Antipasta Skewers

These easy Antipasta Skewers are a delicious cold make-ahead appetizer that are always a crowd pleaser. Perfect for the holidays, summer parties or watching Super Bowl. Included are secrets for the tastiest and most affordable way to make an appetizer on a stick. 

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What Does Antipasto Mean {aka Antipasta}

The literal definition of Anitpasto means “before the meal” and its purpose is designed to stimulate the appetite. In Italy Anitpasto is usually composed of cured meats, cheese, Bruschetta, olives, artichoke hearts, vegetables and bread.

Antipasta, on the other hand is the Americanized version of Antipasto. Basically in both countries it boils down to an appetizer served before the main meal.

Antipasti vs Antipasto

Antipasti is the plural of Antipasto and refers to multi portions whereas Antipasto is one portion.

When and Why to Serve Antipasta Skewers

Serving Anitpasta Skewers have perks such as being a very easy appetizer to assemble and a beautifully festive addittion to any party. Additionally, there is significantly less touching because your guests are able to pick up one toothpick that is loaded with delicious choices.  This makes for less time standing around the appetizer table.

Here are a few ideas of when to serve this delicious appetizer.

• Summer Parties
• Girls Night In
• Book Club or Bunko Parties
• Christmas Parties
• New Year’s Eve
• Family Dinners
• Baby Showers
• Bridal Showers
• Summer BBQ’s

Toothpicks Used

For this Antipasta Skewers recipe I used 6 inch bamboo toothpicks. 6 inches is a perfect length to incorporate 2 olives, 2 pieces of cured meats, a piece of cheese, a grape tomato, half of an artichoke heart and basil leaves. Additionally, these bamboo toothpicks can be washed, air dried and reused.

Keeping Antipasta Skewers Affordable

Anyone who has made a Charcuterie Board knows how expensive it can become. These Antipasta Skewers are an easy and delicious way to keep the cost at a minimal when making appetizers. Here are some tips to help make this appetizer even more affordable.

1. Buy the mozzarella in block form and cut it yourself. As beautiful as mozzarella balls are, they can become incredibly costly when making these skewers for many people.
2. Use dry herbs. Fresh herbs absolutely can be used for the balsamic marinade, but dried herbs are generally much more wallet friendly because one jar will last for multiple recipes.
3. You can not beat the value of Costco for items such as cured meats, olives, cheese and grape tomatoes. Not only does Costco have high quality items, they are also just so much more affordable.

Ingredients

Balsamic Marinade

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil– In a nutshell, a good quality olive oil will have an expiration date. Here is a much more in-depth look at how to purchase a good quality olive oil.
• Balsamic Vinegar– A good quality balsamic vinegar can make a huge difference in the taste of a dish. However, finding a good quality balsamic can be challenging. Here are three options; High End Balsamic, Mid Range Balsamic and Moderate Priced Balsamic. Note: The recipe was written for a balsamic vinegar purchased from Costco. However, when using high end balsamic vinegars it is important to start with small amounts because it will be much more powerful of a vinegar than what can be purchased in most US grocery stores. 
• Garlic– I highly recommend to use fresh crushed or minced garlic. As a garlic lover I can immediately tell the difference in quality when fresh is used.
• Salt– I use Maldon’s Sea Salt Flakes for everything from cooking to baking and of course as a finishing salt.
• Dried Rosemary and Oregano– When purchasing dried rosemary it often works best to grind the herb before cooking with it. Because of this I keep small coffee grinder on hand just for grinding dried rosemary and fennel.

Antipasta Skewers

• Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese– This particular type of mozzarella will hold up very well to being marinated and threaded onto a bamboo skewer. Additionally, buying it in block form and cutting the pieces is a much more economical way to make this appetizer.
• Grape Tomatoes– This type of tomato holds up very well compared to cherry tomatoes.
• Black Olives– Medium or large sized Lindsay ripe pitted black olives works perfect for this appetizer.
• Italian Green Olives (Castelvetrano Green Olives)– These Italian olives are literally my favorite. They are not as zippy in flavor as Kalamata olives and yet have a bit more of a zippiness than black olives. Many Costcos do carry this type of olive. However, if unavailable at Costco you can also buy them here.
• Cured Meats– I used Toscano Salami and Uncured Pepperoni. However, any type of Italian cured meats may be used.
• Baby Artichoke Hearts– Drain and then cut each individual artichoke heart in half. Use a half of an artichoke heart for each skewer.
• Basil Leaves– I purchased two healthy basil plants from the grocery store and then removed the largest leaves. Depending on the size of the plant, a third may be needed.

How To Make

1. In a medium sized mixing bowl whisk together the oil, balsamic, garlic, salt and herbs. Note: If using dried rosemary that is not already ground, use a small coffee grinder to easily grind. I keep one on hand to only grind dried rosemary and fennel seeds. 
2. Cube the cheese into bite size pieces and add to the balsamic mixture. Mix well and marinate for 1-2 hours.
3. Once cheese is fully marinated drain Artichoke hearts and cut in half. Drain olives, wash tomatoes and basil leaves.
4. Hold the base of the toothpick between your thumb and pointer finger. Use your other hand to thread the toothpick with a green olive.
5. Fold the pepperoni into 1/4’s and thread onto the toothpick along with the cheese.
6. Next fold a large basil leaf into 1/4′ s and add to the toothpick along with a grape tomato, a folded piece of salami, an artichoke heart, more basil and a black olive.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can these be made?

These skewers can be made 12 hours in advance of serving (or in other words the night before). However, for peak freshness make a few hours before serving.

How long will these Antipasta Skewers last?

Antipasts Skewers will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Also, leftovers make a delicious light lunch.

Where is the best place to buy the meats and cheeses?

Without a shadow of a doubt Costco will have the best price on the block of mozzarella cheese and cured meats.

Should the olives be marinated?

I recommend to not marinade the green olives because they have an amazing flavor on their own. However,  plain Lindsay black olives taste wonderful in this homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Can fresh herbs be used?

Fresh herbs can absolutely be used for this recipe. Replace both herbs with 2 tablespoons each of freshly chopped rosemary and oregano.

More Delicious Appetizers for Your Buffet Table

Spinach Pinwheels

Burrata Caprese

Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Lemon Artichoke Dip

Simple White Bean Dip

Festive Cheese Ball