Christmas Antipasto Skewers

Christmas Antipasto Skewers are the perfect holiday appetizer colorful, flavorful, and beautifully simple to assemble. Bursting with Mediterranean ingredients like olives, mozzarella, cured beef, basil, and artichoke hearts, each skewer delivers a bite-sized celebration of festive flavor.

They’re ideal for parties, dinner gatherings, or any holiday event where you want delicious finger food that looks as good as it tastes. With their red, green, and white hues, these festive antipasto skewers truly capture the spirit of the season both on the table and in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Antipasto Skewers

Christmas Antipasto Skewers deliver all the classic flavors of an antipasto platter in a handheld form. The combination of savory beef, creamy mozzarella, briny olives, and sweet-tart cranberry-like tomatoes creates the perfect bite every time.

Beyond their incredible taste, they’re effortless to assemble yet look like something straight from a holiday catering display. Fresh, festive, and full of seasonal charm, these antipasto skewers make entertaining simple and stylish ensuring your table (and guests) sparkle with joy.

Ingredients

• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 8 oz small mozzarella balls (or cut fresh mozzarella into cubes)
• 12 oz sliced or cubed cured beef, such as bresaola or beef salami
• 15 oz jar or can of quartered artichoke hearts (in water, drained)
• 8 oz jar of olives (green, black, or a mix)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh rosemary (optional, for serving)
• High-quality olive oil, for serving
• Balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar (thick and sweet), for serving
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare ingredients

Drain the artichoke hearts and olives well. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Drain the mozzarella balls if they’re packed in brine. If using fresh mozzarella logs, cut them into bite-sized cubes.

Tear or cut basil leaves into smaller pieces if they’re large.

Step 2: Assemble the skewers

Use small skewers or sturdy toothpicks for assembly. Thread ingredients in alternating colors and textures for the best visual appeal. Here’s one suggested combination per skewer:
1 grape tomato → 1 basil leaf → 1 mozzarella ball → 1 folded slice or cube of cured beef → 1 artichoke heart → 1 olive

Repeat the pattern until all ingredients are used. Adjust the order for variety and color balance the key is to make each skewer look festive and vibrant.

Step 3: Arrange and dress

Place the finished skewers on a serving platter layered with fresh rosemary sprigs for a holiday touch. Drizzle lightly with high-quality olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar for shine and flavor. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to 4 hours before serving. If chilled, allow the skewers to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before presenting so the flavors can shine.

Expert Tips for Success

• Keep ingredients dry: Drying the artichokes, olives, and mozzarella helps the skewers stay fresh and firm.

• Use sturdy skewers: Choose stronger wooden or metal picks to support heavier ingredients like artichokes and cheese.

• Color balance: Alternate red (tomato), green (basil or olives), and white (mozzarella) for a festive, Christmas-inspired presentation.

• Fresh herbs: Add rosemary or thyme sprigs on the serving tray for an aromatic garnish.

• Don’t overdress: Drizzle oil and balsamic lightly just before serving to keep ingredients crisp.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Vegetarian antipasto: Skip the meat and add marinated peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted zucchini.

• Holiday twist: Add cubes of marinated feta for extra tang and creamy texture.

• Spicy version: Include hot cherry peppers or spicy olives for a kick.

• Classic Italian mix: Add small tortellini or pasta chunks dressed in olive oil for a fuller bite.

• Mediterranean flair: Replace beef with prosciutto (if you eat pork), or add marinated artichokes and tapenade-stuffed olives.

Serving Ideas

• Festive platter: Arrange the skewers in the shape of a Christmas tree or wreath on a large serving board.

• Appetizer tray: Pair with crostini, nuts, and a few extra bowls of olives for a complete grazing table.

• Buffet setup: Stack skewers in decorative jars or glasses for easy grab-and-go bites.

• Holiday brunch: Serve with sparkling drinks or light salads for a sophisticated spread.

• Gift idea: Package small portions in clear containers with holiday ribbons for a delicious edible gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the skewers up to 4 hours before serving. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving.

What type of beef should I use?

Bresaola is ideal for a refined flavor, but beef salami or thinly sliced roast beef also works beautifully.

Can I use other cheese?

Absolutely. Cubed provolone, feta, or even marinated bocconcini are excellent replacements for mozzarella.

Are they served cold or at room temperature?

Either! They’re great chilled or left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours during a party.

How do I make it vegetarian-friendly?

Omit the cured beef and add extra artichokes, roasted peppers, or marinated mushrooms.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins with Almond Butter

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Wholesome and cozy fall muffins made with oat flour, pumpkin puree, flaxseed, and maple syrup. Soft, rich, and bursting with chocolate in every bite, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients
1 cup (244 g) pumpkin puree

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

½ cup (128 g) creamy natural almond butter

¼ cup (39 g) coconut sugar

¼ cup (78 g) pure maple syrup

¼ cup (30 g) flaxseed meal

½ cup (120 g) dairy-free milk

¼ cup (56 g) melted coconut oil

Dry Ingredients
1 cup (92 g) oat flour

½ cup (40 g) cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

Mix-Ins
⅓ cup (60 g) chocolate chips, plus 2–3 tbsp for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.
2. Whisk pumpkin, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Stir in almond butter, coconut sugar, maple syrup, flaxseed, milk, and coconut oil until combined.
3. Whisk oat flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt separately. Add to wet mixture and stir gently until just combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chips, reserving some for topping. Batter will be thick and fudgy.
5. Spoon batter into muffin cups ¾ full. Top with reserved chocolate chips.
6. Bake 22–26 minutes until toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Cool 5 minutes in pan then transfer to rack. Serve warm or room temperature.

Notes

Stir almond butter before use for smooth texture.

Mix only until combined to keep muffins light.

Adjust sweetness with maple syrup as preferred.

Check doneness early; moist centers remain soft.

Store up to 3 days at room temp or a week refrigerated.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 25
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, healthy fall muffins, almond butter muffins, oat flour muffin recipe, dairy free chocolate muffins