Easy Holiday Antipasto Wreath Recipe
If you’re looking for a fun, easy, no-cook, fuss-free holiday appetizer recipe, this is the one for you! During the holiday season, I am a big fan of taking as many shortcuts as I possibly can when throwing Christmas parties, my New Year’s Eve party, or hosting holiday events. And that’s where this antipasto wreath comes in because with one trip though your favorite grocery store, you’ll be able to pick up everything you need. And then all you need to do is assemble the wreath with charcuterie-type ingredients, which takes 20 minutes, tops. Served with other great holiday appetizers, snacks, and Christmas season treats, this antipasto wreath made with fresh mozzarella pearls, hard salami, green and black olives, tomatoes, fresh herbs and drizzled with balsamic glaze is sure to impress your guests and party attendees!
Ingredients in a Christmas Antipasto Wreath
There’s extreme flexibility in the antipasto wreath appetizer recipe with regard to the ingredients. Mix-and-match, add, or omit ingredients based on your preferences. Also during November and December is when they have ALL the amazing seasonal finds which then disappear until next year. For me, their Hot Pepper Jelly, White Chocolate Chips, Cranberry Chevre Goat Cheese are all seasonal MUSTS for me. I’ve been told at some TJs the pepper jelly and white chips are not seasonal, but in San Diego they are. This year I tried Peppermint Pretzel Slims, I’m not even that much of a pretzel person, nor peppermint, but they are excellent! They were #1 on her list, too. Here are the basic fridge and pantry ingredients I incorporated:
Green olives (pitted) Black olives (pitted) Sliced hard salami Mozzarella balls or fresh mozzarella Cherry tomatoes Balsamic glaze Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnishing Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnishing Serving skewers, about 4-5 inches Large serving tray, serving platter, or large cutting board
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
Ingredients Substitutions and Flavor Ideas
There are tons of ingredients swaps and substitutions you can make: Cheese: Fresh mozzarella pearls or fresh mozzarella balls, sometimes called ciliegine, are great. Also try hard cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino-Romano. Soft cheese fans can also add some brie. Make sure it’s not extremely creamy and will stay intact at room temp. You can add whatever various cheeses you enjoy from a smoked Gouda to white cheddar. Vegetables: Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes are a given, but marinated artichoke hearts, sweet cherry peppers, peperoncini, kalamata olives, marinated mushrooms, small pickles, are just a few other ideas. With regard to the olives, make sure they’re pitted but stuffed is also a nice touch. Meats: There are so many different types of salami which is a safe bet, but prosciutto is great, soppressata, coppa, or whatever Italian inspired protein you love. High quality deli turkey or chicken slices are also an option. Herbs: Chances are you probably have fresh rosemary or thyme on hand from other holiday cooking. And if you have fresh basil on hand, I highly recommend it. Mint can also work. For Drizzling: I always drizzle with balsamic glaze but if you want to spritz some olive oil, flavored olive oil like basil-infused olive oil, or even a chili-infused oil to add some spiciness!
How to Make an Antipasto Wreath Appetizer for the Holidays
There’s no right or wrong way to build the antipasto skewers for your Christmas wreath appetizer! Here’s what I did and it only takes about 20 minutes of prep time, or total time. Note that it’s nice to make some vegetarian skewers (no meat). And not everyone likes olives, so you may want to not include meat (or olives) on every skewer. It’s great to mix-and-match and not make them all uniform!
How Many People Will This Feed?
That’s a great question! This ‘recipe’ is the epitome of flexible and so you’ll be able to feed about 10 people if you follow the recipe in the recipe card section (below). Don’t crowd the bags or containers and try not to have the food overly piled up so it doesn’t get squished. After all, you’re going to serve this to your guests and so you will want things to look their best! That takes into account that everyone is going to eat about 2 skewers. Because after all, you’re not just going to serve this wreath at your Christmas party or your New Years event!
What To Serve With The Best Antipasto Wreath
If you’re like me and can make a meal out of a literal smorgasboard of appetizers, then I’ve got you covered with these other easy, crowd-favorite snacks, apps, dips, and drinks! It should go without saying, but you’ll want plenty of crackers, crostini, sliced baguettes or your favorite type of carbs to accompany the antipasto first course as your holiday party! Cheese
Cheese Ball Wreath How to Make A Meat and Cheese Board Spanish Inspired Charcuterie Board Pineapple Cheese Ball Jalapeno Cheese Ball Cranberry Brie Bites Cranberry Baked Brie Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Sliders and Sandwiches
Ham and Cheese Sliders Pepperoni Pizza Sliders Turkey and Cheese Sliders Roast Beef Sliders Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Dips
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip Buffalo Chicken Dip The Best Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Creamy Baked Onion Dip Spicy Chorizo Queso Dip Easy Pizza Dip Cheesy Baked Mexican Street Corn Dip
Meatballs
Baked Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
Drinks
Pink Holiday Cocktail Sparkling Christmas Punch Winter Pomegranate Punch Santa’s Magic Potion Sugar Cookie Martini
More Easy Charcuterie Ideas:
How to Make The Best Meat and Cheese Board – Learn my TIPS and tricks to create the BEST meat and cheese board!! From brie to prosciutto and everything in between, this board has it ALL! It’ll be a major hit at your next party! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Easy Spanish Cheese Board — Learn my TIPS and tricks to create the PERFECT cheese board! From prosciutto to manchego and everything in between, this board has ALL the goodies! It’ll be a major hit at your next party! Girls Night Charcuterie Board – A SALTY-SWEET mix of meats, cheeses, fruit, chocolate almonds, crackers, and more for your next GIRLS-NIGHT-IN!! There’s something for everyone on this EASY-TO-ASSEMBLE board!!
