Antipasto Ideas Your Tastebuds Will Love
If you enjoy antipasto, today I’m sharing some of my favorite antipasto ideas your tastebuds will love. From caprese skewers to antipasto-inspired flatbread, there are so many ways to enjoy this Italian antipasto appetizer, that satisfies like an entire meal.
Antipasto is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the country’s southern regions and is a staple of Italian meals. The word “antipasto” means appetizer in Italian and is served before the main course.
Antipasto typically has a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, bread, and other small bites served on a platter. It really can be a meal all by itself, and quite an impressive appetizer, especially around the holidays.
Growing up in an Italian family, I have eaten a great deal of antipasto, and have tried lots of Mediterranean nibbles. Now I enjoy incorporating antipasto ideas into my meals at home by adding antipasto-inspired ingredients into the foods we enjoy. Here are a few of my favorites!
Antipasti Platter With Cheeses, Meats and Vegetables
I think this classic meat, cheese, and vegetable platter is what comes to mind when I think of antipasto.
Here are some more antipasto ideas:
- Cured meats: including prosciutto, salami, and coppa.
- Cheeses: such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
- Olives: such as Kalamata, green, and black olives.
- Roasted vegetables: like artichokes, peppers, and eggplant.
- Pickled vegetables: such as onions, beets, and mushrooms.
- Nuts: such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios.
- Dips and spreads: like pesto, olive tapenade, and fig jam.
- Fresh fruits: such as grapes, figs, and melon.
- Crackers and breads: like crostini, breadsticks, and flatbread.
These are just a few ideas but feel free to mix them up to create your own unique antipasto platter.
Antipasto Inspired Salad – Cucumbers, Mozzarella, and Tomatoes
If you’re looking for lighter antipasto ideas, then consider an antipasto salad. This salad includes cucumber, tomato, and fresh mozzarella, topped with fresh basil. You can pair it with a light vinegarette dressing and some melon slices for a perfectly light summer meal.
Antipasto platter vs. charcuterie board – what’s the difference?
An antipasto platter is a traditional Italian starter course that typically includes cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, cheeses, and bread.
A charcuterie board is a French-inspired spread with various cured meats, pâtés, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers. It typically has artisan cheeses, and high-end meats, like bresaola, an air-dried, salted beef, or slow-cooked duck legs.
Cherry Tomato-Mozzarella Caprese Antipasto Skewers
If you’re looking for individual serving antipasto ideas these caprese skewers are a nice idea. This appetizer includes prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. But you can add a variety of items and mix up the ingredients to create colorful antipasto skewers that your family and guests will love. Just alternate the ingredients on the skewers for an appealing presentation. Here are a few ingredients you can consider.
- Olives
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms
- Prosciutto, peppered ham or salami
- Roasted red peppers
- Artichoke hearts
- Cucumber slices
- Balsamic glaze or pesto for drizzling
Prosciutto, Arugula and Fresh Mozzarella Antipasto Flatbread
These days so many restaurants have added flatbreads to their menus and this antipasto flatbread is a delicious one I have made at home. This comes together easily when using store-bought bread flats and then adding your own toppings.
For this one, I used parma prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and red roasted peppers. It was baked for about 15 minutes, until the cheese melted, and topped with Roland balsamic glaze, which I also use with my antipasto skewers.
More Antipasto Ideas for Flatbread
Antipasto flatbreads are a fun, crowd-pleasing way to serve up all the delicious flavors of an Italian antipasto platter on a crisp, shareable base. Here are some creative ideas and topping combinations:
Classic Antipasto Flatbread
Base: Olive oil, garlic, shredded mozzarella
Toppings:
- Sliced salami or pepperoni
- Chopped artichoke hearts
- Roasted red peppers
- Kalamata olives (halved)
- Pepperoncini slices
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Shaved parmesan
Finish: Fresh basil, drizzle of balsamic glaze
Prosciutto & Fig Antipasto Flatbread
Base: Olive oil, thin layer of ricotta
Toppings:
- Prosciutto slices
- Sliced fresh or dried figs
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Arugula
Finish: Cracked black pepper, drizzle of honey
Vegetarian Antipasto Flatbread
Base: Pesto or sun-dried tomato spread
Toppings:
- Grilled zucchini or eggplant
- Roasted red peppers
- Marinated mushrooms
- Sliced olives
- Fresh mozzarella
Finish: Chopped parsley, lemon zest
Spicy Italian Flatbread
Base: Tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella
Toppings:
- Spicy soppressata or calabrese salami
- Hot cherry peppers
- Roasted garlic cloves
- Red onion
- Artichoke hearts
Finish: Red pepper flakes, fresh oregano
Build-Your-Own Antipasto Flatbread Bar
Set out a variety of flatbread bases and bowls of antipasto toppings such as:
- Cured meats (salami, prosciutto, capicola)
- Cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, feta, parmesan)
- Marinated veggies (artichokes, mushrooms, peppers, olives)
- Spreads (pesto, tomato sauce, garlic oil)
Let everyone create their own custom flatbread!
- Bake or grill the flatbread until crisp, then add delicate toppings (like arugula or prosciutto) after baking.
- Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Burrata, Red Roasted Peppers, Prosciutto and Basil Antipasto
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft, creamy texture and a mild flavor. Add some red roasted peppers marinated in olive oil, and thinly sliced prosciutto with fresh basil from the garden, and you have the makings of a delicious antipasto plate.
You may also enjoy:
More Antipasto Ideas for Platters
An antipasto platter is a traditional Italian appetizer featuring a variety of savory bites. You can mix and match ingredients based on your preferences, but here are some classic and popular options:
Meats
- Prosciutto
- Salami (such as Genoa or Sopressata)
- Capicola (Coppa)
- Mortadella
- Peppered ham
Cheeses
- Fresh mozzarella or bocconcini
- Provolone
- Parmigiano-Reggiano (shaved or chunks)
- Pecorino Romano
- Gorgonzola or other blue cheese
Vegetables (often marinated or pickled)
- Roasted red peppers
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Grilled or marinated mushrooms
- Marinated olives (green and/or black)
- Pepperoncini or other pickled peppers
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes
Other Additions
- Red grapes or melon slices
- Fig paste or a tapenade
- Pickled onions
- Capers
Bread & Crackers
- Sliced baguette or Italian bread
- Breadsticks (grissini)
- Crostini or crackers
Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze
Tips:
- Arrange everything on a large platter or board.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavors.
- Mix textures and colors for visual appeal.
Enjoy your antipasto platter!