What is Antipasto?
Look no further for the ultimate Italian appetizer. Antipasto consists of bite-sized portions of cured meats, olives, cheese, and assortments of other finger foods. It is the first course of a traditional Italian meal, essentially the Italian version of what the French call hors d’oeuvres. Antipasto is often served on a platter, allowing all the guests to pick and choose from it. We hope you enjoy our top picks of the best antipasto appetizers.
1. Antipasto Appetizer Bites Recipe (Simplest Antipasto)
These straightforward antipasto appetizer bites are a cinch to make. This recipe calls for pepperoni or salami, mozzarella balls, and pitted black olives. Stick one of each of these ingredients onto a toothpick and set all the antipasto appetizer bites on a serving platter. One thing’s for certain; your dinner guests are sure to devour these appetizers.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
2. Antipasto Platter (Best Antipasto Party Platter)
If you love decor then you should serve this edible centerpiece for your next dinner party. The cured meats section of the antipasto platter could consist of prosciutto, pepperoni, or coppa.
Next, add asiago cheese, mozzarella balls, olives, focaccia, and fresh vegetables. Lastly, add some pickled pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, or marinated artichokes and dipping sauces before serving.
Get the full recipe and directions from Dinner at the Zoo.
3. Antipasto Appetizer Squares (Crowd Pleasing Antipasto)
It doesn’t get much better than this; we are salivating just thinking about these antipasto appetizer squares. Imagine perfectly golden brown, buttery crescent rolls oozing with cheese. While that alone would taste good, this heavenly version of antipasto also includes ham, salami, pepperoni, and roasted red peppers.
All you need to do is press a sheet of crescent roll dough on the bottom of a greased pan, then layer the meats, cheese, and peppers on top. Seal it in with another layer of crescent roll dough.
Lastly, whisk eggs, parmesan, and a touch of pesto and use a pastry brush to spread it on top of the antipasto appetizer squares. Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with aluminum foil for the first half hour, then remove the foil and cook them the rest of the way through.
Get the full recipe and directions from Plain Chicken.
4. Antipasto Salad (Healthiest Antipasto)
Say hello to this keto-friendly antipasto recipe. We love that it features some of the best ingredients in one giant salad. This antipasto salad features romaine lettuce provolone, artichoke hearts, salami, pepperoni, red onion, olives, pepperoncini, and cherry tomatoes.
Stir it all together, add your favorite Italian dressing right before serving, and enjoy. This appetizer will certainly prepare your tastebuds for a delicious Italian entree.
Get the full recipe and directions from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
5. Antipasto Appetizer Pizza (Heartiest Antipasto)
Who could say no to an appetizer pizza? To make this recipe, simply top some raw pizza dough with provolone cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, olives, salami, and feta cheese.
Sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning on top and bake your antipasto appetizer pizza at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. If you decide to do a thinner crust instead, you only need to cook it for 12 to 18 minutes.
Get the full recipe and directions from Pillsbury.
Antipasto appetizers are the perfect vehicle for Italian ingredients such as pepperoni, olives, and mozzarella balls. If you’re in the mood for a savory appetizer, you won’t regret making one of these antipasto recipes. Leave a comment about your favorite antipasto appetizer recipe before you go!
If you like this post, we think you’ll really like our Best Arancini Recipes post.
