Description
These Caprese Skull Skewers are a fun and festive twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, perfect for Halloween or any spooky-themed gathering. Featuring soft mozzarella skulls, fresh basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, these skewers combine fresh flavors with a creative presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Skulls
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- Gluten-free nonstick cooking spray
Skewers
- 24 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher or fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- 3–5 inch skewers
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare molds: Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C). Set silicone skull molds on a baking sheet and lightly spray them with gluten-free nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Shape mozzarella skulls: Place one mozzarella pearl in each skull silicone cavity. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese softens but does not fully melt. Use paper towels to gently press the softened cheese into the molds and absorb any excess liquid.
- Chill and firm up cheese: Transfer the molds to the refrigerator for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mozzarella skulls firm up. Repeat with remaining mozzarella pearls until you have 24 skulls in total.
- Prepare tomatoes: Slice a thin piece off the bottom of each tomato so that they can stand upright on the skewers.
- Assemble skewers: Thread a mozzarella skull onto a 3 to 5-inch skewer, followed by a fresh basil leaf, and then a tomato with the cut side down to secure the ingredients.
- Plate and serve: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over a serving platter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange the prepared skewers on the platter and finish by drizzling with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella pearls for the best texture and flavor when forming the skulls.
- Ensure not to overbake the cheese as it should soften but retain its shape.
- Keep the mozzarella skulls chilled to maintain firmness before skewering.
- Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar or store-bought for convenience.
- These skewers are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one day before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and assembling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Caprese skewers, mozzarella skulls, Halloween appetizer, Italian appetizer, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze
