Frederic Melton
An Italian meat and cheese platter, also known as an antipasto or charcuterie board, is a great option for a quick and easy appetiser. It typically includes cured meats, cheeses, fresh or marinated vegetables, fruits, nuts, and bread. The selection of foods varies from region to region in Italy, and there is no one specific recipe for a meat and cheese platter. However, some popular Italian cured meats include salami, prosciutto, coppa, ham, and Tuscan prosciutto. For cheeses, options such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, Gorgonzola, mozzarella, and burrata are all delicious choices. To add some sweetness to the platter, consider adding honey or jam. Olives, crostini, and crackers are also great additions to fill in any gaps on the platter.
Characteristics and Values Table for an Italian Meat and Cheese Platter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cured meats | Salami, prosciutto, coppa, ham, pepperoni, soppressata, pastrami, bresaola, speck, spicy polony, spiced beef, cooked viennas |
| Cheeses | Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola, Pecorino, Mozzarella, Fontina, Taleggio, Burrata, Provolone, Cheddar, Brie, Camembert |
| Condiments | Honey, fig jam, pesto, Calabrian chiles, balsamic glaze |
| Fruits | Grapes, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, figs, clementines, persimmons, honeydew melon, pear, clementine, dried fruit |
| Vegetables | Radicchio, fennel, fava beans, artichokes, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, cucumbers, carrot sticks, radicchio leaves, small grape clusters |
| Extras | Bread, crackers, crostini, bruschetta, almonds, nuts |
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Cured meats
Other cured meat options include Tuscan prosciutto, which is cured with Tuscan spices such as pepper, garlic, rosemary, and juniper for at least 12 months, resulting in an earthy and intense flavour. Lardo, another Tuscan delicacy, consists of pig fat richly spiced with rosemary, garlic, sage, oregano, coriander, anise, and cinnamon. It is best served paper-thin over slices of warm bread. Coppa di Testa, the Italian version of head cheese, is a mosaic of pig parts encased in gelatin and flavoured with pistachio, orange, lemon, garlic, or vinegar, depending on local traditions.
When selecting cured meats for your Italian platter, it is recommended to choose three to four types of meats with varying textures and flavours. This could include bresaola, soppressata, or even South African biltong for something different. Arranging the meats attractively on the platter and filling in any gaps with other ingredients will result in a visually appealing and delicious spread.
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Cheeses
When it comes to Italian cheese, you are spoilt for choice. A good rule of thumb is to have a mix of hard, soft, fresh, and funky cheeses. Aim for three types of cheese, and if you are using a soft cheese, keep it whole with a bread knife for guests to slice themselves.
Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan, is a must-have on your platter. It is the king of hard Italian cheeses, with a sharp and complex nutty taste. Cut it into bite-sized chunks or rustic chunks to snack on, and pair it with some aged Italian balsamic. You can also buy a chunk with the rind and add it to sauces, soups, or stews for extra flavor.
Gorgonzola is another classic Italian cheese. It is Italy's very own blue cheese, sold in two varieties: the softer, sweeter, and mellower dolce, and the more intense naturale, which is aged for over a year. Leave gorgonzola whole on your platter, and serve it with honeycomb.
For a softer cheese, burrata is a delicious option. It is a ball of mozzarella with a soft, creamy cheese called stracciatella inside. When you tear open the ball, the creamy cheese oozes out. You can serve it in small bowls, garnished with pesto and/or Calabrian chiles.
Mozzarella is another classic Italian cheese. You can serve it fresh, or marinated in olive oil, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Pecorino is a hard, salty cheese with lots of flavor. It pairs well with honey or fig jam, a classic accompaniment to cured meats.
Other Italian cheeses to consider include fontina, taleggio, and provolone.
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Marinated vegetables
To prepare the marinade, mix together garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, oil, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sugar, salt and pepper. You can parboil the vegetables before marinating them, leaving them slightly tender but still crisp. Then, mix the vegetables with the marinade and leave them to chill for at least two hours before serving. You can also add fresh basil and lemon wedges as a garnish.
Marinated artichokes are a popular choice for Italian platters and go well with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling from Northern Italy. You can also season artichoke hearts with roasted bell peppers, oregano and olive oil to add a unique flavour to your platter.
When creating an Italian meat and cheese platter, it's important to include a variety of textures and flavours. Marinated vegetables offer a great way to add a tangy, refreshing element to the dish.
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Breads and crackers
- Bruschetta: Toasted slices of Italian bread, rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Crostini: Small, thin slices of toasted bread, similar to crackers, that can be used as a base for toppings or spreads.
- Breadsticks: Long, thin, dry breadsticks can be a nice crunchy addition to the platter and can be used to dip into softer cheeses or spreads.
- Crackers: Plain crackers can be used as a base for meats, cheeses, or spreads, or can be served on the side.
- Grilled bread: Slices of grilled or toasted bread can be served on the side, or used to make small sandwiches with the meats and cheeses.
When selecting breads and crackers for your Italian meat and cheese platter, it's important to consider the other ingredients you'll be using. Choose options that will complement the flavours and textures of your meats and cheeses, and provide a variety of shapes and sizes for your guests to create their own bites. It is also recommended to serve the breads and crackers separately to avoid them becoming soggy from the juices of the other ingredients.
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Fruits and nuts
A classic Italian meat and cheese platter, or antipasto, is a blend of savoury and sweet elements. It typically includes cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and fruits. The best part about putting together an antipasto platter is that there are no set rules, and you can let your creativity flow. Here are some ideas for the fruits and nuts you can include:
Fruits
Fresh, seasonal fruits add a burst of colour and texture to your platter. Grapes are a popular choice, as they are a great palate cleanser. You could also add cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, radicchio leaves, honeydew melon, grilled figs, sliced pear, clementine, or persimmon. If you want to get creative, you can even add some dried fruits to the mix.
Nuts
Nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the other elements on the platter. Toasted almonds are a great option to fill in any gaps on your platter. You could also try other nuts such as pistachios, which are commonly used in Italian cuisine.
Remember, the key to a great antipasto platter is to choose items with different tastes and textures that complement each other. So, don't be afraid to experiment and add your own twist to this classic Italian dish!
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Frequently asked questions
Cured meats commonly found on Italian meat and cheese platters include salami, prosciutto, coppa, ham, pepperoni, soppressata, pastrami, bresaola, and speck.
Cheeses commonly found on Italian meat and cheese platters include gorgonzola, pecorino, parmigiano reggiano, mozzarella, provolone, fontina, taleggio, and burrata.
Olives, crackers, bread, crostini, nuts, marinated vegetables, and fresh fruit are all common additions to an Italian meat and cheese platter.
There are no set rules for arranging an Italian meat and cheese platter, but it is recommended to include a variety of textures and flavours. You can stagger small bowls of olives, honey, or jam and arrange a soft, semi-soft, and hard cheese around them. Then, fold, roll, or ruche softer meats like prosciutto into shapes you like and fill in the gaps with roasted bell peppers, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, and toasted almonds.
