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Antipasto Skewers

posted by Liz Berg on July 28, 2016 (updated 11/20/23)

A twist on the classic Italian appetizer, these Antipasto Skewers are easy to throw together, elegant, and impossible to resist!! Add your favorite Italian meats, cheeses, and more, and prepare for rave reviews!

Italian Appetizer Recipes are always a hit and this finger food is no exception.

Antipasto Skewers crossed on a round white plate.

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Recipe Tips

3 Frequently Asked Questions

4 You May Also Like:

5 Antipasto Skewers

Why You Must Make

Heavy hors d’oeuvres was the request from our hostess. I always show up with a dessert as any gathering is an excuse to bake up something new, and I needed a non-labor intensive appetizer.

Mini kabobs are easy to make but have an elegant appearance.
There’s no cooking involved. Just pick a theme and find some bite-sized foods that will work, like cheeses, vegetables, herbs, cured meats, olives. Some cooked cheese tortellini would be wonderful!
Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette or extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of herbs so it looks restaurant-worthy without a lot of work!

A jar of piquillo peppers in my pantry became my inspiration. I started my shopping list for all those ingredients I would place on an antipasto platter. Olives, artichoke hearts, cured meats, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes made the cut. A simple homemade vinaigrette with a spoonful of pesto would tie them all together. A cold appetizer recipe was terrific on a summer’s night.

Antipasto Skewers on a rectangular white tray.

Recipe Tips

Thread some basil leaves or other fresh herbs for color onto the skewers.
I placed the salty meats near the mild mozzarella balls along with a pop of red on each skewer.
I used both prosciutto and small rounds of Genoa salami for something salty and savory.
These are totally customizable according to your preferences. Don’t like artichoke hearts? Leave them off. Want Cheddar cubes instead of Mozzarella? Go for it!
Check your deli and take inspiration from what’s available.
I made a quick vinaigrette with sherry vinegar, olive oil, and a dab of Dijon mustard.
To add some Italian flare, about a teaspoon of basil pesto was whisked in.
I didn’t want the basil leaves to wilt, so I drizzled the antipasto skewers just before serving.
And if you have any leftover ingredients, just add them to a bowl of lettuce for a fabulous salad. That’s what I did! Keep these in mind for the next time you need a quick appetizer. They’ll be the hit of the party.

Close up of Antipasto Skewers on a white tray.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Serve Food on Skewers?

First, make sure you leave enough space on the skewer to use as a handle. Arrange the skewers on a tray and pass them or place them on a buffet table.
You can also use a large plate and arrange the skewers like spokes on a bike tire with the handle sides all around the perimeter making them easy to pick up.

How Long are Appetizer Skewers?

You can buy wooden picks or skewers in different lengths. I’ve seen 4, 6, and 12-inch sizes.

How Do You Make Skewers?

The best presentation comes from repeating the same order of ingredients on each skewer. Alternate the colors, too, so that two red ingredients aren’t next to each other. Also, anchor one end with an ingredient that will prevent the others from sliding off the skewer, like a ball or cube of cheese.

How Do You Arrange Skewers on a Platter?

On a round plate, arrange them like spokes on a wheel. Have the handle end on the edge of the plate and the pointed ends in the middle. On a rectangular tray, stack the skewers.