Antipasto platters are the perfect first course meals for any type of dinner. This platter is a traditional Italian meal, in which a platter is filled with various meats, vegetables, cheeses, nuts, fruits, dressings and breads, and served before the main meal. Antipasto means “before the meal” in Italian, and the platter is shared among the guests.

 

An antipasto platter creates a relaxed and friendly spirit to a gathering while the guests have a conversation before their meal. It savors great food at any dinner or cocktail party. The trick on making it perfect is by keeping the platter as colorful and organized as possible. You can cut the vegetables and pickles in similar symmetrical shapes, according to your choice.  You can serve anything you have at home on this platter, and don’t necessarily have to run to the grocery store to fill it. Follow this recipe to set the right antipasto platter for your dinner:

 

Ingredients

 

  • 1 pound of assorted meats in slices (like salami, turkey breast, mortadella, prosciutto, sopressata, capocollo, prosciutto, and bresaola)
  • 1 loaf focaccia bread
  • A variety of cheese (like Parmigiano Reggiano, blue cheese, Pecorino, goat cheese, cottage cheese, provolone by Auricchio, pecorino or mozzarella)
  • Honey
  • Figs
  • Olives
  • Semi-dried tomatoes
  • Eggplant (optional)
  • Lettuce
  • Grapes
  • Breadsticks
  • Roasted nuts (like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pine nuts)
  • Pickles
  • Olive oil (or dressing of your choice)

 

Method

 

  1. Set a large serving tray or platter for the food to be arranged on. You can even use a wood plank to layer and arrange the food.

 

  1. Spread the leaves of the lettuce around the platter, and sprinkle some salt, oregano, and dressing of your choice over it.

 

  1. Add a layer of meat on top of it. Sprinkle garlic powderover it.

 

  1. Arrange the pickles on one side of the platter, and the fruits on the other.

 

  1. Add the nuts over these different foods.

 

  1. Set the cheeses with a knife at the end of the platter, from where the guests can cut and choose which one to take.

 

  1. Place the breads on the platter artistically.

 

  1. Refrigerate the platter for 30 minutes, and serve!