If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and has just the right amount of elegance, you’re going to love this Salami Antipasto Bites Recipe. These little bites are a perfect combination of crispy salami cups filled with a zesty, creamy mix of marinated artichokes, olives, roasted peppers, and fresh mozzarella. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them for every party and get-together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: These bites look fancy but are surprisingly easy to throw together, even last minute.
- Flavor Explosion: The salty crunch of salami paired with creamy mozzarella and tangy veggies is just irresistible.
- Party Perfect: Bite-sized and mess-free, making them a hit at any gathering or potluck.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily adjust the fillings depending on what’s in your fridge or your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Salami Antipasto Bites Recipe plays a key role, balancing textures and flavors perfectly. I’ve found that grabbing quality marinated artichokes and fresh basil really elevates the dish to something special.
- Genoa salami: Choose a 4-inch slice, not the tiny ones, so it forms a nice, sturdy cup when baked.
- Marinated artichoke hearts: Adds a tender, tangy burst—make sure to chop them finely for easy filling.
- Stuffed pimento olives: Slice for a pop of briny, slightly sweet flavor that pairs so well here.
- Roasted red bell peppers: Their natural sweetness balances the salty, savory notes.
- Mini fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Soft and creamy, cut into quarters so every bite has a little cheese.
- Fresh basil: Chopped fresh basil infuses an herbaceous, aromatic freshness—you’ll want extra for garnish!
- Salt and pepper: To taste, just enough to brighten everything up.
- Champagne vinegar or Italian dressing: This splash ties the filling together with a subtle acid kick.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Salami Antipasto Bites Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have around. It’s so versatile, you really can’t go wrong when you mix things up a bit!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out the artichokes for sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, chewier bite—it gives the filling a totally different but equally delicious vibe.
- Vegetarian version: Use crispy baked eggplant or zucchini slices instead of salami cups for a meat-free twist that still holds together nicely.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling amps up the flavor for those who like a bit of heat.
How to Make Salami Antipasto Bites Recipe
Step 1: Shape and Bake the Salami Cups
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Take your 4-inch salami slices and gently press each into the wells of a muffin tin, forming a cup shape. You want the salami to cover the sides and bottom as evenly as possible — this makes sure they hold the filling nicely! Then bake for about 8-10 minutes until the edges crisp up but don’t burn. Watch them closely because they can go from perfect to too crunchy quickly. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and let them cool and firm up for 10-15 minutes before filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
While the salami cups cool, mix together the chopped marinated artichoke hearts, sliced stuffed olives, roasted red peppers, quartered mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil in a bowl. Add in the champagne vinegar or Italian dressing, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle toss—this filling is the bright, tangy heart of your Salami Antipasto Bites, so don’t be shy with tasting and adjusting the seasonings.
Step 3: Fill and Garnish
Carefully spoon the filling into each cooled salami cup, packing just enough to give a satisfying bite without overfilling. Then sprinkle a little extra fresh basil on top for color and that herbaceous pop. Arrange the finished bites on a pretty serving platter, and they’re ready to impress!
Pro Tips for Making Salami Antipasto Bites Recipe
- Use Larger Salami Slices: I learned that the 4-inch size really makes the best cups—smaller slices tend to be too flimsy and tough to fill properly.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: It’s tempting to fill hot salami cups right away, but letting them cool fully keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Adjust Filling Seasoning: Taste as you go because the vinegar and saltiness can vary depending on your ingredients—balancing is key.
- Gentle Handling: Use small tongs or a fork to remove cups from the pan carefully to avoid tearing the crispy edges.
How to Serve Salami Antipasto Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love garnishing these bites with a little extra fresh basil and sometimes a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for shine and extra flavor. If you want a bit more zing, a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty richness that my family adores.
