Meats. Salamipepperoni, summer sausage, parma ham, prosciutto crudo di parma and some kinds of bacon and bologna are cured meats for any perfect antipasto platter.
Cheeses. Consider using a variety of cheese flavors and shapes. Cheese cubesslices, and rounds, blue cheese all work well and can be created in bite sized pieces. As an example, you might choose to include Italian cheeses like parmigiano reggiano.
Preserved vegetables. Beyond pickled cucumbersyou might choose to include other pickled vegetables such as cherry peppers, red bell peppers, alfa sprouts, mushrooms, radishes, sun-dried tomatoes from cherry tomatoes, or any other favorite vegetable that’s been preserved.
Artichoke hearts. Artichoke hearts are a favorite for antipasto boards and platters. They can be purchased already prepared in the preserved food section of most grocery stores.
Olives. Consider adding green or black Italian olives to your platter. They add a nice touch of color and variety of flavor.
Capers. Capers can be a nice addition to any antipasti. Their flavor is somewhat similar to the lemony tang of olivesbut it’s also unique.
Mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms and preserved mushrooms are a popular food item to include. Just make sure that they’re prepared as such so they can sit out at room temperature.
Bruschetta. The addition of a small amount of a crusty bread like bruschetta can add some nice texture
Instructions
Start with bowls or jars that include any dips or other ingredients you’ll want to serve in these spaces. You might consider using a small bowl for olive oil for dipping breads for example. Next, space out the meats and cheeses around the bowls and in various locations on the platter. Include pops of color with fruits and nuts if desired. Then garnish with herbs and use small pieces of food to fill in any gaps.
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