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Antipasto Trays

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I love to serve Antipasto Trays when we have a gathering of family and friends. Antipasto is commonly known as the first course of a traditional Italian meal. Here in America, they might also be called a cheese and cracker tray, a charcuterie board, or simply appetizers.

Serve an Antipasto Tray - Charcuterie Board - Cheese Tray at your Next Holiday Party

The combinations are endless. Hard and soft cheeses. Cured meats. A variety of nuts. Fresh and dried fruits. An assortment of breads and crackers. Relishes, Chutneys, plus sweet and savory spreads.

Serve with your Favorite Wine - Pinot Noir - Julia's Vineyard

They can be large or simple. For as few or as many guests as you desire. Serve them on a large revolving tray, a wooden board, or on a platter.

Serve with your favorite wine such as Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Riesling. Or a nice dry red such as Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Sangiovese.

Ingredients for Antipasto Trays

Aldi Grocery always has a large selection of specialty foods during the holidays, so be sure to check there for good prices on cheese, dried meats, nuts, and more. (See the full recipe at the bottom of this post.)

Hard and Soft Cheese

Serve a Selection of Hard and Soft Cheese on the Tray

When selecting cheese for your tray, be sure to include both hard and soft cheese for variety. Also consider placement of the cheese with fruits and spreads that may go well together. I like to include at least two or three varieties of cheese for a small tray or as many as 6 for a larger tray. Again, don’t be afraid to try something new or bold, such as Blue Cheese. (As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases at the links below.)

Cured Meat for the Antipasto Trays

Antipasto Trays

Try to include at least 2-3 cured meats for your tray. Sometimes I like to roll the softer slices for a nice visual change. (As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases at the links below.)

Nuts

Serve Charcuterie Board with Nuts, Fruit, Cheese, and Sauces

An antipasto tray would not be complete without a few nuts thrown in for good measure. Pistachios with their shell on provides a nice visual and builds anticipation for the guest. Consider toasting almonds, English walnuts, or pecans. Or how about chocolate covered nuts? Or glazed or spiced nuts such as my Glazed English Walnuts. (As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases at the links below.)

Olives, Pickles, and Peppers

A Simple Tray with a Selection of Olives, Cheese, and Salami

Depending on the size of my tray, I may place olives or pickles in a small bowl on the tray. The same goes for condiments and spreads. Look for tiny dishes at garage sales or thrift stores. (As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases at the links below.)

 Fresh and Dried Fruits

Serve an Assortment of Crackers and Hard Breads on the Tray

Consider the season when planning fruits for your tray, whether they’re fresh or dried. Berries in the spring or summer. Apples and Pears in the fall. Oranges and Pomegranates in the winter. (As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases at the links below.)

Assorted Breads and Crackers

Serve an Assortment of Crackers and Crusty Bread

When it comes to breads and crackers, it almost seems like the sky is the limit. There are so many options available in today’s supermarkets. But don’t forget about homemade breads and crackers, which can be super delicious as well, such as my Sourdough Artisan Crackers or Rustic Sourdough Baguettes. I will usually serve crackers in a separate dish or two. (As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases at the links below.)

 Spreads and Condiments

Cheese and Condiments for a Tray

Don’t be afraid to try something new when planning spreads and condiments for your tray. Does that artichoke spread look interesting at the grocery store? Or maybe you have a homemade chutney or preserve you’d like to try. (As a Walmart Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases at the links below.)

Wines For An Antipasto Tray

Wine Selections for Antipasto - Charcuterie Board

Wine Suggestion

When considering wines for an Antipasto Tray or to begin a meal, you may want to start with a semi-sweet or dry white wine such as: Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a Riesling. A lighter red wine would also be nice, such as: Chianti, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, or a Merlot

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Featured Image - Recipe for Antipasto Trays

Antipasto Trays

I love to serve Antipasto Trays when we have a gathering of family and friends. Antipasto is commonly known as the first course of a traditional Italian meal. Here in America, they might also be called a cheese and cracker tray, a charcuterie board, or simply appetizers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Serving Size 8

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Ingredients 

  • Hard Cheese (Aged Cheddar, Gruyere, Smoked Gouda, Parmigiano Reggiano, Provolone, Swiss)
  • Soft Cheese (Brie, Fresh Mozzarella, Camembert, Goat, Feta)
  • Dried Meats (Cured Salami, Pepperoni, Prosciutto, Cured Ham)
  • Nuts (Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts, Chocolate Covered Almonds)
  • Olives and Pickles (Green and Black Olives, Kalamata Olives, Gherkin Pickles, Bread and Butter Pickles)
  • Fruits (Apples, Pears, Grapes, Pomegranate Seeds, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Dried Dates)
  • Crackers (Assortment of Plain, Wheat, Nutty, Pita)
  • Spreads and Condiments (Fig Jam, Cherry Preserves, Apricot Chutney, Cranberry Chutney, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Dried Tomatoes with Garlic, Artichoke Spread)

Wines to Try

  • Prosecco
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Riesling
  • Chianti
  • Pinot Noir
  • Sangiovese

Instructions

  • Antipasto Trays can be as large or as simple as you desire. Fill and arrange with your favorite cheese, dried meats, nuts, olives, fruits, crackers and spreads.
  • Serve on a large revolving tray or on a platter with your favorite wine.

 

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