Turn a classic Mediterranean appetizer into portable skewers with Antipasto Bites! This recipe is bursting with vibrant flavors, featuring savory prosciutto, tangy olives, and creamy mozzarella. It will impress all your guests at any dinner party, picnic, or holiday get-together.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick & easy: Antipasto bites take only 10 minutes from start to finish. Plus, no cooking is involved, so they couldn’t be easier to throw together!
- Versatile serving options: Charcuterie skewers are perfect for summer gatherings or as a festive holiday appetizer.
- Customizable: It’s easy to adapt these skewers with your favorite ingredients. Switch up the cheese varieties, olives, meats, and herbs to whatever you prefer or have available.
A Mediterranean classic
These antipasto bites are my favorite appetizer when I need an impressive dish that takes little time and effort. Not only do they look elegant and sophisticated, but they are full of vibrant colors and flavors.
Each one has layers of salty prosciutto, tangy olives, fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. All you have to do is cut the ingredients and pop them onto skewers!
Drizzled with a herb-infused balsamic dressing, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Whenever a platter of charcuterie skewers is on the menu, it’s always the first to go! Enjoy them on their own or with other Mediterranean appetizers like prosciutto and melon, cheese-stuffed olives, and fried halloumi.
Ingredients & substitutions
- Grape tomatoes: Add a burst of juiciness and a pop of color. You can swap grape tomatoes for cherry tomatoes if you’d like.
- Kalamata olives: Bring a rich, briny flavor. If you don’t have Kalamata olives, use other varieties like Amfissa, Mission, Castelvetrano, Cerignola, or Taggiasca olives.
- Green olives: Use any green olive variety you prefer to add a bright, tangy contrast. If you don’t have green olives, swap in other pickled vegetables for a twist.
- Prosciutto: Known for its salty, rich, and savory notes, prosciutto makes the perfect addition. Thinly sliced ham makes a great substitute.
- Salami: Adds an extra rich, meaty element. Chorizo or pepperoni are good alternatives.
- Fresh mozzarella: Provides a creamy and mild element to balance the savory, salty ingredients. Freshly cubed mozzarella and mozzarella balls both work. Alternatively, feta cubes can be used for a sharper taste.
- Basil: It’s best to use Genovese basil for antipasto bites. You can also use fresh mint leaves.
- Artichoke hearts: Add a tangy and tender component. I prefer marinated artichoke hearts, but artichoke hearts in water will also work. Pickled asparagus or roasted red peppers are great substitutes.
- Balsamic glaze: Gives the dressing a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory skewer ingredients. Use reduced balsamic vinegar as an alternative.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, smooth flavor to the dressing. I suggest extra-virgin olive oil for the ideal taste, but avocado oil or any other neutral vegetable oil can be used.
- Dried basil: For an earthy, aromatic touch in the dressing. Dried oregano or Italian seasoning can also be used.
How to make antipasto bites
- Prepare the ingredients: Fold the salami into quarters, cut the mozzarella into cubes if you aren’t using mozzarella balls, and halve the artichoke hearts. Don’t cut the ingredients too small, or they will be difficult to skewer.
- Build the skewers: Carefully add one of each ingredient onto the skewers.
- Make the dressing: Whisk the olive oil, balsamic glaze, dried basil, and salt in a bowl until the olive oil is emulsified. You can taste and adjust the herbs or salt if needed.
- Drizzle: Generously drizzle the dressing over the antipasto bites before serving. Enjoy!
Serving suggestions
For a full Mediterranean spread, serve your antipasto bites before pasta mains like creamy orzo pasta, lemon basil pasta salad, one pot creamy sausage pasta with spinach, and tortelloni.
They also go well with cheesy Italian meatball sliders recipe, Mediterranean pizza, and Italian shaved zucchini salad with feta. For a refreshing drink pairing, add an Aperol Spritz to the side.
Frequently asked questions
Of course! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meats and add more veggies, store-bought vegan meat replacements, marinated tofu cubes, or olives.
To make kid-friendly charcuterie skewers, opt for mild cheese and meats. Mozzarella, Provolone, and mild cheddar work well. As for the meats, try turkey breast, roast beef, or ham.
Yes, making antipasto bites dairy-free is easy! Choose a vegan or lactose-free cheese variety. There are so many options at most grocery stores nowadays.
Storage
Keep your antipasto bites fresh by following these simple storage and preparation tips:
- Fridge: Keep the skewers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing the skewers as it will alter the texture too much.
- Make ahead: Antipasto bites are the perfect appetizer to make ahead of time! You can assemble the skewers a few hours up to a few days before you want to serve them. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container, then let them come to room temperature and drizzle them with the balsamic glaze just before serving.
Variations
- Meat options: Experiment with different cured meats like salami, capicola, or bresaola. For a seafood variation, try grilled shrimp instead.
- Other additions: Include roasted red peppers, tortellini, mushrooms, or stuffed olives.
- Dressing variations: Try different vinaigrettes like raspberry, lemon-herb, or mint-cucumber.
- Fruit: Add a sweet element by incorporating fruits like grapes, cubed melon, or figs.
Top tips
- Olive quality: Use the highest quality olives you can find. Also, make sure they’re pitted so you can properly skewer them.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the skewers for about an hour before serving for the most refreshing yet vibrant taste.
- Dressing: Drizzle the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
- Skewer size: Use medium-sized skewers for easy handling.
- Safety: If you’re serving these to children, make sure the skewer ends are not too sharp. You can use blunt-ended skewers instead.
Looking for more Italian recipes?
If you enjoyed these antipasto bites, check out some more of my Italian favorites like these:
If you try these Antipasto Bites, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites
Ingredients
- 12 grape tomatoes
- 12 Kalamata olives
- 12 green olives
- 6 slices prosciutto, halved
- 6 slices salami, folded
- 12 1 inch fresh mozzarella, or use mozzarella balls
- 12 leaves basil
- 6 marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Fold the salami into quarters. Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1 inch cubes unless you’re using mozzarella balls, half the artichoke hearts. Don’t cut too small or they will be difficult to skewer.
- Add 1 piece of ingredients onto the wooden skewers.
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic glaze, dried basil and salt, whisk together, then drizzle on the assembled skewers before serving. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply