Looking for a show-stopping Antipasto Christmas Wreath that looks festive and tastes even better? This easy appetizer is perfect for your Christmas Eve luncheon or any holiday party. With colorful layers of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies, it’s one of those easy cute Christmas appetizers that disappears fast from the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s fast to make, no cooking needed, just layering and skewering.
- Looks elegant but requires simple grocery ingredients.
- Perfect centerpiece for your Christmas Eve appetizer ideas.
Ingredients
Each ingredient in this antipasto wreath adds color, flavor, and balance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cherry tomatoes : add bright color and juicy sweetness.
- Fresh mozzarella balls : creamy bites that pair perfectly with cured meat.
- Salami slices : salty, savory layers that bring classic antipasto flavor.
- Olives (green and black) : give a tangy bite and rustic charm.
- Marinated artichokes : for a soft, tender texture and briny flavor.
- Fresh basil : adds a fresh, fragrant touch.
- Mini skewers : hold it all together neatly.
- Rosemary sprigs : form the green “wreath” base for a Christmas look.
- Balsamic glaze : for drizzling at the end.
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Antipasto Christmas Wreath come to life:
- Prepare the base by placing rosemary sprigs in a circle on a large white platter to form your wreath.
- Skewer ingredients in a fun mix: tomato, mozzarella, basil, folded salami, and olive.
- Arrange the skewers over the rosemary, alternating colors for a festive pattern.
- Add marinated artichokes and any extra olives between skewers for fullness.
- Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overload skewers with too many ingredients; keep them light and balanced.
- Don’t skip the herbs rosemary makes this look like a true wreath.
- Don’t make it too far ahead; fresh mozzarella can dry out quickly before your Christmas Eve hors d’oeuvres are served.
Pro Tips
- Chill the skewers for 30 minutes before serving so the flavors blend beautifully.
- Use colorful picks for a festive touch.
- Serve it with Cheese Christmas Trees for a complete appetizer spread.
- Pair with a small bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
This wreath pairs perfectly with a cozy Christmas Eve luncheon or as part of a buffet of apps for Christmas Eve. Add small bowls of Xmas dips like cheese ball spread for guests to nibble on between bites.
Antipasto Christmas Wreath
Equipment
- Mini skewers
- Large Serving Platter
Ingredients
Wreath Base
- rosemary sprigs to form the wreath shape
Antipasto Skewers
- cherry tomatoes
- fresh mozzarella balls
- salami slices folded
- green olives
- black olives
- fresh basil leaves
- marinated artichokes
Garnish
- balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Arrange rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath shape on a large white platter to form the base.
- Skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil leaves, folded salami, and olives onto mini skewers in a festive pattern.
- Place the finished skewers evenly on top of the rosemary wreath, alternating colors for a decorative look.
- Fill in gaps with marinated artichokes and extra olives for a fuller appearance.
- Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
- Make skewers up to 4 hours ahead and chill. Add rosemary and glaze just before serving.
- Substitute olives with roasted peppers or mushrooms if desired.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make this antipasto wreath?
You can assemble the skewers up to 4 hours before serving. Keep them covered in the fridge and add the rosemary base and glaze just before guests arrive to keep everything fresh and pretty.
What can I substitute if I don’t like olives?
You can replace olives with roasted red peppers or pickled mushrooms. They’ll add the same tangy touch and keep the Antipasto Christmas Wreath colorful and flavorful.
How do I keep mozzarella from drying out?
Always store mozzarella in its liquid or cover it with olive oil until you’re ready to use it. This keeps the texture creamy and soft, perfect for your appetizers for Christmas Eve.
Conclusion
Bright, savory, and festive, this Antipasto Christmas Wreath will make your holiday table shine. Save it on Pinterest and share it with your holiday-loving friends. Nothing brings joy to a Christmas gathering quite like food that’s both beautiful and delicious.
