Antipasto or Mezze Platters
Elevate your summer entertaining with these stunning, crowd-pleasing finger foods that can be created in minutes instead of hours. These versatile platters combine Mediterranean tradition with artistic presentation, creating not just a dish but a centerpiece that invites conversation and connection around your table.
Equipment
- Large Wooden Board or Slate Platter
- Small Serving Bowls
- Serving Utensils
Ingredients
Italian-Inspired Antipasto
- 3-4 varieties cured meats prosciutto, salami, coppa, mortadella
- 2-3 types cheese aged provolone, fresh mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano
- marinated artichoke hearts
- mixed olives Kalamata, Castelvetrano, Cerignola
- roasted red peppers
- grilled or marinated vegetables zucchini, eggplant
- fresh figs or grapes
- breadsticks or crostini
- extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Mediterranean Mezze Platter
- hummus classic or roasted red pepper
- tzatziki or labneh
- stuffed grape leaves dolmas
- falafel balls store-bought or homemade
- feta cheese
- mixed olives
- fresh vegetables for dipping cucumber, bell peppers, carrots
- pita bread or lavash
- muhammara roasted red pepper and walnut dip
Instructions
- Select a large wooden board, slate platter, or rimmed baking sheet. For a party of 6-8 people, aim for a board that's at least 16-18 inches in diameter or length. Line with parchment paper if using messy items like honey or olive oil for easy cleanup.
- Position your larger items or containers first – ramekins of dips, small bowls of olives, and substantial cheese wedges. Place these anchors at different points around your board, creating zones that you'll fill in later. Odd numbers (3 or 5 anchor items) are more visually appealing.
- Add meats and cheeses. For cured meats, create height and dimension by folding or rolling slices. Prosciutto can be loosely rolled into roses, while salami can be folded into quarters. For cheeses, offer variety in textures and flavors – something soft (mozzarella), something aged (parmesan), and something spreadable (goat cheese).
- Fill in with colorful fruits and vegetables by tucking in fresh and marinated vegetables around your anchor items. For antipasto, add marinated artichokes and roasted peppers; for mezze, add cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes. Fresh fruit like grapes or figs adds a sweet contrast to savory components.
- Complete with breadsticks, crostini, or pita bread in strategic spots around the board. Fill any remaining gaps with nuts, fresh herbs (basil or mint sprigs), and small garnishes like honey drizzles or flaky salt. Provide small serving utensils for each component.
Notes
For temperature-sensitive items like cheese, consider replacing them halfway through longer events to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Blanch vegetables like asparagus or green beans for 60 seconds then shock in ice water for vibrant color that maintains crispness.
Cut some cheese in advance but leave some whole pieces with a knife nearby, as pre-cut cheese dries out faster.
For vegetarian options, replace meats with extra marinated vegetables or plant-based proteins. Dairy-free guests will appreciate cashew-based cheese alternatives or additional dips like baba ganoush.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 17gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2.5mg
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