Description
Salami Antipasto Bites are an elegant and easy-to-make appetizer featuring crispy baked salami cups filled with a flavorful mix of marinated artichoke hearts, pimento-stuffed olives, roasted red bell peppers, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Perfect for parties, these bite-sized treats combine tangy, savory, and creamy elements in a convenient finger-food format.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
- 1-2 Tbsp. champagne vinegar or Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the salami cups.
- Form Salami Cups: Place a slice of Genoa salami into each well of a muffin tin, shaping it into a cup by pressing the salami against the sides and bottom of the wells to cover as much as possible.
- Bake Salami Cups: Bake the salami-lined muffin tin for 8-10 minutes, or until the salami is crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool Salami Cups: Remove the tray from the oven and let the salami cups cool for 10-15 minutes. This allows them to firm up completely. Then, carefully use a fork or tongs to remove each cup and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped marinated artichokes, sliced stuffed olives, chopped roasted red bell peppers, quartered mozzarella balls, chopped basil, and 1-2 tablespoons of champagne vinegar or Italian dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Assemble Bites: Spoon the prepared filling into each cooled salami cup generously.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each filled cup with additional fresh basil leaves for garnish. Arrange the antipasto bites on a serving platter and serve immediately, or chill the filling and cups separately if serving later to avoid sogginess.
Notes
- These bites offer a sophisticated presentation with minimal effort, making them ideal for entertaining and gatherings.
- Keeping the filling separate from the salami cups until ready to serve prevents sogginess when making ahead.
- Use fresh ciliegine mozzarella balls for the best texture; cut into smaller pieces for easier eating.
- Alternative dressings, like Italian vinaigrette, can be used to vary flavor.
- Keep an eye on the salami in the oven to avoid overcooking, as baking time may vary depending on thickness.
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
