If you’re looking for a fresh and colorful appetizer that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, these Panzanella Skewers are a great choice. They combine juicy tomatoes, crusty bread, fresh mozzarella, and basil into easy-to-eat bites inspired by the classic Italian salad.
Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue, picnic, or holiday gathering, these skewers are simple to assemble and always disappear quickly.
Helpful Tips
- Leave the bread cubes out on the counter for a few hours before assembling the skewers so they are a bit stale and will hold up better if made ahead.
- Use small cherry or grape tomatoes that are similar in size to the mozzarella balls for even layering and easy serving.
- Drizzle the skewers with balsamic glaze just before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy while adding the freshest flavor.
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Panzanella Skewers
These Panzanella Skewers combine juicy tomatoes, crusty bread, fresh mozzarella, and basil into easy-to-eat bites inspired by the classic Italian salad.
Equipment
- 16 small skewers
Ingredients
- 1 small baguette cubed
- 1 pint very small cherry or grape tomatoes
- 24 leaves fresh basil
- 8 ounces kalamata olives or mozzarella balls
For the pesto:
- 1/3 cup basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil + more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
- The bread is best when it’s a little stale. Ideally, cube the bread and leave it out on the counter for a few hours overnight before making the skewers.
- Onto a skewer, thread a piece of bread, a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball wrapped in a basil leaf, another cherry tomato, and another piece of bread. Arrange them on a serving platter.
- In a food processor or mini chopper, combine the 1/3 cup of basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Blend to a chunky consistency. This can be made ahead, if necessary.
- Dab some of the basil onto the skewers. Drizzle them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt.
Nutrition
Calories: 82kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 366mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 373IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
When not mixing up delicious cocktails to enjoy on the patio with friends, Angela is busy writing about food and drinks for three popular food websites, and exchanging creative ideas on social media.