These delicious Antipasto Skewers are a fun and easy appetizer recipe, perfect for serving at parties! All the delicious flavors of an antipasto salad, served on individual skewers, making it finger food and perfect for party snacking!
These delicious Antipasto Skewers only take minutes to make and are the perfect finger food for serving to guests!
No cook recipes are the best right? When you are throwing a party, or have a party to bring an appetizer to, bringing a cold item is always the easiest! No worrying about the temperature or having to heat up your food when you get there!
Charcuterie boards have become so popular lately and while I love putting out a beautiful spread, I wanted to do something different with my meat and cheese items. These simple antipasto skewers are unique and finger food friendly. They are also easier to travel with than a big board.
I love the flavors of an antipasto salad. Marinated mozzarella, salty cured meats, tangy artichokes and roasted red peppers, all go so well together! I used my favorite antipasto ingredients in this recipe but you can customize these skewers to what you have in the fridge or by what your favorite ingredients are. I love to go to my local grocery store and visit the antipasto bar and fill up a container of whatever looks good that day. Once skewered, garnish with fresh basil and throw some bread on the platter!
The centerpiece of these antipasto skewers are the Margherita® Italian Dry Salami and Pepperoni. You need something hardy on both ends of your skewer to keep things from sliding and these two meats not only add function, but are so delicious, too! Margherita is my absolute favorite brand of cracker cut meats and I pick them up from my grocery store deli anytime I need a quick meat and cheese platter or to make these antipasto skewers.
Margherita is known for their high quality dry sausage products for good reason! Their products are anything but bland. They are so well seasoned, which really sets them apart from other Italian brands. And I love snacking on the leftovers throughout the week.
Quick Tip when making anything with marinated fresh mozzarella! Save the marinade and use as a dressing! It is perfect for drizzling over these skewers right before serving!
Looking for more easy party recipes?
Recipe Note:
I did not include the amounts because it all depends on how many skewers you want to make and what size skewers you need.
Antipasto Skewers
These delicious antipasto skewers are the perfect make ahead appetizer recipe that everyone in your party will love!
Ingredients
- Margherita Italian Dry Salami and Pepperoni
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Artichokes
- Marinated Fresh Mozzarella Balls save the marinade!
- Fresh basil
- Other ingredient ideas: kalamata olives feta cheese squares, cherry tomatoes
Instructions
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Skewer items on small skewers, finishing both ends with a piece of meat.
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Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Right before serving, garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with the marinade from the mozzarella.
Antipasto Skewers: Ingredient Swaps, Flavor Additions, and Make-Ahead Tips from a Mom Who Loves Simple, Elegant Appetizers
As a mother who’s always planning gatherings, school functions, or family dinners, I’ve found that antipasto skewers are one of the easiest ways to make guests feel special without spending hours in the kitchen. These little bites bring the bold flavors of a classic Italian antipasto platter—cheese, cured meats, olives, and veggies—into a fun and portable form that even kids love.
This antipasto skewers recipe has become one of my go-to appetizers for holidays, birthday parties, and neighborhood potlucks. Not only are they easy to assemble ahead of time, but they’re also endlessly customizable. Below, I’ll share my favorite ingredient alternatives, flavor add-ons, and time-saving tips to help you make the most out of this beautiful and practical dish.
Ingredient Alternatives for Antipasto Skewers
One of the things I love about making Italian antipasto kabobs is how flexible they are. You can build a version that suits your family’s taste or dietary needs with just a few simple swaps:
Cheese Options
- Use mozzarella balls (ciliegine) for the classic look
- Try sharp provolone, fontina, or marinated feta for more flavor
- For dairy-free guests, opt for vegan mozzarella-style cubes or grilled tofu
Meat Choices
- Traditional options include salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni
- For a lighter option, use grilled chicken chunks or smoked turkey slices
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit meat or use marinated mushrooms or roasted bell peppers
Vegetable Substitutes
- Cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives are popular choices
- Try roasted red peppers, baby pickles (cornichons), cucumber slices, or marinated zucchini
- Add pepperoncini or giardiniera for a bit of heat and tang
Skewers and Serving Ideas
- Use small wooden skewers or cocktail picks for bite-sized servings
- For full-size appetizers, use 6-inch skewers and alternate ingredients for color
- Serve vertically in mason jars or lay flat on a wooden board for a rustic display
Optional Add-Ons to Elevate the Flavor
When I’m making these for adults or special occasions, I like to add a few extras to make them even more memorable:
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or extra-virgin olive oil just before serving
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, sea salt, or fresh basil leaves
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or grilled eggplant for more texture and depth
- Include bread cubes or crostini for a mini caprese-salad-on-a-stick feel
- Serve alongside a small bowl of pesto or hummus for dipping
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
As a busy mom, I always plan ahead when hosting. Fortunately, make-ahead antipasto skewers hold up wonderfully when prepped in advance:
- Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, covered tightly
- Avoid adding fresh herbs or dressing until just before serving to preserve freshness
- Serve cold or bring to room temperature about 15 minutes before guests arrive
- If you’re transporting them to a party, arrange them in a sealed container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This is even helpful when consider these make great corporate gifts with a handmade touch.
This makes them a great option for easy party appetizers with skewers and ideal for meal prep or busy hosting days.
A Mother’s Final Thoughts on Hosting with Ease
These antipasto skewers bring together everything I love about entertaining—great food, minimal prep, and plenty of room for creativity. Whether I’m preparing a tray for a baby shower, holiday gathering, or just a family movie night, this recipe never fails to impress. It’s proof that even the simplest dishes can be made with love and attention to detail.
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