Antipasto Cups: A Bite-Sized Italian Delight

Antipasto cups offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy the bold flavors of classic Italian appetizers in a portable, bite-sized form. These flavorful cups are made with layers of Genoa salami, artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella cheese, all seasoned with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic salt, and pepper. Perfect for parties or as a savory snack, these antipasto cups are sure to impress your guests.

For more Italian-inspired appetizers, check out The Kitchn’s Italian Appetizer Recipes or explore Bon Appetit’s guide to making Antipasto Platters.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

The beauty of Antipasto Cups lies in their simple preparation and combination of delicious ingredients. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish:

Antipasto Cups Recipe with Genoa Salami, Mozzarella, and Marinated Vegetables

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 cups 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Antipasto Cups are bite-sized appetizers that pack a flavorful punch. These individual servings are filled with savory ingredients like Genoa salami, marinated artichokes, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these antipasto cups offer a little bit of everything from the classic Italian antipasto platter.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 slices Genoa salami (3–1/2 inches)
• 1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 jar (8 ounces) marinated whole mushrooms, drained and chopped
• 1 jar (8 ounces) roasted sweet red peppers, drained and chopped
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

• Prepare the Antipasto Cup Ingredients:
• Drain the artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. Chop them into small pieces.
• Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Make the Dressing:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic salt, and pepper. Set aside.
• Assemble the Antipasto Cups:
• Lay out the 24 slices of Genoa salami. Arrange each slice into the shape of a cup by gently pressing them into the wells of a mini muffin tin or an appetizer-sized muffin tin to form small “cups.”
• Fill the Cups:
• In a large bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella cubes. Toss with the prepared dressing until everything is well coated.
• Spoon the antipasto mixture evenly into the salami cups, filling each one generously.
• Serve:
• Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. These antipasto cups can be served cold or at room temperature.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the cups ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salami from becoming too soggy.
• Customization: Feel free to customize the ingredients to your liking by adding olives, pickled vegetables, or different types of cheese like provolone or Parmesan.
• Serving Suggestions: These are great as appetizers for a party or as part of a larger Italian-themed meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 antipasto cup
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Antipasto Cups Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Antipasto Cup Base:

• Start by laying out the 24 slices of Genoa salami. To form the cups, gently press each slice into the compartments of a mini muffin tin or a similar-sized mold. This will create little “cups” to hold the antipasto ingredients. You might need to gently fold the edges of the salami slices to ensure they form a sturdy base.

2. Combine the Antipasto Ingredients:

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella cheese cubes. Toss the ingredients gently so that they are evenly mixed.

3. Make the Dressing:

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic salt, and pepper. This will create a simple but flavorful dressing to season the ingredients.

4. Assemble the Antipasto Cups:

• Spoon the antipasto mixture into each Genoa salami cup, filling each cup to the brim. Drizzle the olive oil dressing over the contents of each cup.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once all the cups are assembled, serve them immediately as an appetizer or snack. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs or extra pepper for a bit of flair.

Advanced Techniques for Antipasto Cups

Although the basic recipe is straightforward, there are several advanced techniques you can use to take your Antipasto Cups to the next level:

1. Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor

Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can be chopped and sprinkled over the top of the antipasto cups before serving to add an aromatic freshness that enhances the dish’s flavors.

2. Experiment with Cheese Varieties

While fresh mozzarella is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, bocconcini, or even a sharp Parmesan for different textures and flavors. A mix of cheeses can give each bite a unique twist.

3. Use Pesto or Balsamic Glaze

For an extra layer of richness, drizzle a bit of pesto or balsamic glaze over the antipasto cups. This will elevate the flavor profile and give the dish a more sophisticated touch.

4. Make Your Own Salami Cups

If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can create your own salami cups by baking the salami slices in a muffin tin for a crispier texture. This adds extra crunch and makes the dish even more visually appealing.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you have any leftovers or want to prepare the Antipasto Cups ahead of time, follow these storage tips to ensure the dish stays fresh:

1. Storing Leftovers:

• Store leftover Antipasto Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the salami may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.

2. Making Ahead:

• You can prepare the filling ahead of time by chopping the artichokes, mushrooms, peppers, and cheese and mixing them with the dressing. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. On the day you plan to serve, assemble the cups by adding the mixture to the salami and serving.

3. Freezing:

• While it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled Antipasto Cups, you can freeze the individual ingredients (e.g., the cheese, salami, and vegetables) separately. Thaw and assemble the cups when you’re ready to serve.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to cater to specific dietary preferences or restrictions, here are a few simple adaptations for the Antipasto Cups:

1. Gluten-Free Version

The Antipasto Cups as written are naturally gluten-free, as they do not contain any bread or wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure that the salami and other ingredients are gluten-free, as some cured meats may contain gluten.

2. Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free version, simply substitute the fresh mozzarella with a plant-based cheese such as vegan mozzarella. Be sure to check the labels for hidden dairy ingredients in the salami or other components.

3. Vegetarian Version

To make this dish vegetarian, omit the salami or replace it with a plant-based alternative, such as roasted vegetables or a vegetable-based deli slice. You can also add extra cheese and olives to make the cups more hearty.

4. Low-Sodium Version

To make a low-sodium version of this dish, use low-sodium salami, cheese, and olives, and reduce or eliminate the garlic salt. Fresh herbs can help boost the flavor without the added salt.

FAQs About Antipasto Cups

1. Can I make the salami cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salami cups in advance. Just arrange the salami slices in the muffin tin and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling mixture. You can also use spicy marinated peppers or salami with a bit of spice.

3. Can I use a different type of meat instead of Genoa salami?

Yes! While Genoa salami adds a rich, savory flavor, you can substitute it with other types of salami like soppressata, pepperoni, or even prosciutto for a more delicate taste.

4. How should I serve Antipasto Cups?

These cups are perfect as appetizers for a party, BBQ, or family gathering. They can be served cold or at room temperature and make a great addition to any antipasto platter.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Antipasto Cups are a fantastic, crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings together a variety of Italian flavors in one bite. With the perfect combination of salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy marinated vegetables, these cups are sure to impress at your next event. Whether you’re preparing them for a large party or a small gathering, they are easy to make and bursting with flavor.