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boardEasyItalian

Classic Antipasto Platter

A curated spread of Italian cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments

⏱️ Prep: 20min0⏰ Total: 20min👥 Serves: 12🌡️ room_temp
✓ gluten-free
⚠️ Contains: 🥛 Dairy

Ingredients

  • 4 ozprosciutto di Parma(thinly sliced)
  • 4 ozsopressata(sliced)
  • 4 ozcoppa(sliced)
  • 4 ozParmigiano-Reggiano(broken into chunks)
  • 4 ozfresh mozzarella(torn)
  • 4 ozGorgonzola(crumbled)
  • 1 cupmarinated olives
  • 1 cupgiardiniera(drained)
  • 0.5 cupmarinated artichoke hearts
  • 0.5 cuproasted red peppers(sliced)
  • breadsticks or crostini
  • extra-virgin olive oil(for drizzling)
  • fresh basil(for garnish)

📝 Make Ahead

Meats and cheeses can be sliced a day ahead and stored wrapped. Assemble platter up to 2 hours before serving; cover with plastic wrap.

Instructions

  1. Select a large wooden board, marble slab, or platter
  2. Place small bowls for olives, giardiniera, and any wet items
  3. Arrange meats in loose folds or rosettes - don't stack flat
  4. Create clusters of each cheese type
  5. Tuck vegetables and pickled items into gaps
  6. Add breadsticks or crostini along edges
  7. Drizzle fresh mozzarella with olive oil
  8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves
  9. Serve at room temperature

💡 Pro Tips

Let meats and cheeses come to room temperature for best flavor. Arrange in odd-numbered groupings for visual appeal. Don't overcrowd - leave space for guests to serve themselves. Quality ingredients are everything - seek out authentic Italian imports.

📜 History

Antipasto ("before the meal") is the traditional first course of an Italian meal, meant to stimulate the appetite without filling diners before the pasta course. A well-composed antipasto showcases the diversity of Italian cured meats (salumi), aged and fresh cheeses, and preserved vegetables.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

proseccowineaperolcamparinegroni