If there’s one thing I’ve learned about entertaining, it’s that appetizers set the tone for the entire gathering. A well-chosen bite-sized starter can instantly elevate the atmosphere, making people feel welcomed and cared for before the main meal even begins. That’s exactly why I love these Cheese and Olive Skewers.

cheese and olive skewers with mozzarella and basil cheese

They’re colorful, refreshing, and unbelievably easy to put together. Best of all? They look like you’ve gone above and beyond when in reality they only take a few minutes to assemble. I don’t know about you, but I call that a win.

In this post, I’ll share why these skewers have become one of my favorite go-to appetizers, when they’re perfect to serve, and of course, the simple recipe itself with plenty of tips to customize it for your next event.

Why I Love These Skewers

There are endless reasons these skewers have a special place in my appetizer rotation, but here are just a few of my favorites:

They’re quick and effortless. You don’t need to turn on the oven, heat a pan, or dirty more than a cutting board and a plate.
They’re versatile. From holiday parties to casual game nights, these skewers fit right in anywhere.
They look fancy. The vibrant green of the basil cheese, the creamy white mozzarella, and the glossy olives make a striking combination on any platter.
They’re light yet satisfying. They won’t fill your guests up too much before the main meal, but they’re hearty enough to keep hunger at bay.

Honestly, whenever I make these, people always comment on how pretty they look before even taking a bite. Then they try one… and suddenly the platter disappears in minutes.

When to Serve Basil Cheese, Mozzarella & Olive Skewers

I recommend these skewers for so many occasions, but a few stand out:

Holiday parties. Their red, green, and white tones naturally fit into festive themes. They look especially gorgeous on a Christmas buffet table.
Game nights or casual gatherings. You want finger foods that are fun, not fussy. These are exactly that.
Picnics or outdoor parties. They travel well and can be eaten without utensils.
Wine nights. Pairing them with a crisp white wine or light rosé is perfection.
Summer barbecues. They offer a refreshing break from heavier, grilled items.

Basically, if there’s a gathering, these skewers are welcome. They strike that rare balance between simple and impressive — and that makes them a reliable crowd-pleaser.

What Is Basil Cheese?

If you’re wondering about the bright green cubes in the photo, let’s talk about basil cheese. It’s exactly what it sounds like: cheese infused with basil, which gives it that striking color and herbaceous flavor.

You can usually find basil cheese at specialty cheese shops, farmers’ markets, or larger grocery stores with well-stocked cheese sections. It’s often a semi-soft cheese that’s easy to cut into cubes.

If you can’t find it, don’t worry — you can substitute:

Pesto cheese (sometimes sold in delis)
Herbed gouda
Regular mozzarella cubes with a sprinkle of dried basil

But if you do get your hands on true basil cheese, it makes the skewers unforgettable.

Basil Cheese, Mozzarella & Olive Skewers Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the exact breakdown for about 12 skewers:

12 cubes basil cheese (about ¾ inch each)
12 mini mozzarella balls (look for bocconcini or ciliegine)
12 olives (green, black, or a mix for color variety)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but highly recommended)
12 toothpicks or small skewers

That’s it! Just five ingredients, and you’re good to go.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the cheese. Cut basil cheese into bite-sized cubes if it’s not pre-cubed. Aim for uniform size so they look neat.

Start with the cheese. Thread one cube onto a toothpick or skewer.

Add mozzarella. Place a mini mozzarella ball right on top of the cheese cube.

Finish with an olive. Use either green or black olives, or alternate to create a beautiful color mix.

Arrange and garnish. Place the finished skewers on a serving plate and scatter fresh basil leaves around for a fresh, inviting look.

That’s it — five simple steps and you’ve got an appetizer platter ready to impress.

Tips for the Best Skewers

Make them ahead. Assemble a few hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Just bring them out before guests arrive.
Add a drizzle. Right before serving, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze takes them to the next level.
Play with variety. Add a cherry tomato, a slice of salami, or even a cucumber chunk to switch things up.
Serve chilled. These taste best when the cheese is slightly cool and the mozzarella is refreshing.

Why These Skewers Work So Well

I think the magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures:

The basil cheese brings a rich, slightly herby bite.
The mozzarella adds a creamy, mild contrast.
The olive provides a salty, briny punch that ties everything together.

Every bite is a little journey — creamy, salty, herby, and fresh all at once.

Serving Suggestions

While these skewers are fantastic on their own, you can serve them with a few extras:

A small bowl of balsamic glaze for dipping.
A platter of mixed charcuterie alongside.
A basket of crusty bread or breadsticks.
A crisp green salad for balance.

They also shine as part of a larger appetizer spread. Imagine these skewers sitting next to bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, and a fresh salad — instant party vibes.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

If you’re planning ahead, here’s what you should know:

Fridge: Assemble up to 6 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and keep refrigerated.
Avoid sogginess: Don’t drizzle with oil or balsamic until right before serving.
Leftovers: If you have any (unlikely!), they’ll keep in the fridge for a day, though the mozzarella may release a bit of liquid.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. A few fun variations:

Caprese-style: Add cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic.
Mediterranean-style: Include marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
Protein-packed: Slip a folded slice of prosciutto or salami between layers.
Kid-friendly: Swap olives for grapes and keep it lighter.

Think of these skewers as a blank canvas for your creativity.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Whenever I find myself short on time but still wanting to serve something that feels special, I come back to these skewers. They never fail me.

They require minimal effort.
They deliver maximum flavor and visual appeal.
They’re loved by kids and adults alike.

Honestly, once you’ve made them once, you’ll find yourself craving excuses to make them again.

Conclusion

These Basil Cheese, Mozzarella & Olive Skewers prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can create an appetizer that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and makes your guests feel extra special.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a picnic, or just need a quick bite to go with your evening glass of wine, these skewers are a perfect choice. Try them once, and I bet they’ll become a regular in your appetizer lineup, just like they have in mine.

More Appetizers You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a couple more fresh and fun appetizer ideas from my kitchen:

Fresh Peach Burrata Salad Recipe — sweet peaches, creamy burrata, and fresh herbs in one irresistible salad.
Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe — a colorful classic that’s always a hit at parties.

And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest at Daily Appetizer where I share all my latest recipes and creative party ideas.