. To avoid olives, use black sesame seeds for the eyes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a bed of extra basil leaves for a stunning Christmas platter. I sometimes make a big wreath shape on a round tray to turn the snowmen into an edible holiday centerpiece. Pair this with sparkling water or prosecco at holiday gatherings.

Cultural and Holiday Fun

Caprese salad is a staple in Italian cuisine. The snowman version takes inspiration from holiday creativity and makes vegetables and cheese extra appealing to the young and young at heart. It is also a great starting point for talking to kids about Christmas food traditions around the world.

Seasonal Adaptations

For summer swap basil for arugula and use heirloom cherry tomatoes. For autumn add a sprinkle of crushed pistachio for color and crunch. For spring try tiny radish slices as rosy snowman cheeks.

Success Stories

Last Christmas, my friend made these with her daughter for their class party. She said the kids all squealed with excitement and ate every last skewer. These snowmen have even shown up at birthday parties in our house because they are so cute and simple.

Caprese snowman skewers always bring smiles and make a holiday table extra special. Try these for your next gathering and enjoy how quickly they disappear.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of mozzarella works best?

Small mozzarella balls, such as bocconcini or ciliegine, hold their shape well and are perfect for skewering. They offer a creamy texture that pairs nicely with tomatoes.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

It's best to assemble the skewers just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. You can prep ingredients ahead, keeping them chilled until it's time to serve.

→ How do I get the tomatoes to stand upright?

Cut a small slice off the base of each cherry tomato so it sits flat on your serving platter, ensuring your snowmen stand upright and stable.

→ What can I use instead of mozzarella balls?

If you prefer, substitute mozzarella balls with bocconcini or even cubes of feta for a different flavor and texture profile.

→ Tips for adding extra flavor?

Drizzle a touch of olive oil and a sweet balsamic glaze over the finished skewers. You can also sprinkle with salt, pepper, or add chopped fresh herbs for extra zest.