Name: Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 Ounces cherry tomatoes; 2 Ounces fresh rosemary; 10 Ounces bocconcini (mozzarella cheese balls); 16 Ounces Castelvetrano olives (pitted); 4 ¼ Ounces kalamata olives (pitted); 16 Ounces pepperoncini; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 2 Tablespoons sea salt flakes; Styrofoam cone; Plastic wrap; Toothpicks; Cooking brush

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes as delightful as it looks, this Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe is the perfect festive creation to wow your guests. Imagine a vibrant tower adorned with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella bites, briny olives, and tangy pepperoncini, all accented with fragrant rosemary and sea salt flakes. It’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a journey of flavors and textures that will inspire conversations and smiles around your holiday table. Making this antipasto tree is surprisingly simple, turning everyday ingredients into a stunning and delicious holiday celebration starter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a tall cone-shaped tower made from layers of colorful ingredients. The base layer is covered with green olives, white mozzarella balls, and yellow and red cherry tomatoes. Each following layer has a mix of green olives, purple olives, red cherry tomatoes, white mozzarella balls, and yellow cherry tomatoes, arranged closely together with sprigs of fresh green rosemary spread evenly around the tower. The whole tower is sprinkled with coarse salt. It sits on a wooden board that is sprinkled with more salt, and next to it are slices of white baguette bread on one side and a stack of round sliced pepperoni on the other. Behind the tower, there is a white marbled surface and a white marbled background with some loose olives and rosemary. The colors are bright and fresh, giving a festive look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s the burst of sweetness from cherry tomatoes or the salty richness of Castelvetrano olives, creating layers of taste and color that will immediately brighten up your table.

10 Ounces cherry tomatoes: Provides juicy sweetness and a vibrant pop of red to brighten the tree.
10 Ounces bocconcini (mozzarella cheese balls): Adds a creamy, mild texture that balances the savory ingredients.
16 Ounces Castelvetrano olives (pitted): Known for their buttery flavor and beautiful green color, essential for contrast.
4 ¼ Ounces kalamata olives (pitted): Brings a rich, bold taste and deep purple hue to the mix.
16 Ounces pepperoncini: Offers a tangy, slightly spicy kick that livens up the flavor profile.
2 Ounces fresh rosemary: Fresh herbaceous aroma that enhances both taste and appearance.
1 Tablespoon olive oil: A light brush to add sheen and a hint of richness.
2 Tablespoons sea salt flakes: Finishing touch that balances and elevates all other flavors.

How to Make Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Start by wrapping your styrofoam cone tightly with a layer of plastic wrap. This not only keeps everything intact but also prevents the cone from absorbing any oily or salty residues, making it easier to reuse and clean up later. Place the wrapped cone on a flat, sturdy surface or a pretty serving board to begin decorating.

Step 2: Begin Building the Tree

Insert a toothpick halfway into the base of the cone, then slide on a cherry tomato. This first piece anchors your design. Continue this process all around the base, alternating the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, Castelvetrano olives, kalamata olives, and pepperoncini. Mixing these colors and textures creates that festive, eye-catching pattern reminiscent of a holiday tree’s ornaments.

Step 3: Layer and Fill in Gaps

When you start the next row of ingredients, position each piece in the gaps between the elements below. This staggered method ensures your antipasto tree looks full and beautifully arranged from every angle. Keep layering upwards, alternating ingredients to maintain balance and visual interest. A quick tip: use pepperoncini sparingly since their size can quickly dominate the tree’s shape.

Step 4: Add Fresh Rosemary

Break fresh rosemary into small sprigs using your fingers, then gently stick them into the spaces between the olives, tomatoes, and cheese. The rosemary sprigs create lovely green accents that mimic pine needles, infusing the tree with a fragrant herbal note and a natural, rustic charm.

Step 5: Finish with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

Finally, use a cooking brush to add a thin, even layer of olive oil across the entire tree. This gives your creation a subtle glow and ties all the flavors together. Sprinkle generous sea salt flakes over the top to heighten the flavors and add a delicate crunch. Now your Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe is ready to be enjoyed immediately or stored in the fridge for later celebrations.

How to Serve Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe

A tall, cone-shaped green food item wrapped tightly in clear plastic wrap stands on a round wooden board. Around the base of the cone, there is a colorful ring of small round vegetables and pickled peppers, including red, yellow, green tomatoes, and white cheese balls. The wooden board is placed on a white marbled surface with a clean white background, making the colors of the vegetables and the green cone stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add an extra festive touch, consider garnishing your tree with a handful of fresh herbs like basil or additional rosemary sprigs. Edible flowers can also brighten the display. These small additions give your antipasto tree a personalized and fresh look that guests will appreciate.

Side Dishes

This antipasto tree pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or savory crackers, which guests can use to scoop up the olives, cheese, and tomatoes. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a simple pasta salad or roasted vegetables to extend the feast without competing with the star appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing your Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe on a decorative wooden board or a mirrored platter to reflect its colors and make it pop on the holiday table. Surround the base with strands of fairy lights or sprigs of fresh herbs for an enchanted effect. You could also create mini individual trees on smaller cones for guests to enjoy their own festive bite-sized version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, cover the antipasto tree loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume within 24 hours to enjoy the freshness of the vegetables and cheese while they still retain their delightful textures.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe since the fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella will lose their texture and flavor once thawed. Instead, enjoy making it fresh for each occasion to ensure optimal taste and presentation.

Reheating

This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating will alter the cheese texture and soften the fresh produce, so simply bring it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to open up naturally.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While bocconcini mozzarella is traditional and melts beautifully with the other flavors, you can experiment with mini burrata balls or marinated feta for different textures and tastes that still complement the antipasto tree wonderfully.

How far in advance can I assemble the Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe?

It’s best to assemble the tree on the day you plan to serve it, preferably a few hours in advance. This keeps all the ingredients fresh and the colors vibrant. If you need to prep earlier, assemble it no more than 12 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, loosely covered.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan version, simply substitute the mozzarella balls with vegan cheese alternatives or marinated tofu bites to maintain that creamy element.

What’s the best way to transport the tree to a party?

Place the finished tree securely on a flat surface inside a sturdy box or container to prevent it from tipping over. If driving, keep the tree refrigerated until just before leaving to maintain freshness and handle it gently during transport.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Definitely. The antipasto tree serves about eight people generously, making it an excellent centerpiece for parties. For bigger crowds, consider making multiple smaller trees or doubling the ingredients for a grander display.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Antipasto Holiday Tree Recipe that brings warmth and excitement to any holiday gathering. Its vibrant colors, delightful flavors, and unique presentation turn an ordinary appetizer into a festive experience worth sharing. I hope you give this recipe a try and watch your friends and family light up with joy as they dig into this edible holiday masterpiece.