Cured meats, cheeses, pickled peppers and olives come together in this crafty, holiday spin on the antipasto platter from our Senior Culinary Producer Jeanette Donnarumma.
For more festive party-ready recipes, check out these recipes for our O’ Pretzel Tree and "Cruditree" With Cheese Ball Presents.
Assemble the “branches” for the “tree”: Fold pepperoni into quarters or gather loosely to make a “flower,” then place a provolone cube in the middle and push a toothpick through to secure the “flower.” Repeat with the remaining pepperoni and provolone, then repeat the process with the salami or soppressata and mozzarella.
Cut each prosciutto slice down the center lengthwise, then roll up each half beginning on the short end. Thread a sweety drop mini pepper onto a toothpick, then push it through the center of the prosciutto “tube.” Repeat with the remaining prosciutto and sweety drop mini peppers.
Skewer 2 black olives on a toothpick, and repeat with the remaining olives. Repeat the process with the green olives.
Skewer each pepperoncini with a toothpick.
Assemble the tree: Working from the bottom and winding your way up in a circular pattern, push each “branch” into the styrofoam “tree” in your desired pattern, tucking the rosemary sprigs in between every few layers.
Finish the top with more rosemary sprigs and any remaining toothpick “branches.”
Arrange the garlic knots on the side of the tree for serving.