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Caprese Skull Skewers Recipe

Caprese Skull Skewers Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

These Caprese Skull Skewers are a fun and festive twist on the classic Caprese salad, perfect for Halloween or any spooky occasion. Featuring mozzarella skulls, fresh basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze, they combine creamy, fresh, and tangy flavors in a visually striking presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Skull Mozzarella

  • Gluten-free nonstick cooking spray
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls

Skewers

  • 24 cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 24 fresh basil leaves

Seasoning and Garnishes

  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher or fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Mold: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place silicone skull molds on a baking sheet and lightly spray them with gluten-free nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cheese skulls.
  2. Bake Mozzarella Skulls: Place one mozzarella pearl in each cavity of the silicone mold. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, just until the cheese softens but does not fully melt. This softening makes it easier to shape while maintaining the skull form.
  3. Press and Absorb Excess Liquid: Using a couple of paper towels, gently press the softened cheese into the molds to define the skull shapes and absorb any excess moisture released by the cheese during baking.
  4. Chill the Skulls: Transfer the molds to the refrigerator and chill for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mozzarella skulls are firm enough to handle without losing their shape. Repeat the baking and chilling process if necessary to create a total of 24 skulls.
  5. Prepare Tomatoes: Slice a thin piece off the bottom of each cherry or grape tomato so that it can stand up securely on the skewer without rolling.
  6. Assemble Skewers: Thread the mozzarella skulls onto 3 to 5-inch skewers, then add one fresh basil leaf and finish with a cherry tomato, placing the cut side down for stability and presentation.
  7. Season and Serve: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil on a serving platter and sprinkle with pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the completed skewers on the platter, then drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately for best flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • If you can’t find skull-shaped silicone molds, mini muffin molds or other fun shapes can substitute for a festive presentation.
  • Use fresh mozzarella pearls for best texture and taste; larger mozzarella balls can be cut down to size if needed.
  • Make sure to chill the skulls well so they hold their shape when skewered.
  • Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar with a little sugar, or purchased ready-made for convenience.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
  • Serve these skewers chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, mozzarella skulls, Halloween appetizer, Caprese salad, gluten-free appetizer, Italian appetizer

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/caprese-skull-skewers-recipe/