Name: Antipasto Platter
Prep time: PT-489545H15M30S
Total time: PT-489545H15M30S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Cured meats ( salami, soppressata, capicola); Cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan chunks, gorgonzola); Marinated vegetables (artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, mushrooms); Olives (green, black, or mixed); Cherry or grape tomatoes; Pickled items (pepperoncini, cornichons, giardiniera); Crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette; Olive oil or balsamic glaze, for drizzling; Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or rosemary)

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An Antipasto Platter is the ultimate no-cook appetizer board, overflowing with cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, olives, and more. It’s all about variety, texture, and bold Mediterranean flavors—and I love putting one together for gatherings, picnics, or a laid-back dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how effortless yet elegant an antipasto platter feels. It requires no cooking, just good ingredients arranged beautifully. I can customize it based on what I have, and it’s always a hit. Whether I’m entertaining or just throwing something together for myself, it’s a fun and flavorful way to eat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cured meats ( salami, soppressata, capicola)
Cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan chunks, gorgonzola)
Marinated vegetables (artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, mushrooms)
Olives (green, black, or mixed varieties)
Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
Pickled items (pepperoncini, cornichons, giardiniera)
Crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette
Olive oil or balsamic glaze for drizzling
Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or rosemary)

Directions

I start by selecting a large board or platter with enough space to spread things out.
I place the cheeses and meats first, spacing them around the board.
I fill in gaps with bowls of olives, marinated vegetables, and pickled items.
I add crackers or sliced bread in small stacks or fanned-out sections.
I drizzle some olive oil or balsamic over the veggies or cheese and garnish with fresh herbs.
I serve the platter at room temperature so everything tastes its best.

Servings and timing

A standard antipasto platter serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to assemble, depending on how elaborate I make it.

Variations

I add fresh fruit like grapes or figs for sweetness.
Nuts like almonds or pistachios give extra crunch.
For a vegetarian version, I skip the meats and load up on extra cheese and vegetables.
I sometimes include dips like hummus or pesto for more variety.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in separate containers to keep everything fresh. Meats and cheeses go back in the fridge, and marinated items keep well in sealed jars. Since nothing needs reheating, it’s easy to pull things out and enjoy again later.

FAQs

Can I make the platter ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble everything (except bread) a few hours ahead and wrap the platter tightly in plastic wrap. I add the bread just before serving so it doesn’t get stale.

What cheeses work best?

I like to include a mix: soft (mozzarella), semi-soft (provolone), and hard (Parmesan). A blue cheese adds a nice bold note too if I want to mix things up.

How do I keep things from sliding around?

I use ramekins or small bowls for messy items and place heavier items like cheese or meats in first to anchor the board. Folding or rolling the meats also helps them stay put.

Can I serve this as a meal?

Definitely. I’ve made large antipasto platters as a main dish, especially during the summer. I just add more bread, a few dips, and maybe a side salad to make it complete.

Do I need a fancy board?

Not at all. I’ve used cutting boards, large platters, or even baking sheets in a pinch. The arrangement and ingredients are what really matter.

Conclusion

An Antipasto Platter is my go-to for effortless entertaining. It’s colorful, customizable, and full of bold, satisfying flavors. Whether I’m hosting a crowd or making a dinner-for-one situation feel special, this platter always delivers.