How to create the perfect antipasti board

History of Antipasti

The history of antipasti dates back to medieval Italy, although its individual components were no doubt enjoyed long before that.

Each region of Italy offers unique flavours and produce to enjoy. Influenced by diverse climates and influences, traditions, and customs, the antipasti you savour will have a distinct regional taste. In the north, antipasti often feature rich cheeses, cured meats, and pickled vegetables influenced by alpine traditions. Central Italy celebrates simplicity with rustic bread, savoury spreads, and hearty cheeses, while the south is known for its creamy dairy, sun-ripened vegetables, and bold, robust flavours. Along the coasts, seafood plays a starring role, complemented by vibrant herbs and citrus.

No matter where it's from, antipasti beautifully captures the essence of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, making it a timeless way to gather and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food.

Building your Antipasti Board

While there is much flexibility in regards to what can go onto an antipasti board, there are certain ingredients that you will see on almost every platter.

Salumi

In Italy, cured meats are known as Salumi and there is an array of options to choose from. Prosciutto is probably the most known and sought-after of Italy's charcuterie with a mild, delicately sweet and salty taste.

Mortadella, a slow-cooked pork salume, is another classic offering a soft and flavourful bite. For a richer and nuttier flavour, opt for Mortadella with Pistachio.

Another popular option is Salame, a cured and air-dried pork sausage that comes in various varieties, such as Salamino Rocchetto, a handmade small salame from our producers in Emilia Romagna made from fresh pork meat seasoned with salt, wine and spices, or the country's most consumed variety, Salame Milano. For those after a bit of spice, Nduja is a great addition. Perfect to be mopped up with some Focaccia, its smoky, bold, spicy flavour stands out on any antipasti board.

Formaggio

Narrowing down which cheeses to add to your board can be hard because there are so many options to choose from. Each has its own distinct texture and flavour depending on which milk it is made from. This can be cow, sheep, goat, or buffalo. We recommend choosing a mixture of different cheeses with contrasting flavour and texture profiles to complement the rest of the ingredients.

Start with your hard-aged cheeses like the sharp and salty-flavoured Pecorino Romano. Then add some creamy and sweet Gorgonzola. For a truly unique experience, add lesser known varieties like the Boschetto al Tartufo, a pasteurised sheep's milk cheese infused with the earthy aroma of truffles, or the Ubriaco al Prosecco, a floral, fresh and fruity cheese whose rind is flavoured with leftover grape skins used to make Prosecco.

Fruit and Vegetables

Bring vibrant colours and bold flavours to your antipasti board with fresh and preserved produce. Our new Lina Stores antipasti range features a selection of regional delicacies from Puglia.

Start with our tender Apulian Artichokes, delicately preserved to highlight their soft texture and nutty flavour, they're an elegant addition to any spread. Pair them with our Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed with rich sweetness and a touch of garlic and oregano, offering a succulent texture that balances beautifully with creamy cheeses or crisp focaccia.

Add some Marinated Peppers, ours are hand-harvested at their peak and preserved in extra virgin olive oil with just a hint of garlic and vinegar. Their natural sweetness and velvety texture pair perfectly with bold meats and tangy cheeses.

For a touch of earthy depth, include our new Cime di Rapa (Italian Turnip Greens), a slightly bitter Puglian classic preserved in olive oil.

Olives such as the sweet, fresh, and herbal Green Bella di Cerignola – one of the most famous Italian olives from Puglia, or the Rosate di Bitetto, a big and meaty olive with a firm, juicy bite with a mild, buttery flavour, make for the perfect addition to your platter.

Try adding Mostarda, a unique Italian condiment from Cremona which sees crystallised fruits preserved in a clear syrup and flavoured with mustard seed oil. It is great with semi-soft and semi-hard cheeses.

Breads and Crackers

No antipasti board is complete without some bread and crackers to accompany it. Of course, you can opt for classic Italian crackers such as Handmade Fennel Taralli or Tomato Crostini to add that extra crunch, but we also recommend incorporating some other choices - for example, Focaccia with Rosemary for a light, softer alternative.

How to arrange your platter

Start with a wooden board for your base; then you can start assembling your ingredients.

On your platter, create separate piles or ramekins for each antipasto component. Start with the larger ingredients such as rolled meats as your focal point, then build out from there with cheeses, veggies, nuts, fruits and breads tucked into any empty spaces. You can overlap and layer ingredients to create depth. Finally, add pops of colour with bright ingredient garnishes like capers, caperberries or Mostarda.

Wine Pairings

No antipasto board is complete without a glass of wine. Opt for dry Italian wines that won't overpower the bright, bold flavours of your spread.

First, consider the different types of wines - whether they are light, full-bodied, sparkling, or still. Each type will have a different effect.

Our Lina Stores Prosecco is always a good option because it's fresh and light on the palate cutting through the richness of meats and enhancing the flavours of cheeses. It features fruity and floral notes of peach, green apple, and lilac, making it very versatile. If you prefer white wine, our Lina Stores Vermentino is a fresh, smooth and balanced white. If you choose to go with red wine, we recommend our Lina Stores Sangiovese, a sapid, smooth and full-bodied red.

Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large event, our delicatessen and online shop offer a wide selection of the finest Italian meats, cheeses, breads, olives, antipasti and all the ingredients needed to create an impressive antipasti platter.

We also provide a catering service with antipasti boards and other authentic Italian fare. Take the stress out of hosting and let us prepare the perfect traditional Italian spread for your next occasion. Visit us in-store or online to start browsing our antipasti offerings today.