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    Home » Recipes » Italian Recipes

    How To Make an Italian Aperitivo

    Updated: Apr 11, 2024 · Published: Jun 27, 2017 by Andrea

    If you’re planning an al fresco event to entertain your guests this summer, look no further - It really doesn’t get easier (and tastier) than Italian aperitivo!

    To throw the perfect Italian aperitivo you don't need particular cooking skills, in fact, you don't need any cooking skills at all, because no stove or oven is required.

    Preparing this al fresco aperitivo platter is incredibly easy and ready in less than 15 minutes.

    All you need is high-quality Italian ingredients, paired with some veggies and fruits.

    Italian Aperitivo platter featuring mozzarella ball, cured meats, bruschetta, artichokes in olive oil, and  cubed cheese.

     

    This Italian aperitivo is really super quick to throw together.

    Once you have all the ingredients at hand, all you need to do is arrange them nicely on a platter and call it a day.

    Plus, the whole board can be made in advance, covered, and kept in the fridge until ready to serve.

    Just add the bruschetta and veggies before serving and you’ll be good to go. Easy-peasy, right?

    How to Put Together An Aperitivo Platter

    Aperitivo platter featuring mozzarella ball, cured meats, bruschetta, artichokes in olive oil, and  cubed cheese.

    1. Charcuterie: Make sure to showcase a few types of cured meats, offering diverse textures and tastes.

    I used salami Milano, coppa, prosciutto di San Daniele DOP, bresaola and a small whole salami.

    2. Cheese: Add in a few cheese options with different textures and flavors.

    In summertime a fresh buffalo mozzarella DOP is a must – make sure to serve it whole to preserve its freshness.

    For strong-flavored cheese lovers, add in pecorino romano DOP, and to please the taste of sweet cheese lovers, add in a softer cheese such as provolone dolce.

    3. Veggies & Fruit: Add in some fresh fruits and preserved vegetables to freshen up the palate.

    I used fresh cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts in olive oil, soft sundried tomatoes, and roasted peppers in olive oil.

    4. Crunchy bread: Although bruschetta made with fresh bread slices is always a good option, it’s quite fulfilling, and ultimately time-consuming to prepare, so, I opted for crunchy croutons.

    Top them up with some fresh tomatoes mixed with chopped red onion, basil and extra-virgin olive oil for the easiest bruschetta you can make.

    5. Drinks: Last but not least, serve your antipasti platter with super-chilled extra-dry Prosecco.

    If you fancy a summer cocktail, go for a refreshing Bellini (or check out this bramble cocktail).

    More Italian Recipes For Your Aperitivo Party

    • The BEST Italian Homemade Pizza Dough
    • Authentic Italian Potato Frittata
    • Baked Camembert
    • Tomato Confit Bruschetta with Ricotta & Basil Pesto

    Did You Try This Recipe?

    Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thepetitecook!

    Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates.

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    Comments

    1. Tracy says

      June 28, 2017 at 4:09 pm

      This platter is so perfect for summer! I'm sure it will impress your guests too!!

      Reply
    2. Elizabeth says

      June 28, 2017 at 7:37 am

      This is just the sort of thing I like to make on a Friday night and we sit, as a family, in front of a good movie and nibble into the evening. (if it was sunny we'd be outside!). Yum! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Stella Ryuk says

      June 27, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      Very cool! I will try it the next time I have people over! Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Lucy Parissi says

      June 27, 2017 at 4:50 pm

      I think I could live on platters like these all summer long! It looks simply amazing think I am actually salivating...

      Reply
    5. ragordon2017 says

      June 27, 2017 at 4:18 pm

      Looks so good! Next time I have guests over I may have to try this.

      Reply
    6. Fuss Free Helen says

      June 27, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      Delicious! I love the speciality shops on Ocado - always so good for top quality ingredients.

      Reply

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    Andrea Soranidis, founder of The Petite Cook.


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