There’s something magical about gathering around a big wooden board filled with vibrant, flavorful bites — and that’s exactly what the Italian Antipasto Platter is all about.
“Antipasto” means “before the meal” in Italian — but let’s be honest, this colorful spread could be the meal! It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer evenings, backyard get-togethers, or even a simple weekend on the farm. Each bite brings something different: salty, sweet, creamy, crunchy — all packed with that cozy, old-world charm.
Let’s walk through what makes this platter special, plus how to build your own with fresh, simple ingredients.
What's on a Classic Italian Antipasto Platter?
You can customize your board to your heart’s content, but here are the traditional stars:
🧀 Cheeses
- Fresh mozzarella – soft, milky, and pairs beautifully with tomatoes or olives
- Aged provolone – sharp and firm with a nutty bite
- Parmesan wedges – for that salty crumble you can snack on
🥩 Cured Meats
- Prosciutto – thin, silky slices of dry-cured ham
- Salami – peppery and bold
- Capicola – tender and slightly spicy
🥒 Marinated Veggies & Add-ons
- Grilled artichokes
- Roasted red peppers
- Marinated olives
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pepperoncini or banana peppers
- Garlic scapes (lightly pickled or sautéed — farm-fresh tip!)
🍞 Breads & Spreads
- Crusty Italian bread or sliced baguette
- Olive oil + balsamic vinegar for dipping
- Optional: hummus, tapenade, or sun-dried tomato pesto
How to Make a Simple Antipasto Platter at Home
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional if sautéing garlic scapes or warming bread)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients:
4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 4 oz aged provolone, cubed
- 4 oz parmesan, broken into chunks
- 4 oz prosciutto
- 4 oz salami
- 4 oz capicola
- 1 cup marinated olives
- 1/2 cup grilled artichokes
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini or banana peppers
- Optional: sautéed garlic scapes or pickled ones
- 1 small loaf of Italian bread, sliced
- Olive oil + balsamic for dipping
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or basil) for garnish.
Instructions:
- Slice and prep: Cut cheeses and meats into bite-sized pieces or thin slices.
- Warm the bread (optional): Lightly toast or warm in the oven for 3–5 minutes.
- Sauté garlic scapes (optional): Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic scapes for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
- Assemble the board: On a large wooden board or platter, start with the cheeses and meats in sections.
- Fill the gaps: Add bowls or piles of olives, peppers, artichokes, and tomatoes.
- Add bread & dips: Place sliced bread and small bowls of olive oil + balsamic on the side.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs for that farm-fresh finish.
From the Farm Table to Yours
Whether you're hosting friends, enjoying a sunset picnic, or just craving something rustic and delicious, the Italian Antipasto Platter brings people together. The beauty of this dish is in the simplicity, and how easily you can add your farm-fresh flair with homemade pickles, fresh herbs, or seasonal veggies.
Love farm-to-table recipes like this?
Follow us at @https://www.facebook.com/pinemountainfarm/ for more cozy meals, fresh-from-the-garden tips, and simple ways to bring the farm life into your home kitchen.
🌾 Fresh. Simple. Seasonal. That’s the Pine Mountain way.
