These Antipasto Wreath Skewers are as colorful as they are tasty! Packed with olives, cheese, peppers, and salami, they make a fun and festive snack for any gathering.
Who knew eating veggies and cheese could look this adorable? These skewers are perfect for sharing, and they disappear faster than you can say “yum!” I love serving them at parties to impress my friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cured Meats: Prosciutto, salami, and capicola are great choices here. If you want a lighter option, try turkey or chicken deli slices. Vegans can use marinated tofu or tempeh slices for a delicious alternative.
Cheese: Marinated mozzarella adds a creamy touch! If you can’t find it, feta is a good option too. For a dairy-free alternatives, consider using cashew cheese or almond-based cheese varieties.
Olives: Mixed olives bring in brininess. Feel free to substitute or use just one type based on your taste. If you’re worried about sodium, go for freshly pitted olives or use less salty varieties.
Artichoke Hearts: They add a wonderful tangy flavor. If you can’t find marinated ones, canned artichokes work just as well! To switch things up, use roasted red peppers instead for a pop of color.
How Do I Assemble the Perfect Wreath Skewers?
Assembling the skewers is all about creativity and balance! Start with a rosemary sprig for a lovely wreath effect, then build your skewer by mixing flavors and colors. The key is to keep everything uniform in size, which helps with both presentation and ease of eating.
- Always start with a sturdy item, like the cured meat or mozzarella, to anchor your skewers.
- Continue threading items so they are spaced evenly; this adds the visual appeal.
- To make serving easier, stop black olives and cheese cubes from sliding off by placing basil leaves in between.
- Remember to keep drying off any marinated components before assembling to avoid soggy skewers!
Have fun with it! Play around with your color combinations or ingredient placement to make your wreath skewers uniquely yours!
Antipasto Wreath Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 cup mixed cured meats (such as prosciutto, salami, and capicola), thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (red and yellow mixed)
- 1 cup marinated mozzarella or Italian cheese cubes (such as marinated mozzarella or feta)
- 3/4 cup mixed olives (green and black)
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and assembly)
- 1 small red onion, sliced into thin wedges (optional)
- Olive oil (for drizzling the cheese and veggies)
- Dried Italian seasoning or oregano (for sprinkling)
- Wooden skewers (8-12, depending on serving size)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these delicious Antipasto Wreath Skewers will take about 20-30 minutes. This includes rinsing, cutting, assembling, and arranging them beautifully for serving. Perfect for a quick snack or a festive appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by slicing the cured meats into bite-sized pieces or rolling them up nicely. Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and olives, cube the marinated cheese, and chop the artichoke hearts into manageable pieces. Keep your fresh basil and rosemary ready to use as well!
2. Add Some Flavor:
In a bowl, lightly drizzle the cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke pieces with olive oil. Sprinkle them with dried Italian seasoning for an extra kick of flavor. This will enhance every bite!
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Take a wooden skewer and start creating your wreath skewer. Begin with a rosemary sprig to represent the wreath’s greenery. Follow with a piece of cured meat (folded or rolled), then a basil leaf, cherry tomato, cheese cube, olive, artichoke piece, and if you like, a wedge of red onion. Continue this colorful pattern until the skewer is filled, ending with another rosemary sprig for flair.
4. Finish Up the Assembly:
Repeat the skewer assembly process for all your skewers, mixing colors and flavors to create a visually appealing presentation. This is where you can get creative!
5. Arrange and Serve:
Once all skewers are ready, arrange them on a large round serving tray or marble board in a lovely wreath shape. Place rosemary sprigs between the skewers to enhance the festive look.
6. Chill or Serve:
These skewers can be served immediately or can be chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Perfect for any gathering or special occasion!
Enjoy these vibrant and delicious Antipasto Wreath Skewers that combine traditional antipasto ingredients into a beautiful, seasonal presentation!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While marinated mozzarella is commonly used, you can substitute it with feta, provolone, or any favorite cheese. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cheese or almond-based varieties.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, try to separate the ingredients slightly to prevent sogginess, especially with the tomatoes and artichokes.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers a few hours in advance! Just assemble them and cover with plastic wrap. It’s best to keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
What Can I Use Instead of Cured Meats?
If you want a vegetarian or lighter option, you can replace cured meats with roasted vegetables, marinated tofu, or grilled chicken pieces. This allows you to keep all the flavors while catering to different dietary preferences!
