Marinated Mozzarella Tomato Basil Skewers
Indulge in the fresh, vibrant flavors of Marinated Mozzarella Tomato Basil Skewers, a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil create a delightful combination that is both easy and impressive. This colorful dish is great for picnics, parties, and casual dining—ideal for satisfying your cravings tonight!
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 16 oz Fresh mozzarella log
- 1/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper optional
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/4 tsp Cracked pepper
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt more or less to taste
- 40 Grape tomatoes this may vary
- 2 oz Fresh basil leaves
- 40 5-6 inch Skewers/toothpicks
Instructions
- Slice a 16 oz. fresh mozzarella log into equal pieces. Some groceries sell them pre-sliced! Slice each piece into about 4-6 one inch pieces. The end pieces will only cut into about 3 or 4. Toss the mozzarella pieces with the 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp cracked pepper, and 1/4 tsp sea salt and evenly coat.
- Chill to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to about 24 hours. If marinating more than an hour or two, toss the mozzarella a few times every couple of hours or so.
- When ready to prep the skewers, toss the mozzarella one last time. Chop the 2 oz. fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces if the leaves are very large to make about 40 pieces.
- Thread a slice of mozzarella, a piece of basil leaf, one grape tomato, another basil leaf, and another piece of mozzarella. Continue until all the mozzarella is gone.
- Place skewers on a serving platter or into a container that can be sealed. Add a piece of wax paper between layers of skewers. Chill until ready to serve or serve immediately.
- Skewers will stay fresh for 2-3 days sealed in the refrigerator, but are best freshly made.
Notes
- Tip 1: Save the extra olive oil at the end. This flavorful mixture of oil and vinegar is perfect as a salad dressing, to dip bread in, or to brush over meat you are going to cook.
- Tip 2: If you use small mozzarella balls, or ciliegine, you will end up with about 48 pieces in 16 oz., which will make 24 skewers if adding two pieces of cheese to each.
- Tip 3: Try to assemble the mozzarella skewers within about an hour or so of serving so that the mozzarella is still moist from the marinade.
- Tip 4: You can skip the skewers and toss all of the ingredients together to serve as a salad or to spoon over bread.