Description
These Salami Cups Antipasto are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring crispy baked salami shells filled with a flavorful mixture of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, marinated bell peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts. Garnished with fresh basil and drizzled with olive oil, they are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a savory snack.
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)
- 1/3 cup marinated artichoke hearts (optional, well drained and coarsely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Form the Salami Cups: Lay each slice of salami over the cups of a standard muffin or cupcake pan. Using a small ramekin or measuring cup, gently press the salami into each cup to create pleats, which help the salami keep its bowl-like shape.
- Bake the Salami: Place the muffin pan in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the salami edges are crisp and the cups hold their shape. After baking, let the cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced fresh mozzarella, quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped marinated bell peppers, chopped kalamata olives (if using), and chopped marinated artichoke hearts (if using). Add the extra virgin olive oil and gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Antipasto Cups: Spoon the filling mixture into each cooled salami cup, dividing evenly among all 24 cups. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Arrange the filled salami cups on a serving platter and serve immediately as a delicious and elegant appetizer.
Notes
- Use large 4-inch diameter salami slices to ensure the cups hold their shape and can be filled adequately.
- Let the salami cups cool completely to make them easier to handle before filling.
- The filling ingredients can be customized to your preference; add or omit olives and artichoke hearts based on taste.
- These antipasto cups can be prepared a few hours in advance, but fill them just before serving to keep the salami crisp.
- For a spicy kick, opt for spicy salami instead of regular.
