For as long as I can remember, my family has been making this antipasto platter for every Holiday. It’s a beautiful mix of meats, cheeses, and vibrant additions like olives, roasted peppers, marinated mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and juicy cherry tomatoes. This platter isn’t just a dish—it’s a tradition that brings everyone together, and it never fails to impress!
That’s the magic of a great Holiday Antipasto Platter—it’s the moment everyone looks forward to, the best part of the meal! In your family, it’s like the cocktail hour at a wedding, where the real excitement is in the picking, nibbling, and layering of flavors before the main course even begins.
Served on a huge platter, this was always the centerpiece for our Holiday table. It’s a dish that holds so many cherished memories and continues to be a family favorite. It’s the kind of spread where you have to remind yourself, Don’t fill up too much!—but you always do anyway.
While many families serve antipasto as an appetizer before sitting down, often styled today as a cheese or charcuterie board, my family dives right in at the table, savoring this spread together before the hours-long feast of course after course begins!”
The real challenge was keeping my mom from sneaking bites before everyone arrived to sit down and enjoy it together.
Along with this antipasto platter, a few dishes always make their way to our table, including Italian Stuffed Artichokes, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Homemade Manicotti. These recipes have been passed down through generations and are a labor of love that bring everyone together.
What is the difference between antipasto and charcuterie?
The primary difference between antipasto and charcuterie lies in the presentation and purpose.
Antipasto: An Italian tradition, antipasto means “before the meal.” It is meant to precede the main courses as an appetizer or first course. It’s a course that includes a variety of meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives.
Charcuterie: French in origin, charcuterie focuses primarily on cured meats like salami and is often paired with cheeses, fruits, nuts and crackers for balance. Typically served as a standalone spread for snacking or entertaining, often paired with wine or cocktails.
Can I make an antipasto platter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make an antipasto platter ahead of time! Here are some tips to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful:
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance:
- Slice the cheeses and meats a day before.
- Assemble Later:
- Arrange the platter a few hours before serving, covering it tightly with plastic wrap, store it in the fridge.
- Add Dressing Just Before Serving:
- Wait to add dressing until right before serving to keep the platter crisp and vibrant.
- Bring to Room Temperature:
- Take the platter out of the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before serving so the flavors can shine.
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Helpful Kitchen Tools:
Everyday White Classic Rim 16 inch Porcelain Serving Platter
Oneida Chefs Table Salad Servers, 1.00 LBCento Marinated Mushrooms, 12 Ounce (Pack of 12)Quartered Marinated Artichoke Hearts 12 Oz Glass JarsCENTO FOODS Peppers Red Yellow Roasted, 12 OZ365 by Whole Foods Market, Ripe Large Pitted Olives, 6 OunceAmazon Fresh, Manzanilla Pimento Stuffed Olives, 7 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)
Main Ingredients Needed:
Sliced salami, sliced dry sausage, sliced provolone, chunk provolone, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, mixed olives, lettuce, and Italian dressing.
Pair this antipasto platter with crispy bread sticks for the perfect accompaniment.
Step by Step Instructions:
1. On a large platter, lay the provolone cheese in a single layer all around the edge of the platter.
2. Roll each piece of salami and place around the platter on top of the provolone cheese.
3. Create a mound of lettuce in the center of the platter.
4. Place the sliced dry sausage in a ring around the mound of lettuce, creating a neat and visually appealing layer.
5. Evenly distribute the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, marinated mushrooms, marinated artichoke hearts, and roasted peppers around the platter. Place some of these toppings on top of the lettuce mound to add height and color to the presentation.
6. Drizzle dressing lightly over the platter just before serving, or serve it on the side so everyone can add as much as they like.
Holiday Antipasto Platter
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: no cooking
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange the Provolone: On a large platter, lay the slices of provolone cheese in a single layer around the edge.
- Roll and Place the Salami: Roll up each piece of salami and place one on top of each slice of provolone cheese.
- Build the Center: In the center of the platter, arrange the lettuce into a high mound to create a base for the other ingredients.
- Layer the Dry Sausage: Arrange the sliced dry sausage around the mound of lettuce, creating a neat ring.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Distribute the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, marinated mushrooms, marinated artichoke hearts, and roasted peppers evenly around the platter. Place some on top of the lettuce for added height and visual appeal.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Secure the lid and shake well to mix.
- Dress the Antipasto: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing evenly over the antipasto platter for a flavorful finish.
