Antipasto Appetizer

An Antipasto Appetizer platter is a delicious selection of food to offer your guests. Antipasto means "before the meal" and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. I had been pronouncing it Anitpasta for most of my life until one of my Italian friends introduced me to this wonderful dish and corrected me on the pronounciation.

Some have compared antipasto to appetizers, but there are several distinctions. Appetizers are served while guests are still standing, and are served off trays or placed on a table. They are enjoyed with drinks prior to the meal.

Antipasto Salad is served at the table and signifies the beginning of the Italian meal. Most table settings will feature a central antipasto plate. Small salad plates are set for each diner to enjoy this warm-up to the other courses. Of course that doesn't mean you can't serve them as appetizers. At our parties we tend to throw tradition out the window and put a plate of Antipasto goodies out for everyone to enjoy before the meal.

Though the antipasto salad recipes will vary, most have similar ingredients. Antipasto can consist of many things. Traditional offerings include, cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, marinated small peppers and various cheeses, perhaps provolone, or fresh mozzarella. Other additions may be anchovies, or bruschetta, toasted bread, for stacking the meats or cheeses.
Meats for antipasto may include mortadella, but more traditionally, smoked ham, types of salami, prosciutto and coppa are usually offered. It really does not much matter which meats you choose, antipasto dishes are quite individual and can be suited to your taste.

Antipasto Recipe