Description
This festive Antipasto Christmas Tree is a creative and visually stunning appetizer featuring a delightful mix of cherry tomatoes, bocconcini cheese, Castelvetrano and kalamata olives, pepperoncini, and fresh rosemary. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it blends Italian antipasto flavors in a fun, edible centerpiece that is easy to assemble and sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 10 Ounces cherry tomatoes
- 2 Ounces fresh rosemary
Dairy
- 10 Ounces bocconcini (mozzarella cheese balls)
Olives and Peppers
- 16 Ounces Castelvetrano olives (pitted)
- 4 ¼ Ounces kalamata olives (pitted)
- 16 Ounces pepperoncini
Other
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the cone: Wrap a styrofoam cone with a layer of plastic wrap and place it on a flat surface or serving board to create a stable base for assembling the antipasto tree.
- Start the base layer: Insert a toothpick halfway into the base of the cone and thread a cherry tomato onto it. Continue placing toothpicks evenly spaced around the cone’s base, alternating cherry tomatoes, bocconcini cheese balls, Castelvetrano olives, kalamata olives, and pepperoncini to create the first layer.
- Build subsequent layers: For each next layer, insert the toothpicks into the spaces between items on the layer below and add the antipasto ingredients in the same alternating pattern. Continue layering until the tree is completely covered, using pepperoncini sparingly due to their larger size.
- Add fresh rosemary: Break fresh rosemary into small sprigs and insert them into gaps throughout the tree to add aroma, flavor, and visual greenery.
- Brush with olive oil: Using a cooking brush, lightly coat the entire tree with a thin layer of olive oil to add sheen and enhance flavor.
- Season with sea salt: Sprinkle sea salt flakes evenly over the tree to finish the flavor profile.
- Serve or store: Serve the antipasto tree immediately as a show-stopping appetizer or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- This antipasto tree is an Italian-inspired twist on a traditional antipasto platter, combining classic ingredients into a festive and fun presentation.
- Use toothpicks carefully and ensure they are secure to keep ingredients stable on the cone.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini based on your preference, as their size can dominate the tree.
- For best freshness, prepare just before serving or refrigerate wrapped tightly to maintain quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 524 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 2048 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg
