Best Antipasto Plate Recipes
ROASTED VEGETABLES ANTIPASTO PLATE
This antipasto platter goes way past jarred peppers and cold cuts, with roasted vegetables that change with the seasons. Even at room temp, these options round out any meat and cheese platter.
Categories Bon Appétit Appetizer Anchovy Cauliflower Carrot Lemon Breadcrumbs Hors D'Oeuvre snack
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Drain anchovies and finely chop. Smash, alternating between chopping and mashing with the side of the chef's knife, until a thick smooth paste forms. Mix with 4 Tbsp. oil in a large bowl. Toss in cauliflower; season very lightly with salt and pepper. Spread out on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss carrots, oregano, and 2 Tbsp. oil on another rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Place carrots on upper rack and cauliflower below and roast, tossing halfway through, until carrots are browned and crisp-tender, 14-18 minutes. Remove carrots from oven and grate lemon zest over. Move cauliflower to upper rack and continue to roast, tossing occasionally, until browned all over and tender, 15-20 minutes longer.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a small skillet over medium. Cook panko, stirring, until golden brown. Season lightly with salt and transfer to paper towels to drain.Just before serving, drizzle carrots with oil and toss cauliflower with breadcrumbs.
- Do Ahead
- Cauliflower and carrots can be roasted 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.
ANTIPASTO PLATE
Categories Appetizer
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Arrange all items on a large serving platter. Depending on how artistic you want to be, allow 15-30 minutes for arranging, as well as about 10 minutes for washing, peeling, chopping and slicing.Serve with some sliced crusty bread. Notes: * Make use of your local deli to further reduce the workload. * Cannot over-stress the importance of good quality sausages, particularly if this is to be a breakfast dish. Consider substituting ham off the bone for the spicy meats if you and/or your guests have delicate constitutions. * I like to slow roast tomatoes � they are a much smoother flavour than the semi-dried type. Cut four tomatoes (e.g Roma) in quarters, toss in two tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with some brown sugar and roast at 150C for 1-1.5 hours.
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Antipasto Plate Recipes: A Guide to Italian Culinary Culture
When it comes to Italian cuisine, antipasto plate recipes are one of the most beloved traditional dishes that define the country's culinary identity. These appetizer plates made up of a variety of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives are a perfect way to kick off any meal, providing a flavorful taste of Italy's rich culinary heritage.
The Origins of Antipasto
The word "antipasto" derives from the Latin words "ante" and "pastus," meaning "before the meal." This description signifies that antipasto is an appetizer that comes before the main course. The dish has its roots in ancient Roman cuisine, where aperitif plates were served to stimulate the appetite before dinner.
With the rise of Christianity in Europe during the Middle Ages, meat was prohibited during the majority of fasting periods. As a way of keeping up their meat consumption outside of these times, Italians started to eat cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and sausages in small quantities as an appetizer - eventually leading to the creation of the antipasto platter.
The Elements of a Classic Antipasto Plate
The beauty of an antipasto plate lies in its simplicity. While the exact ingredients may vary depending on the region or family recipes, many recipes for this appetizer typically combine a variety of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives. Here are some of the most common components:
- Cured Meats: This often includes traditional Italian meats such as prosciutto, salami, capocollo, mortadella, and pepperoni.
- Cheeses: Cheeses with strong flavors that can stand up to the bold flavors of the meats and vegetables are usually selected. Cheeses such as provolone, mozzarella, asiago, fontina, and gorgonzola are most popular.
- Marinated Vegetables: Artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and eggplant are examples of vegetables that often feature on antipasto plates.
- Olives: Olives are an essential element of the antipasto plate. Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and Cerignola olives are some of the most common types of olives used.
- Bread and Crackers: No antipasto plate is complete without crusty bread, grissini, or crackers to provide a crunchy contrast to the soft meats and cheeses.
Variations on the Classic Antipasto Plate
While the traditional antipasto plate is delicious, there are plenty of exciting variations that include additional or alternative ingredients:
- Seafood antipasto: A variation of the classic antipasto plate that incorporates seafood such as shrimp, calamari or anchovies.
- Vegetarian antipasto: Most antipasto platters include meat and cheese, but a vegetarian antipasto plate can be just as satisfying. Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes or asparagus, and a variety of cheeses work especially well in a vegetarian antipasto plate.
- American antipasto: While the traditional antipasto typically includes Italian meats and cheeses, the American version can feature deli-style meats such as ham, turkey, and roast beef, and cheddar and jack cheese along with the usual vegetables.
Serving the Antipasto Plate
The antipasto plate is traditionally served family-style on large platters or wooden cutting boards, with guests able to choose what they'd like to try. Small plates or napkins are provided for guests to use in assembling their perfect bite. It's essential to provide a separate knife and fork for each component, so guests can cut the meats and cheeses into the desired size and shape.
Regardless of what the recipe includes, the antipasto plate remains a quintessential element of Italian cuisine, bringing together an array of flavors, textures, and colors that offer a glimpse into the vibrant culinary culture of this country.
Tip 1: Consider the Occasion
Before you start putting together your antipasto plate, consider the occasion. Is it a casual get-together with friends, or a formal event like a wedding or anniversary? The occasion will help you determine what foods to include on your antipasto plate. For casual events, you can go for a fun, eclectic mix of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats. For more formal events, you may want to stick to more refined and sophisticated options, such as premium cheeses, delicate charcuterie, and seasonal fruits.Tip 2: Choose a Variety of Flavors and Textures
One of the keys to a great antipasto plate is variety. You want to include a range of flavors and textures to keep your guests interested and excited. Consider including items that are salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy. You should also include items with different textures, such as soft cheeses, crunchy vegetables, and chewy meats.Example of a variety of flavors and textures:
- Salty: olives, prosciutto, aged cheese
- Sweet: roasted red peppers, figs, honeycomb
- Tangy: pickles, marinated artichokes, capers
- Spicy: salami, hot peppers, mustard
Tip 3: Use Fresh and Seasonal Ingredients
For the best flavor and presentation, use fresh and seasonal ingredients when possible. Not only will your antipasto plate look and taste better, but it will also be more cost-effective. Using ingredients that are in season also ensures that your antipasto plate is unique to the time of year you're serving it. For example, in the fall, you could include roasted squash, pears, and cranberries, while in the summer, you could use fresh berries, stone fruit, and tomatoes.Tip 4: Plate Your Antipasto with Care
When it comes to plating your antipasto, remember that presentation is key. Take the time to arrange your items in an appealing way, using different heights, colors, and textures. You can also use garnishes or fresh herbs to add a pop of color and flavor. Ideally, you want your antipasto plate to look inviting and encourage your guests to try a little of everything.Example of plating care:
- Use a large, shallow platter or wooden board
- Arrange items in groups or clusters
- Include at least two or three different cheeses
- Add some fresh fruit or berries for color and sweetness
- Include a variety of crackers, bread, or crostini for texture