The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year, isn’t it? The twinkling lights, the cozy sweaters, and of course, the amazing food. But let’s be honest, it can also get a little hectic trying to plan everything.
If you’re looking for one of the most delightful Appetizer Recipes Christmas has to offer, you have come to the right place. Imagine a dish that is beautiful, incredibly easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious. That’s exactly what you get with these festive antipasto skewers arranged into a gorgeous holiday wreath.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is all about visual appeal. It truly looks like a work of art on your table, but it only takes minutes to assemble. No cooking, no baking, just pure, simple assembly. It’s one of those amazing Simple Christmas Appetizers that looks like you spent hours on it.
You will also love how versatile it is. Think of it as a deconstructed Christmas Charcuterie Board on a stick. You get all those wonderful savory flavors of cured meats, cheeses, and pickled veggies in one perfect bite. It is one of my favorite Christmas Party Fingerfood Ideas.
It’s also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. This frees you up to enjoy the party with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen. For anyone planning Christmas Dinner Appetizers, having a make ahead option is a huge win.
Plus, it’s so much fun to put together. You can even get the kids involved in threading the ingredients onto the skewers. It’s a low stress, high reward recipe that is perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. We are using classic antipasto items that are full of color and flavor. Each component brings something special to the table, creating a balanced and tasty bite every single time.
You can find most of these items at your local grocery store, often right at the deli counter or in the international aisle. Don’t be afraid to pick your favorites. This is one of those Appetizer Recipes Christmas fans will love because it is so easy to customize.
- 30 to 40 4 inch skewers
- 6 ounces thin sliced beef salami
- 15 ounces jarred artichoke hearts, in water, quartered
- 16 ounces jarred sweet cherry peppers, drained, seeded and halved
- 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Pepperoncini
- Pitted olives, a mix of Kalamata and Castelvetrano works well
- Fresh basil
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Balsamic glaze, for serving (optional)
- Italian dressing, for serving (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to create your stunning edible wreath? Let’s walk through the simple steps together. It’s so easy, you’ll have this ready in no time at all. This is truly one of the most Simple Christmas Appetizers you can make.
Step 1: Arrange Your Ingredients
First things first, get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Drain your artichoke hearts, peppers, and olives. Have your mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes rinsed and dried. Place everything into separate bowls. Think of it as setting up your own little assembly station. This organization makes the whole process smooth and quick.
Step 2: Thread The Skewers
Now for the fun part. Start threading the ingredients onto your skewers. I like to fold the salami slices into quarters to give them a little bit of a ruffled, floral look. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Mix and match the colors and textures. Try a tomato, then salami, then a mozzarella ball, then an olive. Add a piece of basil for a pop of fresh flavor. Continue until you’ve used up your main ingredients, like the salami and mozzarella.
Step 3: Create The Wreath
Once all your skewers are assembled, grab a large round platter or a circular cutting board. Begin arranging the skewers on the platter in a circle to form the shape of a wreath. Overlap them slightly to create a full, lush look. You will likely want to create two or three layers of skewers to build up the wreath’s body. This is key for great Christmas Dinner Appetizers presentation.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
To finish your masterpiece, take your fresh rosemary sprigs and tuck them randomly throughout the wreath. The rosemary not only adds a beautiful green touch but also gives off a wonderful, festive scent. If you’re using balsamic glaze or Italian dressing, you can either drizzle it over the top right before serving or serve it in a small bowl in the center of the wreath for dipping.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare, storing them is simple. It’s best to remove the skewers from the wreath arrangement for easier storage. Gently place them in a single layer in an airtight container.
They will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the fresh basil might wilt a little bit, but the skewers will still be perfectly delicious. I would recommend holding off on adding any dressing until you are ready to eat them.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few little tips I’ve picked up. First, feel free to get creative. Some great additions could be marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even small cubes of provolone cheese. This is a great base for your own Christmas Party Fingerfood Ideas.
You can absolutely make these skewers ahead of time. Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the rosemary and any dressing until just before you serve them. This is a huge time saver.
When you are buying your salami, look for a variety pack if you can find one. Using a few different kinds of salami adds more complex flavor and visual interest. It elevates these from simple skewers to amazing Appetizer Recipes Christmas guests will remember.
For the prettiest presentation, use a completely round, flat platter. It provides the best canvas for your edible wreath. A simple white or wooden platter really makes the colors of the ingredients pop.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A beautiful, delicious, and incredibly easy holiday appetizer that is sure to be the star of your party. This antipasto wreath is more than just food, it’s a festive centerpiece that brings people together.
It proves that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special. This is one of those Appetizer Recipes Christmas that you will come back to year after year. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this wonderful holiday treat. Happy holidays!
FAQ
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Wait to arrange them into the wreath and add the fresh rosemary garnish until you are ready to serve for the best results.
What Other Ingredients Can I Use?
The sky is the limit. You can add chunks of provolone or asiago cheese, marinated mushrooms, different kinds of olives, or even small tortellini. This is one of the most flexible Simple Christmas Appetizers you can find.
How Many Skewers Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe will make approximately 30 to 40 skewers, depending on how many ingredients you thread onto each one. It’s a generous amount that is perfect for a holiday gathering.
Is This a Good Option For a Christmas Charcuterie Board?
It’s a fantastic twist on a Christmas Charcuterie Board. It has all the same beloved elements but serves them in a convenient, single portion format that is easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling.
Antipasto Skewers Christmas Wreath
A delightful and easy holiday appetizer, these festive antipasto skewers are arranged to form a beautiful Christmas wreath. With no cooking required, it’s a versatile and simple dish that comes together in minutes, perfect for entertaining guests.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange Your Ingredients: Prep all ingredients. Drain artichoke hearts, peppers, and olives. Rinse and dry mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. Place everything into separate bowls for easy assembly.
- Thread The Skewers: Start threading ingredients onto the skewers. Fold salami slices into quarters. Mix and match colors and textures, adding basil for fresh flavor. Continue until main ingredients like salami and mozzarella are used.
- Create The Wreath: Arrange the assembled skewers on a large round platter or cutting board in a circular shape, overlapping slightly to create a full, lush wreath. Use two or three layers for a good body.
- Garnish and Serve: Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs randomly throughout the wreath for a beautiful touch and festive scent. Drizzle balsamic glaze or Italian dressing over the top just before serving, or offer in a small bowl for dipping.
Notes
Leftovers are rare, but if you have any, remove skewers from the wreath and store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Fresh basil may wilt.
Customize with additions like marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or provolone cheese to make it your own.
Prepare ahead: Assemble skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Add rosemary and dressing just before serving for the best presentation.
For the prettiest display, use a round, flat platter. A simple white or wooden platter helps the vibrant colors of the ingredients truly pop.
Nutrition
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