Cheesy Tortellini Skewers with Olives & Pepperoni
These Tortellini Skewers are my go-to when I need a quick appetizer. They’re bite-sized, easy finger food. Skewered with cheesy tortellini, salty olives, spicy pepperoni, and cubes of pepper jack, they’re ideal for parties and potlucks.
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They take just 15 minutes to make, and you can totally prep them ahead of time and pop them in the fridge. I love serving them chilled with a drizzle of Italian dressing right before guests arrive—it adds just the right zing!
If you like this recipe, you may also want to check out my list of Toothpick Appetizer Ideas for more inspiration!
How to Make Tortellini Skewers
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step by Step Guide
1. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Let cool slightly.
2. Cut the block of pepper jack cheese into 18 bite-sized cubes (cutting 3 across and 6 down works well).
3. Start building your skewer: First, slide on a green olive, then add a cube of cheese.
4. Fold a pepperoni slice in half, then fold a second one the opposite way (so one fold is forward, one back). Add both to the skewer.
5. Finish with a tortellini. Repeat until all 18 skewers are assembled.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until you’re ready.
Serve and Enjoy!
Right before serving, drizzle lightly with Italian dressing for extra flavor!
Important Recipe Notes
- Be sure the tortellini are completely cooled before assembling—warm pasta can make the cheese melt or the skewers soggy.
- Use sturdy skewers or appetizer picks: Toothpicks work in a pinch, but small party skewers or cocktail picks make these easier to hold and prettier on a platter.
- You can swap in salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, or marinated artichokes to change up the flavors.
- Fold the pepperoni for extra texture: Folding the pepperoni adds fun texture and keeps everything snug on the skewer.
- Add the dressing last: If you’re drizzling Italian dressing, wait until just before serving so nothing gets soggy in the fridge.
- Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and if you’re adding dressing, wait to drizzle until just before serving so nothing gets soggy.
Cheesy Tortellini Skewers with Olives & Pepperoni
Ingredients
- 18 green olives
- 8 oz block pepper jack cheese
- 36 pepperoni slices
- 18 cheese-filled tortellini
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Let cool slightly.
- Cut the block of pepper jack cheese into 18 bite-sized cubes (cutting 3 across and 6 down works well).
- Start building your skewer: First, slide on a green olive, then add a cube of cheese.
- Fold a pepperoni slice in half, then fold a second one the opposite way (so one fold is forward, one back). Add both to the skewer.
- Finish with a tortellini. Repeat until all 18 skewers are assembled.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until you’re ready.
