# SEO-Friendly Post: Holiday Meatball Appetizer Skewers
## Introduction
Welcome to the holiday season! One of the fascinating aspects of holidays is undoubtedly the delicious, mouth-watering food we share with friends and family. Today, we’re going to introduce a tempting dish perfect for your festive gatherings – “Holiday Meatball Appetizer Skewers!” Easy to prepare, delightful to the senses, and a surefire hit at any party, these skewers are festive cheer on a stick.
## Why Make This Recipe
Holiday Meatball Appetizer Skewers are incredibly versatile, suitable for a sit-down dinner or even a casual finger-food-only party. With tender meatballs, succulent tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, each skewer is a delight to one’s palate. Besides, they’re easy to make and bring a whimsical, festive mood to any holiday celebration.
## How to Make Holiday Meatball Appetizer Skewers
### Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 16 cherry tomatoes
– 16 small mozzarella balls
– Fresh basil leaves
– 16 wooden skewers
### Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs and bake them for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
4. Once cooled, thread the meatballs onto skewers, alternating with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
5. Warm the marinara sauce and serve it on the side for dipping.
## How to Serve Holiday Meatball Appetizer Skewers
Serve these festive skewers with a side of warmed marinara sauce for dipping. They’re excellent as appetizers, light meals, or snacks, making them ideal for parties and family gatherings.
## How to Store Holiday Meatball Appetizer Skewers
Cool any leftover skewers at room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or briefly in the microwave before serving.
## Tips to Make Holiday Meatball Appetizer Skewers
– Make sure to not over-mix the meatball mixture. It can lead to tough meatballs.
– For even browning, rotate the meatballs halfway through the baking process.
– Soak wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes before using them to prevent burning in the oven.
## Variation
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils.
## FAQs
**Q1. Can I use turkey instead of beef?**
A: Yes, you can absolutely use ground turkey as a healthier alternative to beef.
**Q2: Can these skewers be prepared ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and assemble the skewers shortly before serving.
**Q3: What else can I add to these skewers?**
A: Feel free to add olives, pickles, or other types of cheese in between the meatballs.
Enjoying holiday gatherings with good food and great company has never been easier with these Holiday Meatball Appetizer Skewers. So, get the oven warmed up, skewers ready, and let the festive cheer spread through the delicious bites of these succulent skewers! Happy Holidays!