Italian cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables
Easy Antipasto Platter
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8
1 large platter
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Easy Antipasto Platter
Italian cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables
★4.5(25)
A beautiful Italian antipasto platter with cured meats, artisan cheeses, olives, roasted peppers, and marinated artichokes. Assembled in 15 minutes.
15m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
An antipasto platter is the easiest impressive appetizer you can serve. It requires zero cooking — just smart shopping and artful arranging.
Perfect for entertaining, date nights, or grazing while watching a movie. The variety of flavors and textures keeps everyone happy.
This version of Easy Antipasto Platter has been refined through testing to ensure consistently excellent results. A well-made appetizer should make people lean forward and ask what you did. This recipe earns that reaction with a combination of texture, seasoning, and presentation that punches above its modest effort level.
Ingredients
- 4 oz sliced salami
- 4 oz sliced prosciutto
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 4 oz aged Parmesan, broken into chunks
- 1 cup mixed olives
- 1 jar (6 oz) marinated artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- Crackers and crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- 1
Select a large wooden board or platter. Place small bowls for olives and artichokes first.
- 2
Fold or roll the salami and prosciutto and arrange in clusters around the bowls.
- 3
Place cheeses in separate areas of the board, breaking Parmesan into rustic chunks.
- 4
Fill gaps with roasted peppers, extra olives, and any other pickled items.
- 5
Add crackers and bread slices around the edges and in any remaining gaps.
- 6
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Substitutions
SalamiSopressata or capocollo
Different Italian cured meats for variety
Fresh mozzarellaBurrata
Creamier and more luxurious
ProsciuttoSmoked salmon or roasted mushrooms
Smoked salmon provides a different but equally luxurious protein. Thinly sliced, well-seasoned roasted mushrooms offer a savory plant-based alternative.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Take cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Add fig jam, honey, or Marcona almonds for sweet contrast.
Vary the textures — soft cheese, hard cheese, crunchy crackers, briny olives.
Provide small plates or napkins even for finger food. Your guests will appreciate not having to juggle crumbs and drips over your furniture.
Scale down portions if serving multiple appetizers — the goal is a taste, not a full serving. Two to three bites per person per appetizer is the sweet spot.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: These can be partially prepared up to a day ahead. Do the prep work in advance and the final assembly takes just minutes, which lets you actually enjoy your own party.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (55mg) · 8 servings
Calories280
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein16g
Carbohydrates20g
Fat10g
Fiber820mg
Sugar2g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far ahead can I assemble this?
- Up to 2 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring to room temp before serving.
- How much do I need per person?
- Plan about 3-4 oz of meat and cheese total per person for an appetizer portion.
- How many appetizers should I plan per guest?
- For a cocktail-style event, plan 8 to 12 pieces per person across all appetizers. For a pre-dinner course, 3 to 5 pieces per person is usually sufficient. It is better to have a few too many than to run out early.
- Can I make this ahead?
- Most components can be prepared up to a day ahead. Store separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture and presentation. Dips and spreads often improve in flavor after a night in the fridge.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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