Christmas Antipasto Wreath Recipe for Holiday Entertaining

Christmas Antipasto Wreath is an inviting and festive appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Colorful skewers of Italian cured meats, olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella are arranged in a circle on a board or large platter to form a wreath. This easy-to-assemble appetizer is bursting with flavor, looks beautiful on any party table, and is designed to impress with minimal effort.

Antipasto traditionally appears as the first course in an Italian meal, featuring cured meats, cheeses, olives and pickled vegetables. For this holiday twist, everything is threaded on toothpicks or small skewers and arranged in a wreath shape for an easy, shareable presentation. Serve the wreath with a little extra olive oil, the oil from marinated mozzarella, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to brighten the flavors.

Ingredients

Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best results. The recipe below provides a guideline, and quantities can be adjusted to match the size of your gathering.

• Green olives — pitted green olives are convenient; garlic-stuffed varieties add extra flavor.
• Peppered salami — offers a little kick; substitute your favorite salami if preferred.
• Prosciutto — thin slices of cured Italian ham add richness and a delicate texture.
• Marinated mozzarella balls — small, flavored mozzarella pearls are ideal; plain mozzarella pearls work too.
• Cherry tomatoes — add freshness and a pop of color.
• Basil leaves — fresh basil brings aromatic brightness to each skewer.
• Pepperoncinis — remove stems and halve for easy threading; adds a tart, piquant bite.
• Toothpicks or small skewers — use long toothpicks for easy assembly and presentation.

How to Make the Christmas Antipasto Wreath

Assembly is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

• Prepare ingredients: Drain any excess liquid from marinated mozzarella. Remove stems from pepperoncinis and halve if desired. Tear prosciutto slices into portions that are easy to fold or wrap.
• Thread the skewers: On each long toothpick, thread a selection of ingredients — for example: olive, folded salami, a piece of prosciutto, a mozzarella ball, a cherry tomato, a basil leaf and a pepperoncini half. Vary the order and components for visual interest.
• Arrange the wreath: Place the finished skewers in a circular pattern around a round board, tray, or large plate to form a wreath shape. Tuck extra basil leaves or small greens between skewers if desired.
• Finish and serve: Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil, or a touch of balsamic glaze, and serve immediately. If using marinated mozzarella, a spoonful of the flavored oil can be drizzled over the wreath for extra richness.

Tips for the Best Antipasto

• Mix and match meats: Salami and prosciutto are classic, but ham, mortadella or other cured meats make excellent alternatives.
• Try different cheeses: Small cubes of Parmesan, Pecorino, or Grana Padano add texture; any mozzarella style works well.
• Add more vegetables: Black olives, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers or thin cucumber slices are all great additions.
• Season and dress: A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze, or a few lemon zest shavings can elevate the flavors.
• Presentation matters: Use a wooden board, wreath-shaped tray, or even a round cake stand to present the skewers. Garnish with extra basil sprigs and small rosemary sprigs for a festive look.
• Avoid sogginess: Assemble no more than a few hours ahead. Tomatoes and olives release juices that can make meats and cheeses soggy if left too long.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the skewers a few hours before serving and keep them refrigerated, covered, for up to 2 hours. For best texture and appearance, avoid assembling them a full day in advance because juices from tomatoes and olives will affect the meats and cheeses. If you need to prepare earlier, keep ingredients separate in airtight containers and quickly assemble just before guests arrive.

More Appetizer Recipes to Try

• Instant Pot Deviled Eggs
• Easy Hummus Recipe
• 7 Layer Bean Dip
• Mini Cheese Balls
• Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws
• Antipasto Pasta Salad