8 steps to the perfect antipasti board
Spring has begun, and that means one thing: enjoying drinks and snacks together as much and for as long as possible. A good get-together isn’t complete without a well-stocked antipasti board. In these eight steps, you’ll create the ultimate board.
1. Choose the cold cuts
Choose two or three different types of cold cuts, such as Serrano ham, mortadella or prosciutto. Read here how to choose the right cold cuts for drinks and snacks. Allow for around 55 grams per person. Except when you’re serving prosciutto; from experience, I can tell you that people will simply keep eating it because it’s so delicious, so stock up generously.
2. Select the cheese
Choose two or three soft cheeses such as mozzarella, burrata or goat cheese, as well as two or three aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or provolone. Again, allow for around 55 grams per person. Place a few knives next to the cheeses and cut off a few pieces beforehand so people know how to cut them.
3. Dress the board
The next step is garnishing to complement your cheeses and cold cuts. Serve figs, put honey in a bowl for dipping and choose other sweet accompaniments that taste good with the rest of the delicacies.
4. Add some colour
Add colourful fruit and vegetables such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes or aubergine. Or, if you’re more in the mood for a sweet board, go for fruit. Think grapes, pear or orange slices.
5. Add some bread?
What are antipasti without bread? It allows people to create their own bruschetta. And for a crunchy bonus: add breadsticks so guests can wrap their cold cuts around them.
6. Make it look good
Make sure your board looks beautiful and tidy. A wooden board is preferable, so everyone can cut and chop on it without worrying about damaging fine tableware. But a large, beautiful plate works too. It depends somewhat on the occasion. For drinks and snacks, I’d go for a simple but, above all, generously filled board.
7. Relax (but keep replenishing)
Make sure you can relax too once everything is on the table. By preparing extra servings before people start eating, you’ll have enough on hand for when people are feeling especially hungry.
8. Eat!
The best part: eating the antipasti. Set an example for your guests by combining different bites. That certainly doesn’t sound like a punishment to me.
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