Take everything you love about a charcuterie board, turn it into an easy, grab-and-go bite, and you've got charcuterie skewers. Folded salami, mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil get threaded onto little picks and drizzled with a quick Italian dressing. They're colorful, they're simple to make ahead, and they disappear fast at every party I've ever served them at!
Why You'll Love These Skewers
After almost 30 years of feeding friends and family, I've learned that the appetizers people go back for are the ones they can eat with one hand (while holding a drink, of course). That's exactly why I love these!
- No board-building: There's no arranging, no wondering where the crackers go, no picking at a half-eaten wedge of cheese. Every skewer is a perfect bite of meat, cheese, and a flavorful tomato.
- They're perfect for parties: Your guests can grab one and keep talking. No plates, no knives, and far less mess than a traditional board. I love to serve these at our book club, so no one has to take time to refill their plate.
- They're easy to make ahead: Almost everything can be prepped the day before, which makes party day a breeze.
- They're gorgeous: The red, white and green colors are so pretty! They're perfect for almost any occasion: the holidays, summer cookouts, showers and game days.
What You'll Need
Because this recipe has so few ingredients, it's important to make sure each one is high-quality.
- Salami: Genoa salami is my go-to because it's thin and folds easily (and it has a great flavor). Soppressata, pepperoni or prosciutto would also work. If you have guests that don't eat pork, you could also use a beef salami.
- Fresh mozzarella balls: I like to use ciliegine mozzarella if I can find them (they're about the size of a cherry). Bocconcini are a bit larger but they'll definitely work, too. Make sure to pat them dry before using, especially because you want the dressing to stick.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes: I typically go for grape tomatoes when I make charcuterie skewers because I prefer their shape, but cherry tomatoes will work just fine. A mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes looks really pretty when the skewers are arranged on the platter.
- Fresh basil: Smaller leaves are easiest to thread, but larger leaves can be folded in half. If you're purchasing your fresh basil, try to buy it as close to party day as possible since it tends to wilt quickly.
- Italian dressing: The quick homemade vinaigrette is very flavorful and can be made ahead of time. If you're pressed for time, a bottle from the store will make prep even quicker. Alternatively, you could serve a small dish of balsamic glaze on the side (or serve both)!
- Skewers: I prefer the 4-inch knotted bamboo picks because they're sturdy, look pretty, and are the perfect size for charcuterie skewers. You can find them on Amazon or your local grocery store might carry them.
How to Make Charcuterie Skewers
- Make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Set it aside so the flavors can blend. This can be made ahead of time.
- Fold the salami: Fold each slice in half, then in half again to make a little "wedge". Folding it this way not only looks prettier but will help keep the salami secure on the skewer.
- Assemble: Thread a tomato onto each skewer, followed by a basil leaf, a folded piece of salami and a mozzarella ball (or whatever order you prefer, but I like the basil leaf in the middle somewhere). Slide everything up toward the knot so the pieces sit snugly together.
- Drizzle and serve: Place the skewers on a plate or platter, drizzle a little dressing over the top, and serve the rest on the side for dipping. You can also add a small dish of balsamic glaze or swap it for the dressing.
Tips for the Best Charcuterie Skewers
- Dry your mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is packed in liquid, so blot it really well with paper towels before you thread it onto the charcuterie skewers. Don't skip this, because it helps the dressing to stick and they might water down the dressing.
- Marinate the mozzarella for extra flavor: If you've got the time, toss the mozzarella balls in a few tablespoons of the dressing and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. You can do this step up to a day ahead of time.
- Add the basil last if you make them ahead: Basil can start wilting after just a few hours, so if you're assembling the skewers more than four hours before serving, add it closer to party time.
- Don't drown them: You only want to drizzle them with a few tablespoons of dressing. Guests who want more can add it from the bowl you serve on the side.
Variations to Try
Once you've made this version, try mixing things up!
- Antipasto skewers: Add green olives, marinated artichoke hearts or a cube of provolone.
- Add some crunch: A thick slice of cucumber adds crunch and an extra pop of green.
- Sweet and salty: Instead of a grape tomato, add a cube of cantaloupe and use prosciutto instead of salami.
- Tortellini skewers: Add a cooked, cooled cheese tortellini.
- Balsamic glaze: Skip the Italian dressing and serve a small dish of balsamic glaze on the side.
Make It a Christmas Wreath
I love arranging charcuterie skewers in a ring around a bowl of dip to make an edible Christmas wreath board. Use the same ingredients as this recipe, or go for a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, green olives, cucumber, salami or prosciutto and fresh basil leaves. Add a dip or some whipped cheese in the center and a sprig of rosemary on top to finish it off!
Making Them Ahead
You can make the dressing up to 5 days ahead and keep it in the fridge. Make sure to give it a good shake or stir before you use it, since the olive oil thickens in the fridge.
The skewers can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance (if you leave off the basil, or up to 4 hours ahead with basil). Cover them tightly and refrigerate, then drizzle with the dressing just before serving.
How Long Can They Sit Out?
Because these contain fresh cheese and cured meat, don't leave them out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. If your party is longer than that, set out just half the skewers, keep the rest in the fridge and refill the platter as needed.
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover charcuterie skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The basil will wilt but they'll still taste great!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many skewers do I need per person?
For a party with other appetizers, plan on 2 to 3 skewers per guest. If these are the main appetizer, plan on 4 to 5.
What do you put on charcuterie skewers?
The most common ingredients are mozzarella balls, grape or cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and salami or prosciutto. A sweeter version uses fresh balls of melon, fresh basil leaves, prosciutto, and sometimes mozzarella balls. You can also add green olives, sliced cucumbers, or anything else you like!
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Cubes of cheddar, provolone, pepper jack or gouda all hold up well. Avoid crumbly cheeses like feta or blue cheese, which tend to fall apart on the skewer.
Can I make these without meat?
Absolutely. Leave out the salami and add marinated artichoke hearts, olives or roasted red pepper for a vegetarian version.
📖 Recipe
Charcuterie Skewers
Salami, mozzarella, tomato and basil skewers drizzled with a flavorful homemade Italian dressing. Or try a small dish of balsamic glaze on the side!
Ingredients
For the skewers:
- 24 grape or cherry tomatoes (about 1 pint)
- 24 small fresh basil leaves
- 24 slices Genoa salami (about 4 oz)
- 24 ciliegine mozzarella balls (about 8 oz), patted dry
- 24 four-inch bamboo picks
For the Italian dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Fold each salami slice in half, then in half again to form a wedge.
- Onto each pick, thread 1 tomato, 1 basil leaf, 1 folded salami slice and 1 mozzarella ball.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle lightly with the dressing and serve the remaining dressing on the side.
Notes
- For even more flavor, marinate the mozzarella in a few tablespoons of the dressing for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before assembling.
- If you're assembling the skewers more than 4 hours ahead, leave off the basil and add it just before serving.
- The dressing keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and shake it well before using.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 3 skewersAmount Per Serving:Calories: 361Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 679mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 20g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated as we don't typically provide exact amounts for our charcuterie boards. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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