Antipasto Appetizer

This Traditional Italian Dish is Also a Great Appetizer

An Antipasto Appetizer platter is a delicious selection of food to offer your guests. Antipasto means "before the meal" and is the first course of an 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 believe that antipasto is an appetizer, but there are several differences. Appetizers are served while guests are still walking around and mingling. They are enjoyed prior to sitting down for the meal.

Antipasto is presented at the table and denotes the beginning of the Italian meal, it's similar to serving a salad. Most dinner tables will feature a main antipasto plate. Small salad plates are set for each diner to enjoy this start-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 contain many things. Basicl offerings include, cured meats, marinated small peppers, marinated vegetables, olives, and a selection of cheeses, such as fresh mozzarella or provolone. Other additions may be bruschetta or toasted bread, for stacking the meats or cheeses.

Meats for antipasto include smoked ham, types of salami and prosciutto. It doesn't matter which meats you choose, antipasto dishes can be suited to your taste. You could even expand on this and make your whole table an Antipasto Bar.

Antipasto Recipe

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