No New Year's Eve celebration is complete without a tray of hot and cold appetizers. These mini caprese skewers with prosciutto are small, delicious and perfect for snacking while you're watching the ball drop or pouring another glass of champagne.
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💚 About This New Year's Eve Appetizer
Easy, quick and tasty appetizer. They're easy to assemble and don't require much prep time. This New Year's Eve appetizer might sound simple, but it's packed with fun and flavor. The mild bocconcini brings out the savory flavors of the prosciutto and the salty tang of the olives. The balsamic glaze tops it off with bright flavor.
Caprese on a stick. This elegant, party appetizer is essentially a miniature version of a caprese salad. If you've never had a caprese salad before, it's a cool, refreshing dish made from sliced tomatoes, fresh basil and hunks of mozzarella cheese. This dish was famously born in Italy and even bears the colors of the Italian flag. I also make a caprese pasta salad that is delicious!
Made for New Year's Eve celebrations. I've shrunk down the portions and added my own twist on these mini caprese skewers to make this a delicious New Year's Eve snack that wouldn't be out of place in an Italian restaurant. You can also serve them over the Christmas holidays.
Serve it with some toast points and this easy peach bellini recipe and you'll be good to go. Grab some skewers and get ready to ring in the new year in style!
🍅 Ingredients
- prosciutto slices - Prosciutto is a type of Italian dry-cured ham that is typically thinly sliced and served uncooked.
- mini bocconcini - They're bite-size balls of mozzarella cheese that were once made from water buffalo milk, although modern versions are often made from cow's milk. Their mild, creamy flavor makes them a popular choice for salads (like Caprese) and appetizers.
- cherry tomatoes - For best results, try to use cherry tomatoes that are similar in size for consistency.
- fresh basil leaves - The green basil completes the Italian flag’s colors. I highly recommend using it because these caprese skewers would not be the same without that bright, fresh flavor from the basil.
- black olives - Whole but without the pits.
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
📖 Recipe Tweaks
If you feel like getting creative, you can experiment with different types of olives or substitute the prosciutto with another Italian deli meat.
My kids love olives but many do not. To make it kid-friendly, you might want to drop the olives and add an extra cheese ball or tomato.
🔪 How to Make Mini Caprese Skewers
- Mix the balsamic vinegar and sugar together in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Then, reduce the temperature to medium-low. Simmer until it reduces to almost half, about 5 to 6 minutes. Reserve. Keep in mind it will thicken a little as it cools.
- Assemble the skewers with the prosciutto, bocconcini balls, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and black olives.
- Serve the mini caprese skewers with the balsamic drizzle.
Chef's Note: You can use small skewers, toothpicks or cocktail picks.
🌡️ Storage
Make sure you refrigerate these appetizers if they're not going to be eaten right away, as bocconcini tends to go bad quickly. These caprese bites taste best on the day of preparation.
However, you can store leftover skewers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The balsamic drizzle will keep for longer--up to 2 to 3 months in the fridge.
✅ Make Ahead Tips
- The balsamic drizzle can be made well in advance.
- You can prepare individual elements, like cutting the meat, a day in advance.
- Assemble the caprese skewers on the day of serving for best results.
🍾 Drink Pairing
Pair this New Year's Eve appetizer with a white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or the traditional New Year's Eve beverage: champagne.
❓ Mini Caprese Skewers FAQs
You can assemble the mini caprese skewers a few hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge. The balsamic glaze can be made days or weeks in advance.
Yes, although I highly recommend serving the balsamic. You can also try a basil pesto dressing if want to go with another sauce.
🎄 More Holiday Appetizers to Consider
If you tried this New Years Eve Appetizer: Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
New Years Eve Appetizer: Caprese Mini Skewers
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 8 slices prosciutto - cut in half lengthwise
- 16 mini bocconcini - drained
- 16 cherry tomatoes
- 16 basil leaves
- 16 black olives - without pits
Instructions
- Mix the balsamic vinegar and sugar together in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Then, reduce the temperature to medium-low. Simmer until it reduces to almost half, about 5 to 6 minutes. Reserve. Keep in mind it will thicken a little as it cools.
- Assemble the skewers with the prosciutto, bocconcini balls, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and black olives.
- Serve the caprese skewers with the balsamic drizzle.
Equipment
Notes
- Toothpick options: You can use small skewers, toothpicks or cocktail picks.
- Leftover skewers: Store leftover skewers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Balsamic glaze storage: The balsamic drizzle will keep for longer--up to 2 to 3 months in the fridge.
- Make ahead prep: You can prepare individual elements, like cutting the meat a day in advance or making the balsamic glaze even earlier. Assemble the mini skewers on the day of serving for best results.
- Drink pairing: Pair this appetizer with a white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or the traditional New Year's Eve beverage: champagne.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
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