Oh, antipasto skewers – my absolute go-to when I need something quick, colorful, and guaranteed to disappear at parties! I discovered these little flavor-packed sticks years ago when I panicked before a last-minute gathering. No time to cook? No problem! Just grab whatever Italian goodies you have in the fridge and start threading. Now they’re my signature appetizer – my friends actually get disappointed if I don’t bring them!

The beauty of antipasto skewers lies in their simplicity. You’re basically creating edible rainbows with classic Italian flavors – tangy olives, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella – all conveniently speared on a stick. They take 15 minutes tops to assemble, look stunning on any platter, and let guests graze without fuss. Plus, you can customize them endlessly based on what’s in your pantry or fridge. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without them!

Why You’ll Love These Antipasto Skewers

Let me count the ways these little skewers will become your new party superheroes! First off, they’re crazy fast to make – we’re talking 15 minutes from fridge to platter. Second, they’re totally customizable based on what you’ve got. Out of olives? Toss in some pepperoncini. No mozzarella? Cubed provolone works beautifully!

But here’s my favorite part: they’re instantly impressive. Those colorful layers make people think you spent hours when really, you were just playing edible Tetris. Plus, they’re perfect for any gathering – no plates needed, no mess, just pure Italian flavor on a stick. What’s not to love?

Antipasto Skewers Ingredients

Here’s the beauty of these skewers – you only need a handful of simple ingredients to create something spectacular! The exact measurements make about 20 skewers (perfect for a party), but feel free to scale up or down. My only rule? Use the best quality you can find – it really shows in the flavor.

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (the little ones work best – try to pick similar sizes so they thread easily)
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (ciliegine) – drain those babies well or they’ll waterlog your skewers
• 1/2 cup sliced salami – I fold each slice into quarters for that cute ruffled look
• 1/2 cup sliced olives – green, black, or mixed for extra color
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (keep them whole – they’re the perfect size for skewering)
• 1/4 cup artichoke hearts (drained and quartered if they’re large)
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (slice them into strips about 1-inch wide)
• 20 small skewers or toothpicks (the 4-inch ones are my go-to)

See? Nothing fancy, just good ingredients waiting to become magic on a stick!

How to Make Antipasto Skewers

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning those beautiful ingredients into edible masterpieces! The best thing about these skewers? There’s no wrong way to make them. But here’s how I do it to get perfect results every time.

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

First, let’s get everything party-ready. Give your cherry tomatoes a quick rinse and pat dry – wet ingredients make slippery skewers! If you’re using large tomatoes, go ahead and halve them. Drain those mozzarella balls and artichoke hearts really well – I usually let them sit in a strainer for a few minutes. Fold your salami slices into cute little quarters (they look like mini party hats!). For the roasted red peppers, slice them into strips about 1-inch wide – perfect for threading.

Step 2: Assemble Skewers

Now the creative part begins! Grab your skewers and start layering. I like to mix up the order for visual interest, but always aim for balanced flavors. Maybe start with a tomato, then add salami, a basil leaf, mozzarella, and finish with an olive. Or go wild with artichoke heart, pepper, salami, then mozzarella. The key is making sure each bite has a little bit of everything. Pro tip: leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom of each skewer so people can grab them easily!

Step 3: Serve and Store

Once your skewers are assembled, arrange them on a pretty platter. I like to drizzle with a little good olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt and pepper right before serving. If you’re prepping ahead (party pro move!), cover them lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Any longer and the tomatoes might get sad. Right before serving, tuck in some extra fresh basil leaves around the platter for that gorgeous finishing touch!

Tips for Perfect Antipasto Skewers

After making these skewers more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make them foolproof! First, size matters with skewers – use 4-inch ones for easy handling, or toothpicks for bite-sized portions at cocktail parties. Second, don’t stress about exact ingredients – swap in whatever Italian goodies you love! No artichokes? Try pepperoncini. Out of mozzarella? Cubed provolone works beautifully.

Here’s my biggest tip: keep the basil fresh by adding it right before serving or tucking a damp paper towel under the platter. That way, those vibrant green leaves stay perky and aromatic!

Antipasto Skewers Variations

Here’s where you can really have fun with these skewers! My motto? “Whatever makes your Italian heart sing.” Swap out the salami for prosciutto if you’re feeling fancy – just roll those delicate slices into little cones instead of folding. Not an olive fan? Try marinated mushrooms for an earthy twist. I’ve even used grilled zucchini slices in summer when my garden overflows!

The mozzarella? Any mild cheese works – cubed provolone or fresh ricotta salata are delicious alternatives. And for a pop of heat, thread on some pepperoncini or spicy soppressata. Honestly, as long as you keep that beautiful balance of colors and textures, you can’t go wrong!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, presentation is half the fun with these skewers! I love arranging them in a circular pattern on a big wooden board with some crusty bread slices tucked around the edges – instant rustic charm. They pair perfectly with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sangiovese for wine lovers.

For cocktail parties, try standing them upright in a shallow bowl filled with dried beans or lentils – it creates this gorgeous edible bouquet effect that always gets compliments. And don’t forget little dishes of olive oil for dipping on the side!

Antipasto Skewers FAQs

Can I make antipasto skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are my favorite make-ahead party trick. Assemble them up to 4 hours before your event and just keep them chilled in the fridge. Any longer and the tomatoes might weep, making the skewers soggy. I like to drizzle the olive oil and add basil right before serving for maximum freshness.

Are antipasto skewers gluten-free?
Yes, naturally! All the classic ingredients – tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, etc. – are gluten-free. Just double-check labels on processed items like salami or marinated vegetables if you’re serving someone with celiac disease. When in doubt, stick to whole, fresh ingredients you recognize.

What cheeses work besides mozzarella?
Oh, the possibilities! Cubed provolone brings more flavor, while ricotta salata adds a nice salty bite. For parties, I sometimes use those adorable little pearl bocconcini or even goat cheese crumbles (though they’re messier to skewer). The key is choosing cheeses that hold their shape at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Just a quick heads up – these numbers are estimates since brands and ingredient sizes vary. Each skewer runs about 45 calories, with 2g protein and 3g fat. They’re naturally low in sugar (just 1g per skewer) and pack flavor without weighing you down!

Remember, nutrition changes if you swap ingredients – like using more salami or less cheese. But honestly? At parties, I focus more on the smiles than the macros. Everything in moderation, right?

Enjoy Your Antipasto Skewers!

I can’t wait to hear how your antipasto skewers turn out! Snap a photo and tag me – I love seeing your colorful creations. And hey, if you tweak the recipe in some delicious way, leave a note so we can all try your brilliant twist!

15-Minute Antipasto Skewers That Always Steal the Show

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 20 skewers 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Antipasto skewers are a simple, colorful appetizer perfect for parties. They combine classic Italian flavors on a stick for easy serving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup sliced salami
• 1/2 cup sliced olives
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup artichoke hearts
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers
• 20 small skewers

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and cut them into bite-sized pieces if needed.
2. Thread one piece of each ingredient onto skewers in any order you prefer.
3. Arrange finished skewers on a serving platter.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

• You can substitute any ingredients based on preference.
• Skewers can be made up to 4 hours ahead.
• Use toothpicks for smaller portions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: antipasto skewers, Italian appetizer, party food