Cheese Skewers

These cheese skewers are a tasty make-ahead appetizer for any occasion. Sharp cheddar, roasted peppers, and juicy grapes make an aromatic finger food and party snack. Fruit and cheese skewers are simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and require only minimal prep.

If you love easy cheese appetizer recipes, then you might also enjoy our honey baked camembert, garlic cheese spread, and cottage cheese dip.

Easy fruit cheese skewers

If you’re looking for an easy make-ahead appetizer or party snack, this aromatic fruit and cheese appetizers is just what you need.

The skewers are super simple to assemble and super versatile!

If you’re making this for a crowd, consider doubling the ingredients because cheese skewers will go fast.

Grapes and cheese are a fantastic combo and create a good balance of flavors and textures.

Of course, you can easily customize your fruit cheese skewers to your taste or available ingredients with different cheeses, fruits, and herbs. This isn’t a definite recipe, more a suggestion!

The ingredient list is simple and straightforward. Please refer to the recipe card at the end of the post for specific measurements.

• Cheddar: I made these cheese skewers with sharp yellow cheddar, but you can also use mild, medium, or white cheddar. The appetizer would also be delicious with blueberry or cranberry cheddar.
• Grapes: Juicy, sweet grapes are best as they contrast beautifully with the sharp, salty cheese. Seedless grapes are ideal. See the variations section below for other fruit ideas.
• Roasted peppers add a ton of flavor. You need roasted peppers that are packed in oil. Be sure to drain them well so the skewers are drenched in oil.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves add interest and color to this snack.

I also sprinkled my grape and cheese skewers with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. The pepper flakes contrast beautifully with the sweet grapes and add complexity.

Of course, feel free to skip this addition if you prefer a milder taste.

You also need a cutting board, sharp knife, skewers, toothpicks, or cocktail sticks to hold the ingredients in place. I used knotted bamboo skewers that I shortened slightly.

If you have 5 minutes and a cutting board, this fruit skewer appetizer will be well worth your time. Light and delicious, your guest will love this grapes and cheese snack!

1 Cut cheese

• Start by cutting the cheddar into bite-sized cubes. I cut mine into 3/4 in / 2 cm pieces and usually get 20 to 25 pieces out of 1 block of cheese.

2 Stack up

• To assemble the skewers, first place a basil leaf on a cheddar cube. Then, add a piece of roasted pepper and a grape.
• Secure the appetizer by sticking a toothpick or cocktail stick through the middle of the stack. I used shortened, knotted bamboo skewers.

3 Serve

• Arrange the cheese skewers on a serving platter or board and serve right away.
• Alternatively, refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Visually appealing and mouthwatering, the cheese skewers appetizer is a must-make and will be a hit at your next party. Get the best cheese skewers with these easy tips and tricks!

• Choose the freshest grapes available. Look for grapes that are plump and juicy, without browning or soft spots.
• Wash your grapes, but make sure to dry them well so the cheese doesn’t get soggy. Place the grapes in a colander and rinse them under running cool water. Then, lay them out on a kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them gently dry.
• Make sure all components are roughly the same size for the ease of eating. Not only will the grape and cheese skewers look prettier, but it’s also easier to stack on a stick and eat. I like to keep the cheese cube on the corner of my cutting board for reference while I cut the other ingredients.

When it comes to cheese skewers, you have lots of possibilities. Include or exclude ingredients according to your taste, and try some of these ideas:

• Cheese: Any hard or semi-hard cheese will work as a base. Other ideas for cheese include Colby, Gouda, Edam, Tillamook, Manchego, Cantal, or Gruyere. Feta and grilled halloumi would also be tasty options.
• Fruit: Swap out the grapes for melon balls, apple chunks, pear slices, or pineapple cubes. Dip pears and apples in lemon juice so they don’t brown. You could also use blackberries or strawberries when berries are in season.
• Herbs: Parsley, sage, cilantro, or tarragon are good stand-ins for basil.
• Protein: If the cheese skewers don’t have to be vegetarian, add a layer of folded salami, fried chorizo, or rolled-up prosciutto.
• Balsamic reduction: A drizzle or balsamic reduction makes this cold appetizer skewer recipe extra special. Learn how to make balsamic reduction or buy a good-quality balsamic sauce.

To serve, arrange the cheese skewers on a large platter or cutting board. They are delicious as is and pair beautifully with crackers, crostini, and small bread slices.

You can also include the cheese appetizer as part of an opulent appetizer spread, cheese plate, or caricature board with an assortment of olives, fruits, cheeses, and cured meats.

Appetizer skewers are just as good the next day, perfect when you need a tasty make-ahead appetizer option.

You can either prepare the components (cut the cheese cubes, slice the grilled peppers), or assemble the skewers a day or two in advance.

Keep your cheese skewers in an airtight container or plate covered in foil in the refrigerator.

Take them out an hour before serving so they can warm up to room temperature.

They also travel well, and you can bring them to a party or potluck.

Store cheese skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best taste, consume leftovers within 2 to 3 days. You can also mix leftovers for a quick salad if you wish.