There’s something magical about the holiday season that brings out the entertainer in all of us. As someone who has hosted countless gatherings, I’ve learned that the perfect appetizer needs to hit all the right notes – visually stunning, incredibly tasty, and most importantly, easy to prepare. That’s why I’m excited to share my favorite holiday appetizer recipe: Cranberry Olive Cheese Skewers.
These elegant skewers combine the tartness of fresh cranberries, the briny richness of olives, and the creamy decadence of cheese into one perfect bite. What I love most about this recipe is how the bold colors create a festive presentation that’s guaranteed to wow your guests.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The magic of these skewers lies in their carefully balanced flavor profile. Each component brings something unique to the party:
- Fresh cranberries provide a burst of tartness and a gorgeous pop of red
- Marinated olives add a sophisticated, briny element
- Cubed cheese offers a creamy, rich foundation
- Fresh herbs bring a touch of earthiness and visual appeal
Ingredients
For 24 skewers:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cranberries | 48 pieces | Firm and bright red |
| Green olives | 24 pieces | Pitted, preferably stuffed with pimento |
| Black olives | 24 pieces | Kalamata or oil-cured |
| Cheese cubes | 48 pieces | Mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack |
| Fresh rosemary | 6-8 sprigs | For garnish |
| Wooden skewers | 24 pieces | 4-inch length |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For drizzling |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
| Sea salt | To taste | Optional |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cutting board | For cheese preparation |
| Sharp knife | For cubing cheese |
| Small bowl | For olive preparation |
| Paper towels | For drying cranberries |
| Serving platter | For presentation |
| Storage container | For make-ahead preparation |
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- Rinse cranberries and pat dry
- Drain and pat olives dry
- Cut cheese into 1/2-inch cubes
- Sort through cranberries, selecting the firmest ones
- Assembly (20 minutes):
- Start with a cranberry
- Add a cube of cheese
- Follow with a green olive
- Add another cheese cube
- Add a black olive
- Finish with a cranberry
- Repeat for remaining skewers
- Finishing Touches (5 minutes):
- Arrange skewers on a platter
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Sprinkle with fresh black pepper
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
After making these countless times, I’ve discovered some secrets to ensure perfect results:
- Temperature Matters:
- Remove cheese from refrigerator 15 minutes before assembly
- Serve at room temperature for best flavor
- Don’t leave out longer than 2 hours
- Texture Considerations:
- Choose firm cranberries that aren’t soft
- Pat all ingredients dry to prevent sliding
- Cut cheese into precise cubes for visual appeal
- Make-Ahead Options:
- Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
- Store covered in refrigerator
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Serving Suggestions
I love presenting these skewers in creative ways:
- Arrange in a circular pattern on a round platter
- Create rows on a rectangular serving board
- Stand skewers upright in a tall glass
- Nestle among fresh herb sprigs
- Serve alongside:
- Spiced nuts
- Fresh fruit
- Artisanal crackers
- Honey drizzle
- Fig jam
Nutritional Information
Per skewer:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble these up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
I recommend using a mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack for variety, but you can experiment with any firm cheese that holds its shape when cubed. Gouda, manchego, or provolone work beautifully too.
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While dried cranberries can work, I strongly recommend fresh cranberries for their vibrant color and tart flavor that balances perfectly with the cheese and olives. Plus, they hold their shape better on the skewer.
Q: My cranberries seem too tart. Any suggestions?
If you find the cranberries too tart, try quickly blanching them in simple syrup for 30 seconds, then pat dry before using. This takes the edge off while maintaining their structure.
Q: How do I prevent the ingredients from sliding off the skewer?
Make sure all ingredients are well-dried before assembly, and don’t make the holes too large when piercing. Using sturdy, good-quality skewers also helps.
Variations to Try
While the classic version is fantastic, I’ve experimented with several variations that work wonderfully:
Mediterranean Style:
- Feta cheese instead of cheddar
- Mixed Greek olives
- Fresh oregano garnish
Spicy Southwest:
- Pepper jack cheese
- Jalapeño-stuffed olives
- Cilantro garnish
Italian Inspired:
- Mozzarella pearls
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sliding ingredients | Pat everything completely dry before assembly |
| Breaking cranberries | Pierce gently and avoid overripe berries |
| Crumbling cheese | Let cheese warm slightly before cutting |
| Dull presentation | Vary cheese colors and add fresh herbs |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cranberries | $3.99/bag | Will make multiple batches |
| Mixed olives | $5.99/jar | Choose quality olives |
| Cheese | $6.99/block | Premium cheese recommended |
| Wooden skewers | $2.99/pack | Reusable if desired |
| Fresh herbs | $1.99/bunch | Adds professional touch |
| Total | $21.95 | Makes 24 skewers |
This comes to approximately $0.91 per skewer, making it an economical yet impressive appetizer option.
By following these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll create a stunning appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. I love how these skewers bring together different flavors and textures while looking absolutely gorgeous on any holiday table. They’ve become my go-to party starter, and I’m confident they’ll become yours too!
