The quintessential Italian version of a cheese board, this Antipasto Platter is the ultimate 'no cook' appetizer or even a meal. It's all about assembling together a number of tasty ingredients and then it's all snacking. One thing I like to do is create my own olive oil marinade which makes all the veggies taste extra special.
1poundassorted cured meatsprosciutto, genoa salami, capicolla, sopressatta etc.
1poundassorted cheesesI used Sottocenere al Trufula, Casatica di Buffala, gorgonzola, sliced provolone, and parmigiano reggiano chunks, and asiago
8ouncesfresh mozzarella ballscalled bocconcini, 2 cups or 24 mozzarella balls
Marinade Oil:
1/3cupolive oil
1clovegarlicminced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1tspItalian seasoningno added salt or sugar
1/2tspsea salt + 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Veggies:
16cherry tomatoesoptional see notes
24small leaves of basilsee notes
1cupdrained olives1 - 6-8 oz jar
12ouncejar roasted red peppersdrained
1cupdrained artichoke heartsfrom a 6 ounce jar
16ouncejar pickled asparagusdrained, or 16 fresh spears roasted in the oven
1/2cupsweet cherry peppers or pepperoncinidrained
Extras:
Sprigs of basil leaves and/or rosemary sprigs to decorate
6ouncecontainer honeycombuse as much or little as desired
6ouncejar fig jam or Sicilian orange marmaladeor fresh figs/sliced oranges
8ouncesassorted crackersI use Simple Mills and Blue Diamond almond
Grissinifocaccia, or sourdough
Roasted pistachios or almonds
Instructions
Start by mixing together the ingredients for the oil marinade. Divide the marinade evenly between the mozzarella balls, and all of the drained veggies.
Toss each one to combine and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes while you assemble. Or you can refrigerate them 1 day ahead of time and bring back to room temperature to 'melt' the olive oil.
If you're making the Caprese skewers pictured, alternate placing the marinated mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves onto small skewers, about 5" long.
Next assemble everything as desired on a large platter(s) or very large board. I like to break things up by having the marinated veggies and jam in individual bowls.
Then place a few cheeses on their own small wooden boards. From there fold the salami slices and place them around the veggies etc.. Then arrange everything else around these bowls and fill in the gaps.
Serve with crackers and/or the grissini or (breadsticks), focaccia, or sourdough.
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Notes
The cherry tomatoes and basil leaves are to make the Caprese skewers which are optional but fun when you're making a big board. You can omit them and just serve the marinated mozzarella. Or make skewers with some of the roasted peppers when tomatoes aren't in season.This platter is perfect for entertaining large groups for holidays and parties, but you can downsize it easily.The nutrition facts are just a basic estimate, there's no way to calculate an exact value, but just a selection of the options listed.