Watermelon Feta Skewers with Mint and Balsamic Drizzle
Table of Contents
Watermelon & Feta Skewers: The Ultimate Summer Party Snack
Are you looking for easy summer appetizers for parties ? Honestly, who isn't? This recipe for watermelon feta skewers is so simple, it's almost embarrassing.
The salty feta, sweet watermelon, and tangy balsamic make a dreamy combo.
Refreshing Bites: Sweet, Salty, and Ready in Minutes
These melon skewers are more than just easy summer appetizers . They're a taste of sunshine! The combo of juicy watermelon and salty feta originates from Mediterranean cuisine.
The prep is quick around 15 minutes. The balsamic reduction takes another 5. This recipe makes about 12-15 skewers, perfect for sharing.
Why You'll Love These Summer Appetizers for Parties
One of the best things? Watermelon is super hydrating, making these refreshing appetizers a guilt free treat. These summer party snacks are perfect for a BBQ, garden party, or just a lazy afternoon.
What makes these skewers so special is the contrast of flavors and textures. Trust me, they'll be gone in minutes! These simple feta cheese appetizers are crowd pleasers.
Grab Your Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to whip up these summer finger foods :
- 4 cups cubed watermelon (about 900g)
- 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed (225g)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 12-15 wooden skewers
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120ml)
- 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
Time to get skewering! I'll never forget my first try at making these. The balsamic glaze recipe was a bit tricky and I almost burnt it, but the final skewers were divine!.
Stay with me and learn more.
Ingredients & Equipment for Killer Summer Appetizers for Parties
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Watermelon & Feta Skewer recipe is all about fresh flavours. Getting the right stuff makes all the difference.
We want these summer appetizers for parties to be amazing .
Main Players: Watermelon, Feta, and Mint
- Watermelon: You'll need 4 cups of watermelon cubed (about 900g ). That's roughly 1 inch cubes, yeah? The watermelon should be ripe, juicy, and sweet. A good sign is a deep, even colour and a hollow sound when you tap it.
- Feta: Grab 8 ounces (225g) of feta cheese. Get a block packed in brine. The pre-crumbled stuff? Nah, doesn't cut it. The brine keeps it moist and flavourful.
- Mint: Fresh mint, about 1/4 cup . Little leaves are best, trust me.
Balsamic Glaze: The Secret Weapon
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1/2 cup (120ml) of good balsamic. It doesn't have to be crazy expensive, but avoid the super cheap stuff.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml) of honey. Maple syrup works too, if you are looking for easy summer appetizers or are vegan.
Seasoning Notes: Keep it Simple, Silly!
This recipe is all about balance. The saltiness of the feta, the sweetness of the watermelon, and that tangy balsamic.
The mint adds a refreshing touch. Don't overthink it. Balsamic vinegar and honey for the glaze. No crazy spice combos needed, the star is the balsamic glaze recipe!
If you are out of Balsamic or just fancy mixing it up try reducing equal quantities of blackberries and red wine vinegar.
Equipment Needed: Minimal Fuss
Seriously, you don’t need a fancy kitchen for this party food ideas .
- Cutting board: To chop the watermelon.
- Chef's knife: Get it nice and sharp for the melon skewers .
- Small saucepan: For the balsamic glaze.
- Wooden skewers: 12-15 , about 6 inches long.
Honestly, you probably have everything already! If you don't have a small saucepan, a regular one will do. You might be thinking about fancy equipment or complex methods to create summer party snacks but let me tell you, simplicity is key here.
Watermelon & Feta Skewers: The Ultimate Summer Appetizer
Alright, let's chat about summer appetizers for parties . Nobody wants to be stuck in a hot kitchen all day. That's why I adore these Watermelon & Feta Skewers.
They are so easy, delicious, and always a hit. Perfect summer party snacks , right?
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first, let's get organised. Chop 4 cups of watermelon into 1 inch cubes. Do the same with 8 ounces of feta.
Grab about a 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves. And get 12-15 skewers ready. A little prep makes everything smoother, trust me!
Here's a tip. Pop the watermelon and feta in the fridge for about 30 mins. Chilled ingredients are a lifesaver on a hot day and the key to making these truly refreshing appetizers .
From Zero to Hero: Assembling Your Skewers
Ready to build these bad boys? Let's go:
- Simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey for 5- 7 minutes . It'll thicken up. This is your balsamic glaze recipe. Let it cool completely.
- Thread a watermelon cube, a feta cube, and a mint leaf onto each skewer.
- Repeat the order for a balanced look.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter like a work of art.
- Drizzle with that gorgeous balsamic glaze. Boom!
Pro Tip: The glaze should coat the back of a spoon. Don't overdo it!
