Ready to add a spooky twist to a classic appetizer? These Halloween Caprese Skewers are the perfect combination of classic Italian flavors and haunting aesthetics.
The core ingredients - tomatoes, mozzarella, basil – are given a Halloween twist with the skull-shaped cheese, then delectably dripped with yummy balsamic flavor. I'll show you exactly how to make these easy appetizers!
Whether you're looking to impress your guests or just want to create a memorable Halloween snack for yourself, this recipe is sure to please.
Jump to:
You Will Love These Halloween Skewers!
Caprese skewers are a true classic, and I typically think of them for Christmas. The red, white, and green colors make them a natural for any holiday party.
But once you form the mozzarella into a skull shape, you give them a whole new identity! These skewers will delight everyone who sees them. They’re just too cute to ignore!
Caprese Salad Skewers Ingredients
**Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for detailed quantities and directions**
How to make Halloween Caprese Skewers
The mozzarella balls you need are “Ciligiene”. They are larger than “pearls” but smaller than Bocconcini, and typically sold in liquid. Drain the balls while the oven preheats.
How to make Mozzarella Skulls
To make the skulls, you need a mold. I use silicone molds sold for making ice cubes, but which are also oven safe. Prep the mold by lightly brushing or spraying with oil.
Place one mozzarella ball into each skull mold. (You won’t use the “back” of the skull like you would for an ice cube)
Place the balls in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. I put the molds on a small baking sheet for stability.
Remove the balls from the oven. The baking time softens the mozzarella so that it can be shaped into the mold.
Fold a paper towel several times and use this to press each ball of mozzarella very firmly into the mold. As you press, the paper towel will absorb the liquid released by the cheese – there is more than you expect!
Try to press the cheese all the way into the edges to get the best detail in the final skull.
Place the molds in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. The cheese will cool and set in the skull shapes.
Once cooled, release the skulls from the mold by pressing gently from the outside of each skull mold.
Would you like to save this recipe?
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily come back to it later!
Repeat with the rest of the mozzarella balls.
One set of molds will make 8 balls, so if you were going to make a ton of these you might want to consider another set. One container of mozzarella has 24 to 26 Ciligiene balls so you need to go through these steps at least 3 times to make them all into skulls.
But the cuteness is well worth it!
Thread the Skewers
I use bamboo picks for these skewer appetizers. Thread a skull, then a piece of basil, followed by a cherry tomato.
Mix a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar to drizzle on each of the Halloween Caprese skewers.
Skull Caprese Skewers Recipe Variations
These skewers are best served chilled.
You do have some options regarding the addition of balsamic. One option is to use these ingredients to make a caprese salad.
For this, just place the ingredients in a bowl, add the oil and vinegar mixture, and toss. This is low maintenance (no threading!) and a super cute way to serve a Halloween salad with dinner.
Sometimes I use the balsamic dressing and toss with the skulls before threading. This evenly ensures every skull has that yummy balsamic taste.
You could also use balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar. The glaze will be thicker, so it depends upon what effect you want for the final look.
One last idea: do not add the balsamic to the skewers and instead serve it on the side. Your guests can then dip their skewers into the balsamic vinegar or glaze as they prefer.
Halloween Caprese Salad Skewer FAQs
These skewers are best enjoyed fresh, so I recommend you make them as close to serving time as possible. Once assembled, you can place the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for an hour or so to maintain maximum freshness.
I find them at my local grocery store, check near the paper plates and other casual party type items. If you have no luck locally , there’s always Amazon.
📖 Recipe
Would you like to save this recipe?
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily come back to it later!
Halloween Skewers
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mozzarella Ciligiene
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F and drain the mozzarella.8 ounces mozzarella Ciligiene
- Prep the silicone skull molds by brushing or spraying lightly with oil.
- Place one ciligiene ball in each skull cavity and place the molds on a small baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes to warm and soften the cheese.
- Remove the molds from the oven and press each ball of cheese firmly into the mold. Use a piece of paper towel folded several times over to press the ball and to absorb the expressed liquid.
- Place the mold in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to cool and set. Then remove the cheese from the mold by gently pressing from the outside of the mold. The skulls will pop right out.
- Repeat with the remaining mozzarella balls.
- Thread the mozzarella skulls onto a bamboo pick, then add a piece of basil leaf (I like to fold the basil), followed by a cherry tomato.1 pint cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup basil leaves, 8 ounces mozzarella Ciligiene
- Whisk the olive oil with balsamic vinegar and drizzle on the skewers or serve on the side.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Ginny
I made these last night for our Halloween party and they were a huge hit! No one had ever seen skull mozzarella before.
Sula
Super fun, right?
Emilie
I'm lucky enough to have a small ice cube mold already. I was shocked how well they hold their shape. Thank you so much for the fun and spooky halloween idea!
Sula
LOL once you have one of those molds you'll find yourself wanting to make everything in skull shapes!
Kerry
What do you put the oven on for temp? Sorry if I missed that.
Sula
The oven temp is 350F - see #1 in the recipe card instructions.
And I apologize for the late reply, your comment got caught in my spam filter.
Cara
My daughter celebrated her birthday with the Wednesday Adams theme and that's why I made this. I tried to get one for me at the party but I got none left. They really loved it!
Sula
Ok I LOVE the idea of a Wednesday Adams themed party! Super fun!
Toni
My brother-in-law actually really loves skulls - he collects all different kinds - and I made these fun skewers for his birthday lunch this weekend. He thought it was so cool! I'm making them again for our Halloween party and my BIL has already RSVP'd haha. Thanks for the fun idea! So smart to use the ice cube molds that way.
Sula
How fun! These are a must for anyone who loves skulls!
Bella
I made these skull mozzarella’s ad they were awesome and a bit! Quick question tho, can I make them ahead of time like a few days before?
Sula
You can make them a little bit ahead but be aware that they can start to dry out a bit. Be sure to seal tightly and refrigerate.
Heather
Love these! I put balsamic glaze in the eye and nose sockets, using a toothpick. A little time consuming but really made them “pop”. Fun and delish!
Sula
Awesome!
Bella
We made a test run of these for Halloween and loved how they turned out. We are getting together with friends, and I needed to come up with an appetizer, and this one will wow everyone.
Sula
Fantastic - they will be a hit for your party!
Ksenia
I made your Halloween Skull Caprese Skewers as a test run for Halloween, and they were a spooky hit! The creative twist on a classic Caprese salad is perfect for Halloween gatherings. Thanks for sharing this fun and delicious recipe - I needed a festive touch to the party I'm planning, and I finally found one!
Sula
So glad I could add some fun to your upcoming party!
Sarah
Cute.. they do come out well if you push firmly to get all of the liquid out but they are very very dry. Definitely not the normal consistency of a caprese mozzarella.
Sula
True, you are taking out a lot of the moisture so the skull shape does end up being a little drier.
Jennifer Osborn
This looks so fun. I’m planning a Halloween party and this will be perfect for a spooky but delish appetizer.
Sula
These will be perfect for a Halloween party appetizer! Enjoy!