Skewer Appetizers for Easy Entertaining

Skewer Appetizers for Easy Entertaining

Skewer Appetizers for Easy Entertaining

I like to use skewers when I have to make something quickly to impress guests. It takes me less than twenty minutes to put the food together and I can use a huge variety of good options. I can do anything from small caprese salad to grilled shrimp, which is perfect for any occasion. So, let's make entertaining guests easy again, go get a pack of skewers!

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1) Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers

Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Kabobs on a plate

When you are enjoying the pineapple shrimp skewers, just picture a short holiday. These skewers provide the perfect taste of summer!

Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Kabobs on a plate

Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Whisk honey, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Thread shrimp and pineapple chunks alternately onto soaked skewers.
  3. Brush generously with the honey-lime glaze.
  4. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and pineapple is charred.
  5. Brush with any remaining glaze and serve warm.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes first so they don't burn on the grill.

2) Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese Salad Skewers on a plate

Now you can enjoy the deliciousness of a Caprese salad in an easy to eat finger food version!

Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze on a plate

Caprese Salad Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Thread one tomato, a folded basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each small skewer.
  2. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
  4. Sprinkle with flaky salt just before serving.

Notes

Pat the mozzarella dry so the glaze clings instead of sliding off.

3) Spicy Korean Chicken Skewers

Spicy Korean Chicken Skewers on a plate

They go the quickest since they offer a unique sweet and spicy kick.

Spicy Korean Chicken Skewers on a plate

Spicy Korean Chicken Skewers

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Whisk gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil into a marinade.
  2. Toss chicken chunks in the marinade and rest 15 minutes.
  3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
  4. Grill over medium-high heat 5-6 minutes per side, brushing with leftover marinade, until cooked through.
  5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.

Notes

Reserve a little marinade before adding raw chicken if you want to brush some on at the end.

4) Teriyaki Beef Skewers

Savory and sticky, it vanishes at any gathering in about ninety seconds.

Teriyaki Beef Skewers

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Simmer the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
  2. Stir the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth, whisk the slurry into the saucepan, and cook until the teriyaki thickens. Cool slightly.
  3. Reserve half of the sauce in a clean bowl for grilling. Toss the sliced beef with the remaining half and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  4. Thread the beef ribbons onto skewers and discard their marinade.
  5. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, brushing only with the reserved clean teriyaki, until caramelized and cooked to your preferred doneness.

Notes

Slicing the steak against the grain keeps every bite tender.

5) Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Skewers

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Skewers on a plate

Now your whole family can enjoy the honey mustard combination, which is now in stick form!

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Skewers on a plate

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Whisk Dijon, honey, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper together.
  2. Toss cubed chicken in half the glaze and let it sit 10 minutes.
  3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
  4. Grill over medium heat 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
  5. Brush with the reserved honey mustard glaze right before serving.

Notes

A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top wakes the whole thing up.

6) Mediterranean Lamb Skewers

Mediterranean Lamb Skewers on a plate

Thanks to our warm spices, your kitchen will smell like a coastal taverna with our lamb!

Mediterranean Lamb Skewers on a plate

Mediterranean Lamb Skewers

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, and salt.
  2. Toss lamb cubes in the marinade and chill at least 15 minutes.
  3. Thread the lamb onto skewers.
  4. Grill over medium-high heat 3 minutes per side until charred outside and pink within.
  5. Rest a few minutes, then serve with tzatziki.

Notes

Let the lamb come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.

7) Sweet and Tangy BBQ Tofu Skewers

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Tofu Skewers on a plate

Even the critics are going for these sticky little BBQ bites.

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Tofu Skewers on a plate

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Tofu Skewers

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Toss cubed tofu with olive oil, soy sauce, and smoked paprika.
  2. Thread the tofu onto skewers.
  3. Grill over medium heat 4 minutes per side until edges are crisp.
  4. Brush generously with a mix of barbecue sauce and maple syrup.
  5. Grill 2 more minutes per side until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

Notes

Press the tofu well so it firms up and won't crumble on the skewer.

8) Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Grilled lemon-garlic shrimp skewers on a plate

Shrimp that are buttery and garlicky, and taste like you spent a lot more time making them.

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Grilled lemon-garlic shrimp skewers on a plate

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Stir melted butter with garlic, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Thread shrimp onto skewers and brush with half the garlic butter.
  3. Grill over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Brush with the remaining garlic butter and serve immediately.

Notes

Don't overcook; shrimp go rubbery fast once they curl tight.

9) Chili Lime Chicken and Vegetables Skewers

Chili Lime Chicken and Vegetables Skewers on a plate

Vibrant and captivating! The type to animate a dish.

Chili Lime Chicken and Vegetables Skewers on a plate

Chili Lime Chicken and Vegetables Skewers

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Whisk lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, and salt into a marinade.
  2. Toss chicken in the marinade and rest 15 minutes.
  3. Thread chicken, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers.
  4. Grill over medium-high heat 6-7 minutes per side until chicken is cooked and veggies are charred.
  5. Squeeze fresh lime over the top before serving.

