How to Create Antipasto Platters
Ideas and Recipes for Making Delicious Appetizer Trays
Nov 17, 2008
The next time unexpected company drops by, don’t panic. Having a well stocked pantry, full of a few gourmet ingredients, makes putting together a last minute appetizer platter quick and easy. The beauty of these antipasto platters, is that they can all be put together quickly, using ready-made ingredients purchased from grocery and gourmet stores. Antipasto platters are easy enough for new chefs to put together, as there isn’t any cooking involved.
Choose a decorative tray or platter to display all the antipasto ingredients. If desired, line the bottom of the tray with a layer of lettuce leaves before arranging the antipasto ingredients across the platter. Use a small bowl, set on top of the platter, to serve small items, such as nuts, olives and dried fruits. Place a selection of small plates, forks and napkins near the antipasto platter. Guests can help themselves to whichever ingredients they find most appealing on the antipasto platter.
Antipasto Ingredient List
An antipasto platter can be served as a small, first course appetizer, or if offered in larger portions, as a complete meal. Choose 4-8 items per platter, for a traditional appetizer platter, or 8-12 items if the antipasto platter is going to be served as the main meal. Many of these ingredients can be stocked ahead of time, and stored in the pantry until needed. Meats and cheeses should be purchased no more than a day or two before they are needed. Choose from among the following ingredients to create a unique antipasto platter.
- Breads: bagel crackers, pita chips, breadsticks, crackers, slices of French or Italian bread.
- Meats: prosciutto, capicola, pancetta, pepperoni, pastrami, salami, ham.
- Cheeses: wheel of brie, chunk of Parmesan, mozzarella, goat cheese, flavored feta, pecorino.
- Vegetables: marinated sun dried tomatoes, marinated roasted peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, various green and black olives, capers, small pickles, pepperoncini peppers.
- Fresh fruits: cantaloupe, honey dew, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, figs.
- Dried fruits: apricots, figs, dates, raisins, currants, cranberries.
- Miscellaneous ingredients: tapenade, fig jam, hummus, chutney.
Antipasto Platter Ideas
Here are a few ideas on how to combine specific ingredients to make a delicious, themed antipasto platter. Offer guests a selection of breads and crackers to accompany each platter.
Traditional Italian Antipasto Platter
This antipasto platter is comprised of a selection of Italian meats and cheeses, which is augmented by marinated vegetables and dressed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. After arranging the ingredients on a large platter, drizzle the antipasto with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. To top it all off, sprinkle the antipasto with a bit of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Ingredients for Italian Antipasto Platter
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Marinated roasted red bell peppers
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
- Salami
- Ham
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Gourmet Lovers Antipasto Platter
This platter is a variation on the traditional antipasto platter, mentioned above. Place a small spoon in the jar of fig jam, then place the jam in the center of the antipasto platter.
Ingredients for Gourmet Lovers Antipasto Platter
- Goat cheese
- Strong cheese such as Stilton blue
- Fig jam
- Cantaloupe
- Prosciutto
- Mixed olives
Children's Sweet Tooth Antipasto Platter
Children might not care for the strong tasting meats and cheeses offered on a traditional antipasto platter. Try putting this antipasto platter together and serve it at snack time during a slumber party, or use it as the main attraction at a child’s birthday party. If the fruit isn’t sweet enough, the children can drizzle on a small amount of honey to taste.
Ingredients for Children’s Sweet Tooth Antipasto Platter
- Grapes
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Honey
- Nutella
- Marshmallow fluff
- Graham crackers
Further Information
The Elegant Appetizers article contains recipes for making asparagus roll-ups, crab canapes and stuffed mushrooms. The Learn How-to Make Cheese Platters article has suggestions and instructional photographs for putting together an appetizer tray featuring cheese.
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