Antipasto Skewers are a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of a traditional Italian antipasto platter. These skewers combine cured meats, cheeses, olives, roasted vegetables, and sometimes fresh herbs or marinated artichokes, creating a visually appealing and flavorful appetizer. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings, they’re easy to make, customizable, and portable. Each skewer delivers a balanced mix of salty, savory, tangy, and fresh flavors, making them irresistible to guests and family alike.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s versatile, colorful, and so simple to assemble. You can mix and match ingredients based on personal taste or seasonal availability. Plus, it’s a no-cook appetizer (except for any roasted vegetables), making it quick for last-minute entertaining. The skewers are visually appealing and always a hit with both kids and adults.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Perfect finger food for parties and gatherings
- Easy to customize with your favorite antipasto ingredients
- Healthy and flavorful
- Quick assembly with minimal prep work
- Great for both casual and elegant events
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0–10 minutes (if roasting vegetables)
- Total Time: 15–25 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 skewers
- Calories: ~120–150 calories per skewer (approx.)
- Course: Appetizer / Snack
- Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 12–16 small wooden or bamboo skewers
- 12–16 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 12–16 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 12–16 slices of cured meats (salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni), folded
- 12–16 pitted olives (green or black)
- 12–16 marinated artichoke hearts, halved if large
- Roasted red pepper strips (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley for garnish
- Balsamic glaze or Italian vinaigrette for drizzling (optional)
Cooking Directions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes and basil. Drain mozzarella balls and marinated vegetables if necessary.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread ingredients onto skewers in the following order or as preferred: cherry tomato, folded cured meat, mozzarella ball, olive, artichoke heart, and optional roasted pepper. Repeat until skewer is filled, leaving space at the ends for handling.
- Garnish: Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Add fresh basil leaves between skewers or sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
- Optional Dressing: Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze or Italian vinaigrette before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and drain all fresh and marinated items.
- Fold Meats: Fold or roll cured meats to fit neatly on skewers.
- Thread Skewers: Assemble cherry tomato, meat, mozzarella, olive, and artichoke (or desired combination).
- Garnish & Dress: Add herbs and optional drizzle of balsamic or vinaigrette.
- Serve: Arrange on platter and enjoy immediately.
How to Serve
Serve Antipasto Skewers cold or at room temperature as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish. They pair beautifully with Italian bread, crackers, or a light salad. These skewers are perfect for buffet-style setups or as part of a larger antipasto spread.
Recipe Tips
- Use toothpicks or short skewers for bite-sized portions
- Layer ingredients to balance flavors and colors
- Choose firm mozzarella balls to prevent squishing
- Marinate vegetables ahead of time for extra flavor
- Keep skewers refrigerated until ready to serve
Variations (Detailed)
- Vegetarian: Use roasted zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts instead of meat
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, feta cubes, and kalamata olives
- Spicy Version: Include pepperoni slices or pickled jalapeños
- Seafood Antipasto Skewers: Add cooked shrimp or smoked salmon instead of cured meats
- Caprese Skewers: Use only cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with balsamic drizzle
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store assembled skewers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Freezer: Not recommended; fresh ingredients may become soggy or lose texture.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble ingredients separately and thread skewers just before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Wooden or bamboo skewers
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving platter or tray
- Small bowl for marinating vegetables (optional)
Conclusion
Antipasto Skewers are an easy, colorful, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With endless customization options and minimal prep, they are a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines the best of Italian antipasto in a convenient, bite-sized form. Whether for parties, family gatherings, or casual snacking, these skewers bring elegance and flavor to the table without any fuss.
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto Skewers are a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of a traditional Italian antipasto platter. These skewers combine cured meats, cheeses, olives, roasted vegetables, and sometimes fresh herbs or marinated artichokes, creating a visually appealing and flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes and basil. Drain mozzarella balls and marinated vegetables if necessary.
-
Assemble Skewers: Thread ingredients onto skewers in the following order or as preferred: cherry tomato, folded cured meat, mozzarella ball, olive, artichoke heart, and optional roasted pepper. Repeat until skewer is filled, leaving space at the ends for handling.
-
Garnish: Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Add fresh basil leaves between skewers or sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
-
Optional Dressing: Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze or Italian vinaigrette before serving.