Notes

Cut the veggies the same size as the chicken so everything finishes together.

10) Balsamic Glazed Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

The mix of peaches during the summer and smooth mozzarella is just fantastic.

Balsamic Glazed Peach and Mozzarella Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripe peaches cut into wedges
  • 24 fresh mozzarella balls bite-size
  • 24 fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp flaky salt

Method
 

  1. Thread a peach wedge, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each pick.
  2. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
  4. Finish with a pinch of flaky salt and serve right away.

Notes

Use peaches that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape on the stick.

11) Greek Style Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Style Chicken Souvlaki on a plate

Bringing the classic souvlaki to your backyard takes you on a trip to Greece.

Greek Style Chicken Souvlaki on a plate

Greek Style Chicken Souvlaki

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb chicken breast cubed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper together.
  2. Marinate the chicken cubes at least 20 minutes.
  3. Thread chicken snugly onto skewers.
  4. Grill over medium-high heat 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  5. Serve with warm pita, tzatziki, and lemon wedges.

Notes

An hour in the marinade is even better if you have the time.

12) Smoked Sausage and Bell Pepper Skewers

It has an earthy and smoky taste, and will be by far the greatest hit with the entire audience.

Smoked Sausage and Bell Pepper Skewers

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb smoked sausage cut into rounds
  • 2 bell peppers chunked
  • 1 red onion chunked
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Toss sausage rounds, peppers, and onion with olive oil, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Thread everything alternately onto skewers.
  3. Grill over medium-high heat 5-6 minutes per side.
  4. Cook until the sausage is browned and the peppers are blistered, then serve hot.

Notes

Pre-cooked smoked sausage just needs to char, so watch it doesn't dry out.

13) Hoisin Glazed Salmon Skewers

Hoisin Glazed Salmon Skewers on a plate

Delicious salmon bites that sparkle and have that restaurant style.

Hoisin Glazed Salmon Skewers on a plate

Hoisin Glazed Salmon Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Whisk the hoisin, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil into a glaze and divide it between two bowls.
  2. Thread the salmon cubes gently onto skewers and brush with glaze from the first bowl.
  3. Grill over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Discard the first bowl and its brush.
  4. During the final minute, brush with glaze from the untouched bowl. Cook until the salmon reaches 145°F, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Oil the grill grates well so the salmon releases cleanly.

14) Pesto and Mozzarella Stuffed Mushroom Skewers

Melted cheese and pesto pockets on grilled mushrooms.

Pesto and Mozzarella Stuffed Mushroom Skewers

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Spoon a little pesto into each mushroom cap and tuck a mozzarella ball on top.
  2. Thread the stuffed mushrooms carefully onto skewers, cap up.
  3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill over medium heat 4-5 minutes per side until mushrooms soften and cheese melts.
  5. Serve warm with extra pesto for dipping.

Notes

Thread through the firm side of the cap so the filling stays put.

15) Prosciutto Wrapped Melon Skewers

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon Skewers on a plate

The sweet and salty appetizer that everyone pretends to have invented.

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon Skewers on a plate

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cantaloupe cubed
  • 6 oz prosciutto thinly sliced
  • 18 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cut prosciutto slices into long strips.
  2. Wrap each melon cube in a strip of prosciutto with a mint leaf.
  3. Slide two wrapped cubes onto each small skewer.
  4. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and crack a little pepper over the top.

Notes

Keep these chilled until serving so the melon stays crisp and refreshing.

16) Soy Ginger Glazed Pork Skewers

Soy Ginger Glazed Pork Skewers on a plate

Pork that is so tasty it's hard to resist, with a sweet glaze and a wonderful touch of zing from ginger.

Soy Ginger Glazed Pork Skewers on a plate

Soy Ginger Glazed Pork Skewers

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb pork tenderloin cubed
  • 0.33 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Method
 

  1. Whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil together. Reserve one-third in a clean bowl for grilling.
  2. Marinate the pork cubes in the remaining mixture in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Thread the pork onto skewers and discard its marinade.
  4. Grill over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side, brushing only with the reserved clean sauce, until the pork reaches 145°F. Rest for 3 minutes.
  5. Serve after the three-minute rest.

Notes

Simmer leftover marinade for a couple minutes if you want a thicker dipping sauce.

17) Buffalo Cauliflower Skewers

You can have all the buffalo chicken wing flavors you want, and no chicken is required.

Buffalo Cauliflower Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Roast at 425F for 18-20 minutes until edges are crisp.
  3. Toss the hot cauliflower in buffalo sauce.
  4. Thread the florets onto skewers.
  5. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for dipping.

Notes

Roasting first means the cauliflower stays crisp instead of going soggy on the skewer.

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