Antipasto Platter
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Elevate your entertaining game with this exquisite Antipasto Platter! Bursting with an array of vibrant colors, bold flavors, and enticing textures, it’s crafted with a delectable assortment of savory cured meats, flavorful cheeses, and marinated vegetables. This classic Italian appetizer is a feast for the senses that is guaranteed to impress!
What Is An Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a visually stunning Italian appetizer that showcases a vibrant assortment of cheeses, cured meats, marinated vegetables, and fresh bread or crackers. Derived from the Italian word “antipasto,” which means “before the meal,” this culinary masterpiece serves as a delicious prelude to a meal. It’s a true celebration of the Italian tradition of savoring small bites and stimulating the palate before the main course.
And serving an antipasto platter is a fantastic way to showcase your hosting skills with minimal effort! This foolproof appetizer requires no cooking and is almost effortless to assemble. Its amazing versatility allows you to serve it at various events, from casual gatherings to formal occasions. Whether it takes center stage or complements a larger spread, this Italian classic brings people together by indulging in the love of good food.
Why You’ll Love This Antipasto Platter
- Effortless Appetizer! This easy appetizer recipe allows you to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With an assortment of store-bought ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create an appetizer that steals the show!
- Delicious Italian Classic! From the variety of cured meats to the selection of cheeses and marinated veggies, this classic appetizer not only satisfies but also takes your taste buds on a journey of the rich and savory flavors of authentic Italian cuisine.
- Crowd Pleaser! The diverse assortment allows you to impress and satisfy your guests by presenting an appetizer that not only looks stunning but also lets your guests create their own flavor combinations and accommodate any dietary preferences.
- Cured Meats – I used a combination of sliced salami, prosciutto, and mortadella. However, just like a charcuterie board, you can use any variety of meats you like. Some other good choices include thinly sliced rosemary ham, pepperoni, coppa, capicola, and soppressata.
- Provolone – You can use cubed or sliced provolone cheese. Good substitutions would be other semi-hard cheeses such as Gouda or Edam.
- Mini Bocconcini – These bite-sized mozzarella balls are delicious! However, if you can’t find mini bocconcini, you can use cubed fresh mozzarella.
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts – Add a zesty and refreshing element to the platter. You will find them near the olives in the grocery store.
- Marinated Olives – Include a variety of marinated olives, such as Kalamata, green, or Castelvetrano, for their briny and bold flavors. You can also include some olive tapenade in a small bowl to add another texture.
- Roasted Red Peppers – These vibrant and smoky peppers bring a sweet and tangy note to the platter.
- Grape Tomatoes – They provide a burst of freshness. But if grape tomatoes are not available, you can use cherry tomatoes or even sliced roma tomatoes.
- Marinated Mushrooms – Offer an earthy element that is also a good vegetarian option. You can also sauté fresh mushrooms with herbs and garlic for a similar effect.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – The fragrant leaves add an aromatic touch and a pop of green to the platter.
- Balsamic Glaze – Drizzling balsamic glaze over the platter adds a lovely sweet and tangy finish. You can use store-bought or make your own balsamic glaze.
- Bread – Sliced fresh ciabatta bread provides a rustic and chewy accompaniment. A crusty French baguette or focaccia are other good options.
- Crackers – Include a selection of your favorite crackers or breadsticks to complement the different meats and cheeses.
The beauty of this Italian platter lies in its easy preparation and versatility! It comes together in mere minutes and is super easy to customize. So feel free to experiment with different ingredients and arrangements to suit your needs.
Before you begin, grab your favorite large platter or wooden cutting board. Make sure it’s big enough to comfortably fit all the ingredients. It should leave enough room for your guests to access all the choices easily. This is an important aspect when assembling the platter.
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, begin by arranging the sliced meats and cheeses by alternating between a slice of salami, then prosciutto, mortadella, and provolone. This arrangement adds a touch of elegance to the platter.
Next, place the marinated artichoke hearts, olives, roasted red peppers, grape tomatoes, and marinated mushrooms around the meats and cheeses. Try your best to distribute them evenly to ensure a balanced presentation.
Finally, to complete the platter, garnish the top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of the balsamic glaze. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil if you like. Then immediately serve the antipasto platter with sliced ciabatta bread and an assortment of crackers on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add to my antipasto platter?
Anything! Nuts such as almonds or walnuts scattered alongside the other ingredients add a nice bit of crunch. Whereas, other Italian favorites like sweet cherry peppers and pepperoncini add a touch of spice. Grilled eggplant also makes a great vegetarian option. Be as creative as you like!
Can I prepare the antipasto platter in advance?
Yes! Antipasto platters can be prepared a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the fresh basil leaves and drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving.
What is a charcuterie board vs antipasto?
A charcuterie board is meant to showcase meats, while an antipasto features an assortment of ingredients that also includes different types of cheese and marinated vegetables.
Expert Tips
- Use quality ingredients. Select high-quality ingredients for the best flavor experience. Invest in artisanal cured meats, Italian cheeses, and fresh bread. The difference in taste and texture will be worth it.
- Mind the temperature. Serve the platter at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. Take the ingredients out of the fridge about 30 minutes before assembling to bring them to the ideal serving temperature.
- Assemble multiple platters. If you’re serving a large crowd, consider creating multiple smaller platters instead of one large one. This prevents overcrowding in one area and ensures that everyone gets a chance to indulge.
- Refresh as needed. Keep additional portions of the ingredients nearby to replenish as necessary. This helps to keep the platter fresh and visually appealing.
- Embrace the leftovers. Don’t let any of the delicious ingredients go to waste! Transform your antipasto leftovers into yummy sandwiches for the next day’s lunch.
Storage
To store your antipasto platter, place any leftovers in separate airtight containers. Then store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Proper storage helps to ensure the freshness and flavor of the different ingredients.
Other Appetizers You Might Enjoy
- Olive Tapenade
- Easy Bruschetta Recipe
- Antipasto Salad
- Easy Garlic Bread
- Chex Mix (Nuts and Bolts)
- Air Fryer Cheese Pull Apart Bread
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Antipasto Platter
Ingredients
- ½ pound salami (sliced)
- ½ pound prosciutto (sliced)
- ½ pound mortadella (sliced)
- ½ pound provolone (cubed or sliced)
- ½ pound mini bocconcini
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts
- 1 cup marinated olives
- 1 cup roasted red peppers
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 cup marinated mushrooms
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- 1 ciabatta bread (sliced)
- crackers
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Arrange the sliced meats and cheeses on a large platter, alternating between the different types of meat and cheese.
- Add the marinated artichoke hearts, olives, roasted red peppers, grape tomatoes, and marinated mushrooms to the platter, arranging them around the meat and cheese.
- Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top of the platter.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the platter.
- Serve with crackers and bread on the side.
Notes
- Versatility: The charm of an Antipasto Platter is its adaptability. You can mix and match a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and marinated vegetables according to your liking or what you have available.
- Cheese and Meat Choices: Opt for a range of textures and flavors in your meats and cheeses. From soft and creamy brie to hard and nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano, from delicate Prosciutto to spicy Soppressata – the choice is yours!
- Prep in Advance: Most elements of this platter can be prepared ahead. Marinated vegetables and olives will develop an even better taste if left overnight.
- Bread and Wine: A fresh baguette or grissini pair wonderfully with this assortment, as does a crisp white or light-bodied red wine.
- Serving Tip: For the best flavor experience, serve at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, take it out an hour before serving.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
