Name: Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 grape tomatoes; 12 Kalamata olives; 12 green olives; 12 leaves fresh basil; 6 marinated artichoke hearts (drained and halved); 6 slices prosciutto (halved); 6 slices salami (folded); 12 fresh mozzarella pieces, cut into 1 inch cubes or 12 mozzarella balls; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a party appetizer that dazzles with flavor yet comes together effortlessly, these Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites are your new best friend. Bursting with the vibrant colors of grape tomatoes, shiny olives, fresh basil leaves, and creamy mozzarella, each bite is a delightful dance of savory and fresh that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, need a last-minute snack, or simply crave something deliciously simple, these antipasto bites bring an irresistible Italian flair to your table in no time.

Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is the secret to making these Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites truly shine. Each component plays a key role in balancing taste, texture, and visual appeal, making the preparation a breeze yet rewarding.

12 grape tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, they add a pop of color and sweetness.
12 Kalamata olives: For a rich, briny punch that complements the milder ingredients.
12 green olives: Offering a slightly tangier flavor to balance the olives’ variety.
6 slices prosciutto (halved): Thin, delicate, and salty, adding a luxurious texture.
6 slices salami (folded): Provides a peppery, savory depth to the bites.
12 1-inch fresh mozzarella cubes or mozzarella balls: Creamy and soft, they bring freshness to every skewer.
12 leaves basil: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note and a splash of green.
6 marinated artichoke hearts (drained and halved): Tender and slightly tangy, contributing a unique Mediterranean touch.
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar): Sweet and tangy, finishing the dish with a beautiful glaze.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Enhances richness and helps the flavors meld together.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Intensifies the herbal flavor and aroma.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Just enough to balance and season everything perfectly.

How to Make Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by folding each slice of salami into quarters, which makes for neat, flavorful bites that don’t overpower. Cube the fresh mozzarella into 1-inch pieces if you’re not using mozzarella balls, ensuring they’re the perfect size to stay put on the skewer. Halve the marinated artichoke hearts carefully—cutting them too small might cause them to slip off the toothpicks later on.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Now the fun part: threading the ingredients. Take a wooden skewer and alternate pieces of mozzarella, grape tomato, a basil leaf, green olive, Kalamata olive, a folded piece of salami or prosciutto, and finish off with a half artichoke heart. The variety not only looks stunning but ensures every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Drizzle

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, dried basil, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This simple dressing brings all the antipasto elements together, adding a subtle sweetness with a hint of herbaceousness that elevates your Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites to irresistible.

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve

Lay your assembled skewers on a serving platter and gently drizzle the balsamic mixture over each bite. This final touch not only adds flavor but also a glistening finish that makes them look as delicious as they taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra dried basil or some freshly cracked black pepper right before serving for an added aroma and gentle kick. A few fresh basil leaves scattered around the platter can brighten the presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a crisp, chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing combo. They also work wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad or simple garlic bread, creating a light yet satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve the antipasto bites in mini martini glasses, upright in a tall glass with colorful skewers, or threaded onto long cocktail picks nestled in a bowl of Italian breadsticks. Presentation is part of the fun, inviting guests to enjoy these Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites with their eyes first.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store the assembled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to keep the mozzarella fresh and the basil vibrant.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for these antipasto bites as the fresh ingredients like basil, tomatoes, and cheese don’t freeze well and lose texture and flavor after thawing.

Reheating

Since these are best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you crave warmth, consider serving alongside warmed bread or a hot side dish instead of warming the bites themselves.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional and wonderfully creamy, you can experiment with cubes of provolone or even small chunks of aged cheddar for a different twist.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

You can use regular balsamic vinegar, but reduce the amount slightly or mix it with a bit of honey or sugar to mimic the glaze’s sweet thickness.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

To make these bites vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the prosciutto and salami and add extra marinated veggies like roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for that savory depth.

What can I use instead of wooden skewers?

Short toothpicks work perfectly for smaller bites and are great if you want a daintier presentation. Just be mindful to thread all ingredients securely to avoid slipping off.

How far in advance can I prepare the skewers?

Assemble the bites up to a few hours ahead of your event and keep them refrigerated, but wait to drizzle the balsamic mixture until just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

These Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites are truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with bold, fresh flavors. They’re fantastic for impressing guests without the stress, making entertaining feel like a joyous breeze. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how effortlessly delicious entertaining can be with these charming little bites!

Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 antipasto bites 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Quick & Easy Antipasto Bites are delicious, colorful skewers combining fresh grape tomatoes, savory prosciutto, flavorful olives, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and marinated artichokes. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and olive oil dressing, these bite-sized appetizers are perfect for entertaining or a simple snack.

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Fold the salami into quarters and cut the mozzarella into 1-inch cubes if not using mozzarella balls. Halve the marinated artichoke hearts. Make sure pieces are large enough to stay secure on skewers without falling off.
Assemble Skewers: Thread one piece each of grape tomato, Kalamata olive, green olive, prosciutto half, folded salami, mozzarella cube, basil leaf, and halved artichoke heart onto each wooden skewer, creating colorful antipasto bites.
Make Dressing and Serve: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, dried basil, and kosher salt until well combined. Drizzle the dressing over the assembled skewers just before serving to enhance flavor. Enjoy this appetizer fresh!

Notes

Use wooden or bamboo skewers about 4-6 inches long for easy handling.
Substitute balsamic vinegar if balsamic glaze is unavailable, but glaze adds sweetness and thickness.
These bites can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; drizzle dressing just before serving to keep skewers fresh.
For a vegetarian version, omit prosciutto and salami, adding extra olives and artichokes instead.
To serve larger groups, simply double or triple the ingredients accordingly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Assembly
Cuisine: Italian