No New Year's Eve celebration is complete without a tray of appetizers. These caprese and prosciutto mini skewers are small, delicious and perfect for snacking while you're watching the ball drop or pouring another glass of champagne.
They're easy to assemble and don't require much prep time. The mild bocconcini brings out the savory flavors of the prosciutto and the salty tang of the olives. Grab some skewers and get ready to ring in the new year in style.
This 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.
It might sound simple, but it's packed with flavor. We've shrunk down the portions and added our own twist on the recipe to make this a delicious New Year's Eve snack that wouldn't be out of place in an Italian restaurant.
🥘Ingredients
- balsamic vinegar
- sugar
- prosciutto - cut in half lengthwise
- mini bocconcini - drained
- cherry tomatoes
- fresh basil leaves
- black olives - without the pits
What is bocconcini, anyway? 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.
📖Tweaks
If you feel like getting creative, you can experiment with different types of olives or substitute the prosciutto with another Italian deli meat.
🔪How to Make Them
- 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, bocconcinis, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and black olives.
- Serve with the balsamic drizzle.
🌡️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.
🍾Drink Pairing
Pair this appetizer with a white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or the traditional New Year's Eve beverage: champagne.
Did you and your guests enjoy this New Year’s Eve appetizer? Let me know in the comments.
📋Recipe
New Years Eve Appetizer: Caprese and Prosciutto Mini Skewers
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 8 slices prosciutto - cut in half lengthwise
- 16 mini bocconcinis - 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, bocconcinis, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and black olives.
- Serve with the balsamic drizzle.
Equipment
Notes
- 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.
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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