Try an antipasti skewer for a colorful spread at your next gathering. Italian favorites are skewered and enjoyed for a no-mess, easy appetizer that looks elegant. Just pick your favorite ingredients and alternate them on skewers–it’s really that simple.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure policy.
I have to admit: I am a diehard Italian food fan. I will eat just about anything, from pasta and pizza to soups and salads. Breads, appetizers, desserts, you name it. My husband, on the other hand, isn’t as easy to please. He only does pasta in small doses, isn’t a soup fan, and just doesn’t quite have the same palate as me.
Last week, I decided I wanted some sort of Italian dish. I knew we’d be out that evening and needed something that could travel with us. We usually do pizza night on Fridays so that was out of the question.
I have been loving little charcuterie snack plates for lunch and thought, why not just make an Italian version and throw it on a skewer?
Think about it. No utensils or prep so it’s an easy clean up. No cooking which saves time and effort. And lots of different, robust flavors to nosh on while you go about your day.
Not to mention, these could easily be made more sophisticated for a dinner party as a finger food to serve.
I made all of mine vegetarian with mini mozzarella cheese balls, two kinds of olives, tomatoes, basil, and cheese tortellini. My husband got his with pepperoni slices, cubed mozzarella, basil, and tortellini.
So even if you have kids or other picky eaters, these are very adaptable.
I was so pleased with how these turned out. My husband was a huge fan and we both thought that about four of these skewers felt like a meal, and we were content by the time we made it to our destination.
Now, if you’re still interested in learning how to make these divine little kebabs, let’s get into the antipasti skewer recipe.
What is an antipasti skewer?
Antipasti is an array of fresh, grilled, pickled, or cured ingredients. They are served as a sort of charcuterie, arranged on a table or large board.
Traditionally, vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats are used and served at room temperature–which make them perfect for dinner parties. In this recipe, these ingredients are all added onto skewers, alternating the colors and flavors.
More ingredient ideas
- Shaved or cubed parmesan cheese
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Sliced salami
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
- Asiago cheese
- Grilled onion pearls
- Mini cooked ravioli
- Fresh, chopped herbs and olive oil drizzle
- Thinly sliced fresh pears
Antipasti Skewer
Tools
12-18” wooden skewers (or use these reusable metal ones HERE)
Pots and pans, optional
Cutting board and knife, optional
Ingredients | how to make an antipasti skewer
1/2 pkg cooked cheese tortellini – Using a filled pasta like this ensures your skewers are hearty and filling enough if you’re eating them as a meal. For a lighter version, skip adding these.
1 pkg pepperoni – Sliced pepperoni is a great Italian protein to add to your skewers. Fold them in half or quarters before sliding them on.
1-8 oz. block of mozzarella cheese – Fresh mini mozzarella balls are a perfect addition. I love the ones marinated in oil and herbs for more flavor. Alternatively, you could buy a block of mozzarella and slice it into bite-size cubes.
1 jar total of olives – Kalamata or pimento olives are my favorite so I usually add these both. Any olive works well in this recipe since they are native to the Mediterranean.
1 small pkg Cherry tomatoes – Fresh cherry tomatoes are a juicy addition that add a burst of summer flavor.
Handful of fresh basil – Nothing says Italian like some fresh basil sandwiched between tomatoes and mozzarella.
Steps
1. Start by chopping any vegetables, meats, and/or cheeses to make bite-size pieces. Boil any filled pastas, drain, and set aside to cool.
2. Begin sliding ingredients onto the skewers. Use your first one as an example to follow this same pattern with the remaining skewers.
3. Cheese is usually a favorite, so I start and end with it. Try to alternate flavors and colors for a nice presentation.
4. Repeat with remaining skewers until you’re finished.
5. Serve at room temperature or chill until ready to serve.
Tips for Success | how to make an antipasti skewer
To keep your hands clean, wear gloves while you slide the ingredients onto the wooden skewers. Some of them may be slippery, so gloves help with that too.
I recommend preparing everything beforehand, especially if you’re hosting a party you’ll be serving these at. Any chopping, grilling, etc. should be done beforehand to cut down on prep time.
Don’t be afraid to create your own version of these Italian skewers. This recipe can be made vegan, gluten free, or low carb.
More Italian Family Recipes
Refined Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
Antipasti Skewer
Try an antipasti skewer for a colorful spread at your next gathering. Italian favorites are skewered and enjoyed for a no-mess, easy appetizer that looks elegant.
- 12-18” wooden skewers
- Pots and pans
- cutting board and knife
- 1 block mozzarella ((or 1 package of mini mozzarella balls))
- 1 pkg pepperoni
- 1/2 pkg cooked cheese tortellini
- 1 pkg cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 jar kalamata olives
- 1/2 jar pimento olives
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
Start by chopping any vegetables, meats, and/or cheeses to make bite-size pieces. Boil any filled pastas, drain, and set aside to cool.
Begin sliding ingredients onto the skewers. Use your first one as an example to follow this same pattern with the remaining skewers.
Cheese is usually a favorite, so I start and end with it. Try to alternate flavors and colors for a nice presentation.
Repeat with remaining skewers until you’re finished.
Serve at room temperature or chill until ready to serve.
To keep your hands clean, wear gloves while you slide the ingredients onto the wooden skewers. Some of them may be slippery, so gloves help with that too.
I recommend preparing everything beforehand, especially if you’re hosting a party you’ll be serving these at. Any chopping, grilling, etc. should be done beforehand to cut down on prep time.
Don’t be afraid to create your own version of these Italian skewers. This recipe can be made vegan, gluten free, or low carb.
The Art of Cottagemaking 