A Very Good Skewer (No Cooking Required)
A low-effort appetizer that somehow steals the show.
Once upon a time, I loved throwing parties and serving appetizers for friends—until it dawned on me how long everything took and how exhausting it was. This was entirely my own fault, of course, because I thought it was a good idea to make approximately 450 tiny canapés and other fussy snacks for 20 people, when I should have been making a pot of chili and calling it a day.
I’m happy to report that I’ve smartened up over the years and now keep things much simpler. If someone’s coming over, I stick to one or two easy, good-looking snacks. I’m more relaxed, I can make them ahead, and then actually sit and visit instead of frantically piping cream cheese onto tiny cucumber rounds.
Which brings us to these ham, melon, and mozzarella skewers. They couldn’t be easier, and with fresh basil and a side of pesto for dipping, you’re suddenly the kind of person who has appetizers figured out.
I’m pretty sure my original inspiration for these was Ina Garten, who knows her way around an antipasti skewer and has a knack for making things that are delicious, simple and put-together.
Here’s what I used:
Honeydew melon: My favorite for these skewers, but any melon you like will work.
Pesto: Store-bought is perfect here—serve it on the side for dipping.
Black Forest ham: Ask for slices on the thinner side, but not paper-thin.
Mozzarella balls: The mini ones in brine are ideal—just pat them dry first.
Fresh basil: Adds a big punch of flavor and looks great, too. Mint would also work if you want to switch it up.
And here’s all you do—nothing complicated about it:
Scoop some melon balls, thread them onto skewers with basil, folded ham, and mozzarella, then arrange everything on a platter with a bowl of pesto for dipping. Slightly messy, very low effort.
They’re perfect for spring and summer gatherings, graduation parties, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or any time you want to put out something that looks a little special without actually doing very much.
Enjoy these little skewers of glory, and thanks for being here. See you next week!
Ingredients
1 medium honeydew melon
8 oz mozzarella balls (in brine), drained
16 fresh basil leaves
8 slices Black Forest ham
¼ cup pesto (store-bought is great)
8 (4-inch) skewers
Instructions
Use a melon ball scoop to make 8 balls from the honeydew and set aside.
Drain the mozzarella balls and let them sit on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
To assemble each skewer: thread one melon ball, followed by a basil leaf (folded in half if needed), a slice of Black Forest ham (loosely folded), a mozzarella ball, and one more basil leaf.
Arrange on a platter and serve with pesto on the side for dipping.