Antipasto Kabobs

INTRODUCTION

Antipasto Kabobs are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one bite. These tasty appetizers combine cheese tortellini, olives, pepperoni, and salami on a simple skewer. Great for parties, picnics, or family gatherings, these kabobs are easy to make and even easier to eat. The mix of savory ingredients and Italian dressing creates a burst of flavors that everyone will love.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love Antipasto Kabobs for many reasons. First, they are colorful and appealing. The vibrant colors of the olives, meats, and tortellini come together to form a beautiful dish that can be the centerpiece of any table. Second, they are easy to prepare. All you need to do is cook the tortellini, mix the ingredients, and assemble the kabobs. Finally, they are perfect for sharing. Whether you have a big party or a small family dinner, these kabobs make it easy to serve delicious finger foods that everyone can enjoy.

HOW TO MAKE Antipasto Kabobs

Making Antipasto Kabobs is a simple process. You will need a few ingredients and some easy steps to follow to create this amazing appetizer. Below, you will find details on the equipment needed, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to make your own Antipasto Kabobs.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large pot for boiling water
• Colander for draining
• Large bowl for mixing
• Toothpicks or small skewers for assembling kabobs
• Refrigerator for chilling the kabobs

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 40 pimiento stuffed olives
• 40 large pitted ripe olives
• 3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
• 40 thin slices pepperoni
• 20 thin slices hard salami, halved

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Make sure to follow the cooking time to get the right texture. Once cooked, drain the tortellini using a colander.
2. Rinse the tortellini in cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools them down for easy handling.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pimiento stuffed olives, ripe olives, and Italian salad dressing. Toss everything gently to coat the tortellini and olives with the dressing.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows all the flavors to mix well.
5. After chilling, drain the mixture again, discarding the marinade.
6. To assemble the kabobs, take a toothpick or short skewer. Start threading a pimiento stuffed olive onto the skewer.
7. Next, fold a slice of pepperoni and add it to the skewer.
8. Add one tortellini next, followed by a folded piece of salami.
9. Finally, thread on a ripe olive to complete the kabob.
10. Repeat this process until you have used up all of your ingredients.

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HOW TO SERVE Antipasto Kabobs

Antipasto Kabobs are best served chilled or at room temperature. Place them on a large platter for beautiful presentation. You may also want to arrange them in a fun way, like standing them up in a glass or jar. This will keep them easy to reach for guests. If you want to add more flavors, serve with extra Italian dressing or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Antipasto Kabobs

Leftover Antipasto Kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the tortellini and mix everything together a day in advance. Assemble the kabobs closer to the time you plan to serve them for the best taste.

Freezing is not recommended for these kabobs since the texture of the tortellini and other ingredients can change when thawed. It’s always best to enjoy them fresh.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There are many ways to serve Antipasto Kabobs. They can be the star of an appetizer spread at a party. Pair them with cheese platters, crunchy vegetables, and dips for a complete snack table. They can also be served alongside pasta dishes or as part of an Italian-themed meal. Remember, these kabobs are perfect for any occasion.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize Antipasto Kabobs to match your taste. Here are some simple variations:

• Swap cheese tortellini for spinach or meat tortellini.
• Use different types of olives like Kalamata or green olives.
• Replace pepperoni and salami with slices of turkey or ham.
• Add cherry tomatoes or pieces of bell pepper for extra colors and flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Antipasto Kabobs vegetarian?

Yes! You can leave out the meats like pepperoni and salami and add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.

How can I spice up the dressing?

To add some heat, you can mix in a bit of red pepper flakes with the Italian dressing.

Can I use other cheeses?

Absolutely! You can use mozzarella balls or cubes of your favorite cheese instead of tortellini.

How far ahead can I prepare these kabobs?

You can prepare all the ingredients up to a day in advance. Just assemble the kabobs closer to serving time for the best freshness.

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MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Antipasto Kabobs

To make the process of preparing Antipasto Kabobs easier, you can do several things ahead of time. First, cook and cool the tortellini up to 24 hours in advance. After cooling, mix it with the olives and dressing, and store it in the fridge. The next day, all you need to do is assemble the kabobs. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, making the kabobs even tastier when you serve them. Enjoy your delicious Antipasto Kabobs!

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