Looking for a fresh and fun way to serve fruit at your next summer gathering? These easy watermelon skewers check all the boxes, festive, colorful, and simple to prepare.
They make a bright addition to patriotic spreads and are just the right size for little hands to grab and go.
Watermelon sparklers are especially popular for 4th of July celebrations. The red, white and blue colors pop on the plate, and the star-shaped watermelon slices are a crowd favorite.
Whether you’re feeding a big group or prepping something quick for the kids, these watermelon fruit skewers are a no-fuss option that still feels special.
For more red, white and blue fruit ideas, check out these berries and pound cake skewers, this festive 4th of July fruit salad, and our refreshing watermelon blueberry feta salad.
Recipe Highlights
- Perfect for patriotic parties: Their red, white, and blue theme makes them a hit for Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any summer cookout.
- No cooking needed: Just slice, stack, and serve.
- Kid-friendly and mess-free: Easy to hold, less likely to drip, and more fun to eat.
- Customizable: Use different fruits or shapes to fit your party theme or personal taste.
Ingredients
- Watermelon: Sliced into rounds and cut into stars using a cookie cutter.
- Blueberries: A great source of color and a fun topper.
- Golden melon: sliced, cut into stare like the watermelon Mini marshmallows or sliced banana – For the white layer between red and blue.
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Tools for this recipe
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- Bamboo skewers: Long enough to hold several fruit pieces securely.
- Sharp knife
- 3 inch and 2 inch Star Cookie cutter
- Chopping board
How to make watermelon skewers for 4th of July
Slice and cut watermelon into thick round slices. Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to make festive star pieces.
Repeat the process for the golden melon.
On each skewer, thread a few blueberries at, then add a golden melon star, and finish with the watermelon star at the top.
Place the finished sparkler skewers in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving for extra refreshment.
Variations:
Want to switch things up from the classic red, white and blue fruit skewers? Here are two simple twists that still feature watermelon but bring a whole new flavor profile:
- Watermelon Caprese Skewers: Swap the blueberries and golden melon for cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Add a fresh basil leaf between each layer for a summery twist. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for that classic Caprese flavor with a sweet, juicy spin.
- Watermelon Feta Skewers: Thread cubes of watermelon with crumbled or cubed feta and a few fresh mint leaves. These skewers balance sweet and salty beautifully and make a great appetizer or light snack for warm days.
These variations are great for grown-up gatherings or when you want something more savory without giving up the fun, portable format of a skewer.
Serving suggestion
These pair perfectly with other patriotic recipes like 4th of July cake balls, red, white and blue strawberries, 4th of July Oreos, cheesecake deviled strawberries or these patriotic tie dye cookies.
They’re also great alongside grilled items, picnic sandwiches like Big Mac sliders or a big bowl of chilled 4th of July pasta salad for a balanced summer spread.
How to store
- Storage: Keep leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Make ahead: You can assemble them a few hours in advance, but keep refrigerated until ready to serve. This will keep them fresh.
Helpful Tips
- Use firm watermelon so the stars hold their shape.
- Pat the watermelon dry so that they are not slippery when threading it on the skewers.
- On a hot day, chilling your fruit before slicing can make cutting easier and cleaner.
- Vary the height of fruit on the skewers for a fun visual effect, especially if you’re arranging them on a platter.
- Keep the fruit skewers refrigerated until ready to serve.
FAQs
Yes! Strawberries, raspberries, or even dragon fruit can work in place of the watermelon stars, just make sure the fruit is firm enough to hold its shape when cut.
However, keep in mind that if you swap out the watermelon, they won’t technically be “watermelon skewers” anymore, but they’ll still be just as fun and festive!
Standard 6 to 8-inch wooden skewers are ideal. Avoid very thin skewers that might splinter or bend under the fruit’s weight.
You can prep the watermelon stars and blueberries ahead of time. Assemble the skewers the day of serving for best texture, especially if using bananas or marshmallows.
These red, white and blue watermelon skewers are a cheerful and practical addition to any summer table.
Whether you call them watermelon sparklers or sparkler skewers, one thing is certain, they make patriotic fruit kabobs even more fun. They’re easy to assemble, kid-approved, and picture-ready for your next celebration.
Happy 4th of July!
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Patriotic Watermelon sparklers
Equipment
- Bamboo skewers
- Star shaped cookie cutters (2 inches and 3 inches in size)
Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon (sliced ½-inch thick)
- 1 small golden melon (sliced ½-inch thick)
- 1 pint Fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Slice your watermelon and golden melon into ¾-inch thick rounds. Use a medium star-shaped cookie cutter to press out stars from the watermelon.
- Then, use a smaller star-shaped cutter for the golden melon slices. Try to get clean cuts by pressing down firmly and evenly.
- Assemble the skewers: Starting from the pointed end of a skewer, carefully thread 8 blueberries onto each stick. This forms the “sparkler” handle.
- Add the fruit stars: Gently slide on a golden melon star, followed by a watermelon star. The contrasting colors give a layered, patriotic look.
- Chill before serving: Place the completed skewers on a tray and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the fruit stay crisp and refreshing.
Notes
- Cookie cutters tip: If the fruit sticks inside the cutter, gently push it out with your fingers or use a skewer.
- Keep them cool: Serve the skewers chilled for the best texture and flavor, especially if you’re bringing them to a cookout or picnic.
- Make ahead: You can prep the fruit stars a few hours early and assemble the skewers closer to serving time to keep everything fresh.
- Optional drizzle: For adults, a light drizzle of honey-lime dressing can add a flavorful twist.
