Bistro-Style Marinated Artichoke & Mozzarella Skewers
Elevate your appetizer game with these Bistro-Style Marinated Artichoke & Mozzarella Skewers. Perfect for cocktail parties or summer BBQs, these delightful finger foods are a bright medley of flavors and textures. The tangy marinated artichoke hearts, creamy part-skim mozzarella, and rich sun-dried tomatoes come together seamlessly in these easy-to-make kebabs. Whether served as a light snack or a vibrant addition to your charcuterie board, they'll have your guests coming back for more. Prepare them in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
jarred marinated artichoke hearts
12 (halved, with marinade)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
6 ounces (cut into 12 half-inch cubes)
dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
3 (cut into fourths)
cocktail toothpicks
as needed (for assembling kebabs)
fresh parsley
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved marinated artichoke hearts, cubed mozzarella cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
2
Toss gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed in the marinade.
3
Cover the bowl securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
4
Once ready to serve, take cocktail toothpicks and start assembling the skewers by threading 1 artichoke half, 1 sun-dried tomato piece, followed by 1 mozzarella cube.
5
Repeat the process until all ingredients are used, placing the tomato in between the artichoke and cheese for a balanced bite.
6
Before serving, brush the assembled kebabs lightly with the reserved marinade for added flavor.
7
Arrange the kebabs on a shallow serving dish and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color.
Nutrition Information
4g
Carbs
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bistro-Style Marinated Artichoke & Mozzarella Skewers?
They are an elegant, easy-to-make appetizer consisting of marinated artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese cubes, and sun-dried tomatoes threaded onto toothpicks.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 12 jarred marinated artichoke hearts, 6 ounces of part-skim mozzarella cheese, 3 dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, cocktail toothpicks, and optional fresh parsley.
How long should I marinate the mixture?
The ingredients should be refrigerated for a minimum of 1 hour, though letting them sit overnight is ideal for the best flavor infusion.
Are these skewers vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only cheese and vegetables.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, these are perfect for advance preparation as the flavors meld and improve while resting in the refrigerator.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for part-skim mozzarella cheese cut into half-inch cubes.
How do I prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
Use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes and cut each of the three pieces into fourths to get twelve pieces total.
How should I assemble the skewers?
Thread one halved marinated artichoke heart, one piece of sun-dried tomato, and one mozzarella cube onto each toothpick.
Should I use the marinade from the jar?
Yes, use the marinade to toss the ingredients before chilling and brush it over the finished skewers before serving for extra flavor.
What is the carbohydrate count for these skewers?
Each serving has approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There is about 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 skewers, based on the quantity of artichokes and cheese cubes.
Can I use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute oil-packed tomatoes, though you should drain them before use.
What is the purpose of the fresh parsley?
The fresh parsley is an optional garnish used to provide a pop of color to the final presentation.
What size should the mozzarella cubes be?
The cheese should be cut into half-inch cubes for a balanced bite on the toothpick.
Can I grill these skewers?
These are intended to be served as a cold or room-temperature marinated appetizer rather than being cooked on a grill.
How should I store leftover skewers?
Store any remaining skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long do the leftovers last?
They are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when stored properly in the fridge.
Are these skewers gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the label of your jarred marinated artichokes to ensure no gluten-based additives were used.
What kind of container should I use for marinating?
Use a large mixing bowl covered securely with plastic wrap to ensure the ingredients are fully enclosed while in the refrigerator.
Can I add meat to these skewers?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you could easily add a piece of salami or prosciutto if you prefer a meat-inclusive version.
Is it necessary to use cocktail toothpicks?
Cocktail toothpicks are recommended because they are the perfect length for a three-item appetizer bite.
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of jarred?
Jarred marinated artichokes are recommended because they are already tender and carry the necessary acidity and seasoning for the dish.
What events are these skewers best for?
They are ideal for cocktail parties, summer BBQs, or as a vibrant addition to a charcuterie board.
Do I need to soak the toothpicks?
No, soaking is only necessary for wooden skewers being used on a grill or in an oven.
Can I substitute the mozzarella with feta?
You can use feta cubes, but they may be more prone to crumbling during the threading process compared to mozzarella.
How do I ensure the flavors are balanced?
Place the sun-dried tomato piece between the artichoke and the cheese cube for a perfectly balanced bite.
Is this recipe considered a finger food?
Yes, these skewers are designed to be easy-to-eat finger foods for guests.
Can I use different herbs for garnish?
Yes, fresh basil or oregano would also complement the Mediterranean flavors of the artichoke and tomato.