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Italian Holiday Antipasto Platter

Italian Antipasto Platter

This Italian antipasto platter is a classic pre-meal appetizer made with cured meats, cheeses, marinated mozzarella, olives, and vegetables. It’s simple, flexible, and designed to wake up the appetite without feeling heavy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer / Starter
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

(Serves 6 as an appetizer)
Cured Meats
  • Prosciutto thinly sliced
  • Soppressata or Italian salami sliced
  • Mortadella sliced
Cheeses
  • Fresh mozzarella or ciliegine small mozzarella balls, 8 oz
  • Provolone sliced
  • Parmigiano Reggiano shaved or chunked
Marinated Mozzarella
  • 8 oz ciliegine mozzarella balls
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
Vegetables & Extras
  • Marinated artichoke hearts
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Mixed olives Cerignola or similar
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Pepperoncini
  • Cucumber slices optional
  • Walnuts or mixed nuts
Bread
  • Crusty Italian bread sliced
  • Grissini or crackers
Finishing
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Method
 

Marinate the mozzarella
  1. Place the mozzarella balls in a small bowl. Add olive oil, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the vegetables
  1. Drain marinated artichokes and roasted red peppers. Place olives, peppers, and artichokes into small bowls to contain liquids.
Slice meats and cheeses
  1. Slice cured meats thinly. Cut provolone into slices and break Parmigiano into chunks or shavings.
Set up the board
  1. Place small bowls on the board first. Arrange cheeses from mild to strong. Add meats in loose folds or small piles for easy grabbing.
Fill in the gaps
  1. Add cherry tomatoes, nuts, and fresh vegetables to fill empty spaces and add color.
Add bread last
  1. Place bread and crackers around the edges or serve them separately to keep them crisp.
Finish and serve
  1. Lightly drizzle olive oil over vegetables and cheeses just before serving.

Notes

  • This platter is meant to be flexible. Swap vegetables or meats based on season or availability.
  • Always prioritize quality over quantity. Fewer good ingredients work better than many average ones.
  • Refresh the board during serving to keep it looking full and inviting.