These adorable caprese snowman skewers transform classic Italian flavors into festive holiday appetizers that bring smiles to every party. I’ve made these charming caprese snowman skewers dozens of times, and they never fail to steal the show at gatherings.
SERVES: 4 | PREP: 20 MIN | COOK: 0 MIN | TOTAL: 20 MIN
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These little guys are the perfect party starter. No cooking required means you can prep them while chatting with guests.
The combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates that classic Caprese flavor everyone loves. Plus, kids actually get excited about eating vegetables when they’re shaped like snowmen.
I discovered these gems when I needed something festive for my daughter’s winter party. The teacher called them “the healthiest treat that actually got eaten.”
Ingredients
For the Snowman Bodies
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes (medium-sized) | 12 pieces |
| Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine) | 24 pieces |
| Fresh basil leaves (medium) | 12 leaves |
| Peppercorns (whole black) | 24 pieces |
| Baby carrots | 4 pieces |
| Chives (fresh, thin) | 4 strands |
For Assembly
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Wooden skewers (6-inch) | 12 pieces |
| Balsamic glaze | ¼ cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Sea salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper (freshly ground) | ¼ teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Prep Your Ingredients (5 minutes)
Step 1: Drain the mozzarella balls completely and pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture makes them slippery and harder to stack, plus it dilutes the balsamic glaze you’ll add later.
Step 2: Wash your cherry tomatoes and dry them thoroughly. I like to pick tomatoes that are roughly the same size as the mozzarella balls for the most balanced snowmen.
Step 3: Rinse your basil leaves gently under cold water and pat them completely dry. Wet basil turns black quickly and won’t look festive on your finished skewers.
Step 4: Slice each baby carrot into small triangle shapes for noses. Cut them at an angle to create that classic carrot-nose look, making each piece about ¼ inch long.
Phase 2: Create the Snowman Faces (8 minutes)
Step 5: Take one mozzarella ball for each snowman head. Using a toothpick or skewer tip, make two small holes where the eyes will go.
Step 6: Press black peppercorns gently into the eye holes you just made. Push them in just enough so they stay put but don’t break through the cheese.
Step 7: Make a small horizontal slit below the eyes for the mouth. I use a paring knife to create a tiny smile that’s about ⅛ inch wide.
Step 8: Create a small hole in the center of the face for the nose. Insert your carved carrot triangle pointed side out, pushing it in about ⅛ inch deep.
Phase 3: Assemble Your Skewers (7 minutes)
Step 9: Start each skewer by threading one cherry tomato on first (this becomes the base). Push it down about 1 inch from the bottom, leaving room to hold the skewer.
Step 10: Add a basil leaf next, folding it in half if it’s large. The basil acts like a scarf between the body sections and adds that classic Caprese flavor.
Step 11: Thread on a plain mozzarella ball for the middle body section. This should sit snugly against your folded basil leaf.
Step 12: Add another basil leaf scarf between the middle and top sections. I like to position this one at a slightly different angle for a more natural look.
Step 13: Carefully slide on your decorated mozzarella ball (the head) at the top. Make sure the face is pointing forward before you secure it.
Step 14: Wrap a thin chive strand around the neck area (between the head and middle ball). Tie it gently in a bow or knot to create a scarf effect, being careful not to squeeze too hard.
Step 15: Repeat this assembly process for all 12 skewers. I find it’s faster to do them assembly-line style rather than completing one at a time.
Phase 4: Final Touches (5 minutes)
Step 16: Arrange your completed caprese snowman skewers on a serving platter. I like to stand them upright in a small bowl of rock salt, which looks like snow and keeps them stable.
Step 17: Drizzle balsamic glaze lightly over each skewer right before serving. Don’t add this too early or it’ll pool at the bottom and make everything soggy.
Step 18: Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a tiny pinch of sea salt over the tops. The salt brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes and enhances the creamy mozzarella.
Chef’s Notes
Mozzarella matters: Use fresh mozzarella packed in water, not the dried stuff. The moisture content makes them easier to work with when creating your caprese snowman skewers.
