Looking for a holiday appetizer that doubles as a table centerpiece? Try this antipasto skewer wreath for a festive and flavorful start to your celebration. With a mix of cheeses, cured meat, and fresh veggies, it’s a merry and bright addition to any holiday celebration.

antipasto skewers arranged in a wreath shape surrounded by crackers.

Step into the season of entertaining with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive: the Antipasto Skewer Wreath. Perfect for any holiday occasion, this edible arrangement is your ticket to hassle-free hosting with a twist of uniqueness. With this simple yet striking idea, you’re not just serving up an appetizer, you’re creating a memorable focal point for your festive feast.

As you probably know, I like unique ways to serve antipasto, cheese boards, and charcuterie. Here on Inspired by Charm, we’ve covered…

jarcuteries – a single serving charcuterie in a jar
a snackle box – a to-go charcuterie in a tackle box
charcuterie cups – a single serving charcuterie in a paper cup
charcuterie boxes – a to-go single-serving charcuterie board packed in a box
charcuterie wreath – a wreath-shaped charcuterie
Christmas tree cheese board – shaped and decorated to look like a Christmas tree

… and now we’re adding an Antipasto Skewer Wreath to this ever-expanding list! I like having options, don’t you?

Want more Christmas appetizer recipe ideas? You’ve got it. You’ll love this collection of my best Christmas appetizer recipes.

I love styling things like this wreath. I find the process so enjoyable and the result speaks for itself. With just a little extra effort you can take somewhat basic ingredients and turn them into something special. I highly recommend giving it a try. I think you’ll enjoy it too!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 Directions

4 Recipe Notes

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Festive Appetizer Recipes You May Enjoy

7 Antipasto Skewer Wreath

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Antipasto Skewer Wreath is more than just appetizing, it’s a centerpiece that will catch every eye. It’s the ideal conversation starter that brings a festive vibe to any holiday spread.
Who says impressive has to be complicated? This recipe is all about keeping things straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly it all comes together. And your guests will think you’ve outdone yourself.
Have a variety of tastes to cater to? No problem. This wreath is extremely versatile. Swap in different cheeses, ditch the meat for more veggies, or even add in some fruit; the sky’s the limit.

Have I convinced you to try this Antipasto Skewer Wreath for your next gathering? I sure hope so! Let me walk you through some suggested ingredients, and then we can put this showpiece together.

appetizer wreath made from mini antipasto skewers.

Ingredients

I’m going to let you in on the ingredients I used to bring this masterpiece to life but remember, this recipe is all about making it yours. Feel free to get creative and substitute with the goodies you love – because in the end, it’s all about what tickles your fancy and suits your soiree.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Wooden Skewers: The backbone of our wreath, these little wooden wonders are perfect for threading your favorite antipasto delights. I used five-inch skewers for easy handling and the perfect bite size. You can find the skewers I used HERE.
Assorted Cheeses: I picked a mix of cheddar, Colby jack, and mini mozzarella balls for a variety of flavors and colors.
Salami or Pepperoni: Adding that savory zing, these cured meats fold up nicely on the skewers, giving a nod to traditional antipasto vibes.
Cherry Tomatoes (or other veggies): Little bursts of juicy sweetness, these tomatoes add a pop of color and a fresh, tangy taste that balances the richness of the cheeses and meats.
Gherkins: These tiny pickles are a crunchy, vinegary counterpoint to the other elements, bringing a classic antipasto pucker to the palate.
Blackberries (or other fruit/berries): A twist in the plot, these bring a touch of whimsy and a fruity note that’s unexpectedly delightful alongside the other more savory ingredients.
Peppadew Peppers: Sweet, a little spicy, and oh-so-pretty, these peppers are like little jewels that add just a touch of spice without overwhelming the senses.
Olives: Whether you’re team green or kalamata, olives bring a briny depth that anchors the skewer’s flavors. They’re like the wise old owls of the antipasto world – respected and full of character.
Fresh Rosemary: Not just for garnish, these sprigs infuse a subtle, herby aroma that makes the wreath come alive; plus, they look like mini evergreen boughs. How’s that for festive?
Crackers: What’s cheese without a cracker? Choose an assortment of crackers for serving as they’re the trusty sidekick that makes every cheese and meat bite complete. These Raincoast Crisps are always a go-to for me. Not only are they delicious, but they look beautiful too.

plate filled with antipasto skewers stacked together.

Directions

With all your selected ingredients on hand, we’re ready to start assembling our Antipasto Skewer Wreath. I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a full supply list and detailed instructions in the printable project card below.

Start by preparing your ingredients. Wash the fruits and herbs, cube the cheese, strain the olives and gherkins, etc.
Then begin threading your ingredients onto a skewer. You can be consistent with your design for a uniform look or be random for a more varied look. (I prefer a more varied approach so each skewer will be different in its offerings.)
Repeat this process for all 36 skewers.
On a large round platter, arrange the skewers in a circular wreath pattern. Be sure the skewers are close together to make the wreath look full and lush.
Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the skewers to fill in the gaps and add a touch of greenery, resembling a traditional holiday wreath.
Serve immediately or cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
When serving, arrange a variety of tasty crackers around the wreath for guests to enjoy with their antipasto kabobs. You can also serve with a mustard or another dipping sauce.

antipasto skewers on plate garnished with rosemary and crackers.

hand picking up mini antipasto skewer from plate.

Recipe Notes

The ingredients above are a general guideline. Feel free to use what you love based on personal preferences or occasion/celebration.
Aim for a good balance of flavors and textures in each skewer. Pair crisp with creamy and tart with sweet to give your guests an exciting taste experience in every bite.
For a more colorful wreath, use a variety of different colored tomatoes and peppers.
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, consider making a few skewers without meat or with vegan cheese alternatives.
The skewers can be made a few hours ahead of time. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Add the rosemary just before presenting to keep it fresh.
Set out a small bowl or dish for guests to discard their empty wooden skewers when finished.

festive appetizer wreath made with mini antipasto skewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Antipasto Skewer Wreath the day before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers the day before your event. Just hold off on adding the fresh rosemary until serving time to keep it looking and smelling fresh.

How many skewers does this recipe make?

This recipe will give you about three dozen skewers, but it’s super easy to scale up or down depending on the size of your party.

How should I store the skewers if I’m making them ahead of time?

Once you’ve assembled the skewers, lay them in a single layer on a platter or tray, cover them with plastic wrap, and pop them into the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty until you’re ready to lay them out.

Can I add a dipping sauce to the wreath?

Dipping sauces are a great addition! Place a small bowl of your favorite dip in the center of the wreath for easy access. Consider pesto, hummus, or a balsamic reduction for dipping.

How do I transport the antipasto skewer wreath if I’m bringing it to a party?

The best way to transport your wreath is to assemble it on a flat, sturdy tray or platter that has a lip along the edge. Cover it gently with foil or cling film, and make sure it’s secured in your vehicle so it doesn’t slide. If you’re traveling a short distance, you might choose to assemble the wreath on-site.

mini skewers of meat and cheese shaped into a wreath.

More Festive Appetizer Recipes You May Enjoy

And there you have it, this easy-to-assemble, delightful-to-display, and even better-to-eat Antipasto Skewer Wreath that may just be the perfect addition to your holiday entertaining repertoire. If you love this recipe idea as much as I do, please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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