Easy Christmas Antipasto Wreath

This Easy Christmas Antipasto Wreath with skewers of meat and cheese is an impressive and festive holiday appetizer recipe that comes together quickly in just 20 minutes!

Antipasto Wreath

If you love a good spread of meat, cheese and vegetables as much as I do, you are going to love this easy Christmas Antipasto Wreath. It is made from skewers of salami, pepperoni, fresh Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, basil and rosemary.

While you could serve a simple charcuterie board for the holidays, why not make it festive? Whether you make this Antipasto Wreath or opt for a fun Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board, you are sure to impress your party guests.

• Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

What is Antipasto?

Antipasto is the Italian word for starter. It is a first course or appetizer that traditionally consists of cured meats, various cheeses, olives, artichokes, anchovies and peperoncini.

For our Christmas Antipasto Wreath, we are keeping the small appetizer skewers easy and simple with meat, cheese, olives and tomatoes. This makes for a family friendly recipe that is great at any holiday party.

What kind of cheese do I use for Antipasto?

For this Antipasto Wreath we used fresh balls of Mozzarella, but you can easily expand the cheese selection. Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, Manchego, Gouda and Parmesan are all great cheese options for antipasto skewers.

If you want to add even more color and flavor, Mozzarella balls marinated in pesto are a fantastic choice. Just try to avoid cheeses that crumble as they’ll fall off the skewer.

Pick one or two cheeses to keep it simple. This way you won’t have to buy a large variety of cheese, not that extra cheese would ever go to waste in any house I know of!

How to make Antipasto Wreath with skewers?

This Christmas Antipasto wreath is so simple, it only requires seven ingredients, some toothpicks and a large serving platter. Here is what you will need to get started.

Italian Antipasto Ingredients

Toothpicks

Large round serving platter or plate

1 package Mozzarella balls (pearl sized)

1 pint cherry tomatoes

8 ounces Genoa Salami, thinly sliced

8 ounces Pepperoni, thinly sliced

1 jar or small container of olives (black and green)

Fresh rosemary and basil, for garnish

How to assemble antipasto skewers for wreath

You can use whatever cure meats you enjoy most. Prosciutto, capicola, and serrano ham are all great substitutes for the salami and pepperoni.

When working with large slices of meat, fold the meat in half or quarters. Using a toothpick, poke one piece of meat, a piece of cheese and a tomato or olive. Add a small leaf of basil to some of the skewers as well.

If you aren’t a fan of tomatoes or olives, either one can be substituted for grapes, marinated artichoke hearts, or pepperoncini.

Arrange the skewers on the outside of your round platter, stacking them as you go. When all of the antipasto skewers are assembled garnish the the wreath.

How to garnish Antipasto wreath

To garnish your wreath, tuck extra basil leaves and sprigs of rosemary throughout the circle of skewers. Tuck a few extra olives and tomatoes into the wreath as well for added “ornaments”.

If you really want the full impact of the Christmas Antipasto Wreath, add a nice ribbon bow to the top of the platter.

Can I make Antipasto Wreath ahead of time?

The great part about this easy Christmas appetizer is that you can prep it the day before your holiday party! Make the antipasto wreath, leaving off the fresh basil and rosemary.

Wrap the wreath tightly with a couple layers of cling wrap and store in the refrigerator. Right before serving, remove the cling wrap and garnish with fresh herbs.

What to serve with antipasto skewers

When it comes to serving your antipasto wreath, there are plenty of options. If you are looking for a low carb appetizer, serve the meat and cheese just as they are. The skewers are filling and delicious all on their own!

If you want to make it a more robust appetizer then serve it with a variety of crackers, crusty bread and pretzels. You could go above and beyond and serve it with some fresh fruit for a nice balance of flavors. This Fruit & Chocolate Party Tray would be a fantastic appetizer served beside the antipasto wreath.

• Fruit & Chocolate Party Tray

Tips for a Festive Christmas Appetizer

The key to making this wreath look great is abundance. Make sure to stack your skewers at least 3 high so you achieve a full, vibrant wreath.

Make sure to use pitted olives if you’re serving this at a party– no one wants to watch another partygoer spit out an olive pit. Not to mention they’re harder to pierce because of the pit in the center.

More Christmas party appetizers

If you want to serve your party guests an amazing spready of holiday appetizers, check out some of these fantastic recipes.

Blueberry Balsamic Goat Cheese Dip – This is one of my most popular appetizer recipes that gets rave reviews!

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Spice up your classic shrimp cocktail for the holidays!

Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas – This kid friendly finger food is a festive appetizer everyone will love.

Christmas Wreath Layered Taco Dip – Make this classic taco dip into a wreath shape to match your antipasto wreath.

• Blueberry Balsamic Goat Cheese Dip

Notes

To make in advance, assemble with wreath of skewers. Wrap it tightly with a couple layers of cling wrap and store in the refrigerator. Right before serving, remove the cling wrap and garnish with fresh herbs.

Serving: 1 g | Calories: 397 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 27 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15 g | Cholesterol: 58 mg | Sodium: 1288 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 3 g