Mini Fruit Skewers Recipe can be made ahead and are the perfect 4th of July appetizer! Fresh, festive and fun, they are over-the-top delicious and great for any outdoor barbecue or summer party.
A red, white and blue appetizer recipe for the 4th of July!
Isn’t that what we’re looking for on this festive summer holiday?
My favorite red, white and blue recipes are all natural — no food coloring needed.
This sweet, tart, and smoky appetizer is an unexpected, super delicious combination of flavors, and it’s so pretty!
The sweetness of the cherries and blueberries is brilliant with the smoky, crisp bacon.
These mini fruit skewers made with cherries and blueberries, are a Caprese kebab of sorts. Well, a play or twist, on the classic Caprese, which is made with tomato, basil and mozzarella.
What’s in Mini Fruit Skewers?
- cherries
- blueberries
- mozarella balls (also called Bocconcini)
- bacon
- fresh mint
- orange juice
This delightful, super pretty summer appetizer is not only a great way to start a 4th of July menu, but it’s great for any summer get together, any time of day — lovely for brunch, tasty for lunch, and the perfect beginning to a dinner.
Can you make them ahead?
- Yes, you can make these ahead of time. Up to six hours ahead.
- However early you make them, be sure to place the bacon and mint leaf between the cherry and the cheese — otherwise the cherry will bleed onto it. (Just an aesthetic thing — it’ll be delicious in any order!)
- Store them in the refrigerator until about 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve. Save the last step, which is drizzling them with orange juice, for the last moment.
Recipe Tips
- If you’d like your kebabs to be able to “stand up,” use a very sharp knife to slice a sliver off of the bottom of each cherry. (It’s easiest to assemble them this way, but they’re still super cute laying down.
- Here are mozzarella pearls. They are the perfect size and lovely because they are round. They should be easy to find in most markets, but if you can’t, you can also cut larger fresh mozzarella into small pieces.
- If you want to change things up, these are also delicious with strawberries and basil.
What to Serve with Mini Fruit Skewers
At any summer barbecue, it would be ideal to start the menu with the fruit kebabs. I would follow them with any or all of the following:
- Balsamic Glazed Watermelon Avocado Chopped Salad
- Grilled Mediterranean Flank Steak
- Fresh Lemon Pepper Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Strawberry Blueberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Enjoy!

Mini Fruit Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 dozen toothpicks
- 6 cherries, washed and dried, pitted and sliced in half
- 1 dozen small mint leaves, washed and dried
- 1 strip applewood smoked bacon, cooked cut into 12 small pieces
- 1 dozen fresh little mozzarella pearls (see notes)
- 1 dozen blueberries, washed and dried
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Place all of the cherry halves on a clean, dry surface and then add a mint leave to each one, followed by a piece of bacon and a mozzarella pearl. Now add the blueberries with the toothpick and press it gently through to the bottom.
- Drizzle them lightly with the orange juice and serve!
Notes
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Sippitysup says
Very creative combination. GREG
valentina says
Thank you, my friend. 🙂
sarah says
My pregnancy cravings and I thank you for this recipe. Bless you! 🙂
valentina says
So happy to help, Sarah. 😉 Hope you enjoy!
David says
This is probably the most unusual combination I have come across in a while. Yet, somehow, I can taste them all on my tongue as perfect compliments for one another. Brava!
valentina says
Somehow it’s all delicious together! 🙂
David Scott Allen says
It’s the bacon that makes it! 🥓🥓🥓
valentina says
It does add a wonderful smoky flavor that’s so delicious with the sweet fruit.Thanks, David! Cheers, Valentina
Kankana Saxena says
Such a perfect little bite for 4th of July! Bacon with cherry.. YUM!
valentina says
Thanks so much! I hope you try them and enjoy. Happy early 4th. 🙂 ~Valentina
Liz says
What a delectable appetizer!!! Sweet, salty, creamy, crisp! So much yumminess in every bite. Plus they’re beautiful, too.
valentina says
Many thanks, Liz. I love all of the textures, too. 🙂 Enjoy! ~Valentina
Jeff the Chef says
So many red, white, and blue items are sweet. It’s nice to have a savory one. And a really delicious looking one at that.
valentina says
Many thanks, Jeff! Yep, I love the natural sweetness (& colors) of the fruit. 🙂 ~Valentina
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
Oh my! The red, white and blue theme is so fabulous in these summer kebabs!
valentina says
Thanks, Deb. Yes, it’s a fun one. 🙂 ~Valentina
Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef says
I can taste the different combinations and the colors are so appropriate.
valentina says
Thanks, Gerlinde! 😀
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
What a fun appetizer and so perfect for the 4th! I love the combination of the savory bacon and the pop of sweetness with the blueberry! These would disappear quickly with my crew!
valentina says
Thanks, Kathy! Wishing you and your family a happy 4th! ~Valentina
David @ Spiced says
What a great idea for a summer party, Valentina! I love a good caprese salad, and bacon really does make everything better. I’m intrigued by the blueberry in there, but I can totally see how it works. You’re getting an invite to our next party! 🙂
Robert Jackson says
Thanks for sharing all them mouth watering recipes!
valentina says
🙂