Level Up Your Skewers: Pro Tips for Success
Want to impress your guests? Here's the secret sauce. Chill the watermelon and feta before assembling. It makes a world of difference.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your skewers. Try other melon skewers . Maybe use cantaloupe or honeydew. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist.
I've made these a million times, and honestly, they vanish in minutes. My friends practically fight over them. They're easy summer appetizers , guaranteed.
If you wanna get really crazy and spice up your party food ideas , add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze.
Adds just the right kick.
These summer finger foods are so quick to prepare, that they may become your go-to dish!
Alright, let's chat about these summer appetizers for parties .
Recipe Rundown: Beyond the Basics
Let's dive a little deeper, shall we? This isn’t just about slapping some watermelon and feta on a stick. It's about making it wow .
Plating Like a Pro
Seriously, presentation matters. Think about it. You eat with your eyes first. Arrange the melon skewers artfully on a platter.
Maybe in a sunburst pattern? Oh, and some fresh mint sprigs scattered around? Totally elevates the look. Serve with a crisp glass of prosecco.
Bubbly and skewers? Yes, please.
Storage Savvy
Made too many? No worries.
Chill Out, Man
Keep those skewers in the fridge. They will last up to 24 hours, max. The watermelon gets a bit soft after that, you know?
Freezing? Nah
Don't even think about freezing these. Trust me, it's not a good idea. The watermelon turns to mush.
Reheating? Forget About It!
These are best served cold. No reheating needed.
Remix It: Variations on a Theme
Want to shake things up?
dairy-free Dream
Sub the feta for a vegan alternative. There are some decent ones out there now. Use maple syrup in the balsamic glaze recipe , and boom! Vegan party food ideas .
Seasonal Swaps
Instead of watermelon, try cantaloupe or honeydew. Same vibe, different flavor. You know?
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's talk health. Each skewer is about 75 calories. It's got some protein from the feta cheese appetizers and carbs from the watermelon.
Not bad for a tasty treat! The refreshing appetizers offer a guilt free way to enjoy your summer.
These easy summer appetizers are quick to prepare and offer a light, refreshing way to kick off any gathering. The sweet watermelon, salty feta, and tangy balsamic glaze recipe create a delightful combination of flavors that are sure to impress your guests.
I always love serving these for summer party snacks as they are always a hit. And watermelon feta skewers are always fun!
Right, that’s it from me. Go forth and skewer! You got this. Enjoy creating some yummy summer finger foods and these feta cheese appetizers !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these watermelon and feta skewers ahead of time for my summer party?
While the balsamic glaze can definitely be made ahead (up to a week!), it's best to assemble the skewers closer to serving time. Watermelon tends to release moisture, so pre-assembled skewers can get a little soggy if left for too long.
For optimal freshness, assemble them no more than a couple of hours before your party. Chill the watermelon and feta separately until you're ready to build!
I'm having a BBQ can I grill these summer appetizers for parties?
That's a cracking idea! You can grill these, but with a slight tweak. Skip the balsamic glaze entirely when grilling; its sugars will burn. Just lightly grill the watermelon skewers for a smoky flavour only for a minute or two per side, as you want to avoid the watermelon becoming mushy.
You can then add a squeeze of lime juice instead of the balsamic glaze. You could also serve the balsamic glaze alongside, as a dipping sauce, instead of pre-glazing.
I'm vegan! What can I substitute for the feta cheese and honey in these summer appetizers for parties?
No worries, we've got you covered! For the feta, use a vegan feta alternative, which you can find in most supermarkets these days. For the balsamic glaze, simply swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. It works perfectly and keeps the delicious tangy sweet flavour profile without any animal products.
Now everyone can enjoy these summery treats!
How should I store leftover watermelon and feta skewers?
Ideally, these skewers are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers (unlikely!), carefully remove the skewers and store the watermelon and feta separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The balsamic glaze can also be stored separately at room temperature.
Reassembling them isn't ideal as the watermelon will have released moisture, but it's better than wasting food!
What kind of feta cheese is best for these summer appetizers?
Definitely go for a block of feta in brine, not the pre-crumbled kind. The block feta is much creamier and holds its shape better when cubed, making it ideal for skewers. Look for Greek feta made with sheep's milk for the most authentic and flavourful experience.
Give it a pat dry with a paper towel before cubing to help the balsamic glaze adhere.
Are these Watermelon & Feta Skewers healthy? What's the nutritional info?
Relatively speaking, yes! These skewers are a light and refreshing option compared to many heavier party snacks. They offer a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Each skewer is approximately 75 calories.
It's always a good idea to keep portion sizes in mind and enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Also, remember the nutritional information is estimated and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
Watermelon Feta Skewers With Mint And Balsamic D
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 75 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 0g |