These mozzarella shooters with walnut basil pesto layer homemade pesto, mini mozzarella, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes in individual appetizer cups. A breadstick and fresh basil finish each serving.

They fit neatly onto a party table alongside my hot honey butter board or cheese Christmas trees.

The walnut pesto is the base of each cup, bringing fresh basil, garlic, lemon, and grated cheese together. Toasting the walnuts first adds a deeper nutty flavor, while the mozzarella balances the salty olives and tomatoes.

Quick Look: Mozzarella Shooters with Walnut Basil Pesto

🔪 Prep time: 10 minutes.
🔥 Cooking: Briefly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet.
🍽️ Servings: 6.
🥣 Main ingredients: Basil, walnuts, garlic, grated cheese, olive oil, mozzarella, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
➡️ Method: Toast nuts → process pesto → spoon into cups → add toppings → serve.
⭐ Difficulty: Easy.
🥖 Best served with: Mini breadsticks and fresh basil.

Jump to recipe

Quick Look: Mozzarella Shooters with Walnut Basil Pesto
Why This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How to Make Mozzarella Shooters with Walnut Basil Pesto
Shahida's Tips & Tricks
How to Serve Mozzarella Shooters with Walnut Basil Pesto
Troubleshooting & FAQs
More Savory Party Recipes
Mozzarella shooters with Walnut basil Pesto

Why This Recipe

Individual portions: Small cups make serving easy at a gathering.
Fresh and savory: Basil pesto, creamy mozzarella, and briny toppings bring plenty of contrast.
Simple assembly: Once the pesto is blended, the cups come together quickly.

Recipe Ingredients

Fresh basil: Use fresh leaves, washed and dried, for the pesto and garnish.

Walnuts: Toast in a dry skillet, then let them cool briefly before blending.

Garlic and grated cheese: Give the pesto its savory flavor. Parmesan is one option for the grated cheese.

Extra virgin olive oil: Stream into the processor to bring the pesto together.

Lemon juice, salt, and pepper: Brighten and season the pesto. Taste before adding much salt because the cheese and toppings are salty.

Mini mozzarella, green olives, and sun-dried tomatoes: Drain before adding to the cups.

Mini breadsticks: Add shortly before serving so they stay crisp.

Check recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions & Variations

Try another nut: Pine nuts or almonds can replace the walnuts for a different pesto flavor.
Adjust the garlic: Start with one clove and add more to taste.
Change the presentation: Use small bowls or shallow appetizer cups if you do not have tall shooter cups.

How to Make Mozzarella Shooters with Walnut Basil Pesto

Step 1: Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, tossing often. Remove from the heat once fragrant and let cool briefly.

Step 2: Add basil, garlic, walnuts, grated cheese, salt, and pepper to a food processor.

Step 3: Process until combined, add lemon juice, and gradually stream in the olive oil. Pulse to your preferred pesto texture.

Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon pesto into each cup. Add a mozzarella ball, olive, sun-dried tomato, and mini breadstick. Finish with basil and a little olive oil.

Shahida's Tips & Tricks

Watch the walnuts closely while toasting and toss often so they color evenly.
Dry the basil well so extra water does not thin the pesto.
Scrape the processor bowl between pulses to blend evenly.
Drain the mozzarella and toppings before assembling to keep the cups from becoming watery.
Add the breadsticks at serving time so they retain their crunch.

How to Serve Mozzarella Shooters with Walnut Basil Pesto

Arrange the cups on a tray with small spoons or appetizer picks so the toppings and pesto are easy to enjoy together. Keep chilled until shortly before serving, then add the breadsticks and basil.

For another tangy accompaniment to a savory spread, try my agrodolce sauce over roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why is my pesto too thick?

Scrape down the processor bowl and add olive oil a little at a time until it reaches a spoonable consistency.

Can I prepare the cups ahead?

Prepare and refrigerate the pesto and drained toppings separately. Assemble closer to serving and add breadsticks at the last minute.

What can I do with leftover pesto?

Refrigerate in a sealed container and use promptly. Stir it through pasta, spoon over roasted vegetables, or spread a little onto toast.

More Savory Party Recipes

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