Description
These Salami Cups Antipasto are a delightful and savory appetizer featuring crispy baked salami formed into little cups filled with a fresh and flavorful mixture of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, marinated vegetables, olives, and fresh basil. Perfect for entertaining, these bite-sized treats combine the rich saltiness of salami with bright, tangy, and herbaceous fillings, making them an irresistible starter for any gathering.
Ingredients
Salami Cups
- 24 slices salami (large size, 4 inches in diameter - regular or spicy)
Filling
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (4 oz, diced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered)
- 1/3 cup marinated bell pepper (well drained and coarsely chopped)
- 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives (chopped, optional)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish)
- 1/3 cup marinated artichoke hearts (optional, well-drained, coarsely chopped)
Instructions
- Form Salami Cups: Lay each slice of salami over a standard muffin tin or cupcake pan and gently press them into the cups using a small ramekin or measuring cup. This creates pleats that help the salami keep its bowl-like shape.
- Bake Salami: Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) and bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges of the salami are crisp and the cups hold their form. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced fresh mozzarella, quartered cherry tomatoes, marinated bell peppers, chopped kalamata olives (if using), marinated artichoke hearts (if using), and extra virgin olive oil. Gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the filling mixture into each cooled salami cup, dividing it evenly among all 24 cups. Garnish each cup with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately as a tasty antipasto appetizer.
Notes
- Use large salami slices about 4 inches in diameter to ensure the cups form well.
- Marinated vegetables like bell peppers and artichokes add great flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- These cups are best served fresh; storing them for later may cause the salami to lose crispness.
- For a spicier version, opt for spicy salami slices.
- Make sure to drain marinated ingredients well to avoid soggy cups.
