Go Back
christmas antipasto platter ideas recipe

Holiday Antipasto Platter

This festive antipasto platter is a delicious and visually stunning spread of Italian appetizers. It features a mix of cheeses, cured meats, olives, marinated vegetables, and fresh herbs arranged into eye-catching shapes like a 3D tree or wreath. Perfect for hosting a party, this platter is simple to assemble, easy to customize, and ideal for guests to enjoy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheeses:
  • Bocconcini mozzarella
  • Gouda or cheddar cubed
  • Herbed goat cheese optional
Cured Meats:
  • Prosciutto
  • Salami
  • Soppressata or pepperoni optional
Olives and Pickles:
  • Castelvetrano olives
  • Kalamata olives
  • Marinated artichokes
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Pepperoncini
  • Semi-dried tomatoes optional
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Mini bell peppers
  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish
Other Additions:
  • Balsamic vinegar optional
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt flakes

Method
 

Prepare Your Workspace:
  1. Set up a large cutting board or round platter as your main surface.
  2. Arrange all ingredients in small bowls or on trays, within easy reach for quick assembly.
Prepare the Ingredients:
  1. Cube the gouda or cheddar cheese.
  2. Drain and pat dry the marinated artichokes, olives, and peppers to avoid excess oil pooling on the platter.
  3. Wash the cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, and fresh herbs.
  4. If using fresh mozzarella, cut it just before assembly.
Assemble the Platter:
  1. Option 1: 3D Tree:
  2. Wrap a styrofoam cone in plastic wrap to ensure it’s food-safe.
  3. Skewer a variety of ingredients (mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, marinated peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes) onto toothpicks and arrange them on the cone, alternating colors and textures for visual interest.
  4. Tuck fresh rosemary between bites to mimic pine needles.
  5. Finish the top with a cheese or bell pepper star.
  6. Brush the tree with a thin sheen of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
  7. Option 2: Wreath Skewers:
  8. Skewer items like olives, cheese, bell peppers, and cured meats onto 4.7–6 inch bamboo skewers.
  9. Arrange the skewers in a circle to form a wreath shape on the platter.
  10. Tuck rosemary sprigs as you go.
  11. Chill the wreath in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Drizzle olive oil on top just before serving.
  12. Option 3: Classic Flat Platter:
  13. Create distinct zones for cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables.
  14. Add crackers or sliced bread on the side to complete the spread.
  15. Arrange items so that the colors pop and are balanced.
Final Touches:
  1. Drizzle olive oil over the entire platter for a glossy finish.
  2. Sprinkle sea salt flakes for extra flavor.
  3. Tuck in fresh basil or more rosemary just before serving.
Serve:
  1. Make sure to place the platter off-center to allow guests to graze easily from all sides.

Notes

  • The wreath and 3D tree can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, but the fresh mozzarella should be added right before serving to maintain its freshness.
  • For vegetarian or vegan guests, swap out the meats for extra marinated vegetables or dairy-free cheeses.
  • Keep the platter refrigerated until 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.