Side Dishes
These antipasto bites pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple bowl of mixed olives and nuts. If it’s a bigger spread, set them alongside a charcuterie board with crackers, cheeses, and fresh fruit for a balanced party platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving these bites on an elegant wooden board with fresh herb sprigs scattered around for a rustic yet polished feel. You can also place each bite in mini cupcake liners to keep things tidy and add a pop of color—guests always appreciate the thoughtful touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salami cups and filling are best stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the cups crisp and the filling fresh without making the cups soggy.
Freezing
I haven’t personally frozen the filled bites because I find the fresh cheese and veggies don’t freeze well. However, you can freeze the baked salami cups alone and then thaw and fill just before serving—it saves prep time for busy days!
Reheating
If you have reserved baked salami cups in the fridge, I suggest reheating them briefly in a warmed oven (around 300°F for 5 minutes) to crisp them back up before adding filling. This keeps their texture intact and makes your antipasto bites taste freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I make Salami Antipasto Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! I recommend baking the salami cups ahead and keeping them separate from the filling to maintain crispness. You can prepare the filling and store it refrigerated as well, then assemble the bites shortly before serving.
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What type of salami works best for these bites?
Genoa salami works wonderfully because it crisps nicely and has great flavor. Be sure to choose thicker 4-inch slices rather than small, thin ones so the cups hold their shape during baking.
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Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes! If you want a twist, try using small cubes of provolone or even feta for a tangier bite. Just keep the cheese bite-sized so it fits nicely inside the salami cups.
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How do I avoid the salami cups getting soggy?
The key is to let the baked cups cool completely and keep the filling separate until just before serving. This prevents moisture from the veggies and cheese from softening the crisp salami.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Salami Antipasto Bites Recipe turns out every time—the crispy, flavorful cups filled with that tangy, creamy filling are just the perfect combo. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create something so impressive and delicious. My family goes crazy for them, and I bet your friends and guests will too! So grab a muffin tin and a package of salami—let’s get these bites going for your next party or casual night in.
Print
Salami Antipasto Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 28-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Salami Antipasto Bites are an elegant and flavorful appetizer featuring crispy baked salami cups filled with a delicious mixture of marinated artichoke hearts, pimento-stuffed olives, roasted red peppers, mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a splash of champagne vinegar or Italian dressing. Perfect for parties and easy to serve as finger food, these bites combine tangy, sweet, and creamy elements in a convenient, bite-sized presentation.
Ingredients
Salami Cups
- 4 oz. package Genoa salami (4 inch slices, not the small size)
Filling
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/3 cup stuffed pimento olives, sliced
- 1/3 cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup mini fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine size), cut into fourths
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 Tbsp. champagne vinegar or Italian dressing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salami Cups: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place a slice of Genoa salami into each well of a muffin tin, forming a cup shape. Ensure the salami covers the sides and bottom of each cup as best as possible to create sturdy shells.
- Bake Salami Cups: Bake the salami cups for 8-10 minutes until they are crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Once baked, let them cool for 10-15 minutes so they firm up. Then, use a fork or small tongs to carefully lift them from the muffin tin and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped marinated artichoke hearts, sliced pimento-stuffed olives, chopped roasted red bell peppers, quartered mini mozzarella balls, chopped fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper. Add 1-2 tablespoons of champagne vinegar or Italian dressing and mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Assemble the Bites: Spoon the prepared filling into the cooled salami cups evenly. Garnish each bite with additional fresh basil leaves on top for a fresh finish.
- Serve or Store: Arrange the salami antipasto bites on a serving platter and serve immediately. Alternatively, keep the filling separate and chill both components in the refrigerator if serving several hours later to prevent sogginess. Assemble right before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- These bites offer a sophisticated look with minimal effort, perfect for entertaining.
- The salami cups provide a crunchy, flavorful base that pairs beautifully with the tangy and creamy filling.
- Keep filling and cups separate if making ahead to avoid sogginess.
- They are convenient finger foods that are easy to eat at parties or gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 73 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 392 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