Timing is everything: Assemble these no more than 2 hours before serving. The tomato juice will start breaking down the mozzarella and everything gets mushy.
Chive alternatives: If chives are hard to find, thin strips of green onion tops work perfectly as scarves. You can also use small pieces of red bell pepper for a colorful scarf option.
Make them pop: Add a tiny sprig of rosemary next to each snowman on the platter to look like miniature Christmas trees. This takes your presentation from cute to absolutely stunning.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 3 skewers)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
Creative Variations
Mediterranean Snowman Skewers
Swap the basil for fresh oregano leaves and add a tiny piece of sun-dried tomato as a hat. If you love skewered appetizers, you’ll enjoy these prosciutto and melon skewers that bring sweet and savory together beautifully.
Pesto Snowman Skewers
Brush each mozzarella ball with homemade pesto before assembly. The green color adds to the holiday theme while keeping that Italian flavor profile.
Balsamic Marinated Version
Marinate your mozzarella and tomatoes in balsamic vinegar for 30 minutes before building your snowmen. For more elegant skewered appetizers, these mozzarella prosciutto and pickled peach skewers combine sweet, salty, and tangy flavors perfectly.
Mini Snowman Bites
Use bocconcini (smaller mozzarella balls) instead of ciliegine for tiny one-bite versions. These work great for kids’ parties or when you need to stretch your servings.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator Storage: Keep assembled skewers in an airtight container for up to 6 hours before serving. Layer them between damp paper towels to prevent drying out.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prep all your ingredients up to 24 hours early, but don’t assemble until the day of your party. Store cut carrots in water, keep mozzarella in its brine, and wrap basil in damp paper towels.
Not Recommended: These don’t freeze well since the mozzarella becomes grainy and the tomatoes turn mushy. Always make these fresh for best results.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Mozzarella balls keep sliding off the skewers. Solution: Make sure they’re completely dry before assembly. Pat them with paper towels and let them sit for 5 minutes before threading.
Problem: Peppercorn eyes fall out constantly. Solution: Your mozzarella might be too soft. Use slightly firmer balls or let them drain for 30 minutes before decorating the faces.
Problem: Carrot noses won’t stay in place. Solution: Cut your triangles a bit longer (about ½ inch) and push them deeper into the cheese. The moisture will help them stick naturally.
Problem: Basil leaves turn black before serving. Solution: Don’t wash basil until right before use, and make sure it’s bone dry. Bruising causes blackening, so handle leaves gently.
Problem: Skewers fall over on the serving platter. Solution: Use a shallow dish filled with rock salt or dried beans to hold skewers upright. This creates a snowy base that looks intentional.
Equipment Essentials
- Sharp paring knife – for cutting carrot noses cleanly
- 6-inch wooden skewers – the perfect length for these mini snowmen
- Paper towels – essential for drying all ingredients thoroughly
- Toothpicks – for making starter holes for eyes and noses
- Small serving bowl – filled with rock salt for display
- Airtight container – if making ahead for storage
- Cutting board – for prep work and assembly space
Shopping List
Dairy Section
- Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- Extra virgin olive oil
Produce Section
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil (1 bunch)
- Baby carrots
- Fresh chives
Pantry/Spice Section
- Whole black peppercorns
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Balsamic glaze
Kitchen Supplies
- 6-inch wooden skewers
Success Secrets
1. Size Consistency: Pick mozzarella balls and tomatoes that are similar sizes. This makes your snowmen look uniform and professional rather than lopsided.
2. Dry Everything Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of good assembly. Every ingredient should be patted completely dry before you start building your caprese snowman skewers.
3. Gentle Pressure: When threading ingredients onto skewers, use steady but gentle pressure. Pushing too hard splits the tomatoes and crushes the cheese.
4. Face Forward: Make sure all your snowman faces point the same direction on the platter. This small detail makes your presentation look intentional and polished.
5. Last-Minute Drizzle: Always add your balsamic glaze right before serving. Adding it too early makes everything soggy and the presentation suffers significantly.
