Antipasti

While the word has become synonymous for many Americans with a genre of oil-cured snacks such as olives and artichoke hearts, antipasto is derived from the Latin for “before the meal,” and in Italy, they can be any small dishes that are served before a meal. In other words, we’re talking snacks! In restaurants, the antipasto course is one or a few shareable plates of small bites, like crostini or salumi. These same foods are also traditionally served alongside early evening cocktails in the iconic Italian tradition known as aperitivo.

As any Italian will tell you, no aperitivo is complete without tasty bites to nibble on alongside it. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, multi-course dinner, or just toasting the end of the day, aperitivo hour is a stylish way to kickstart your appetite. A well-composed charcuterie board or antipasto plate makes a stylish companion to your spritz, negroni, or glass of wine. Set out a bowl of delicious marinated olives direct from Puglia, some crisp and crunchy crackers from Turin, and a snackable plate of umami-packed sundried tomatoes from Lazio. You’ll find that conversation flows more easily and the mood becomes more festive in an instant. All that with just a few items from the pantry!

For an easy appetizer or a more elegant composed cocktail snack, look to the versatile crostino. With a loaf of good crusty bread, some cheese or salumi, and these quality Italian antipasti, you’ve got a world of flavor at your fingertips. Try topping fresh goat cheese with bold chestnut honey from the Piedmont; creamy ricotta with tangy Sicilian caponata, or aged parmigiano-reggiano with luscious candied tomatoes from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Let your imagination run wild with this selection of Italian antipasto products from the best artisans in the country. At Giadzy, we’ve got the snacks covered.