There are certain must-haves for your homemade Italian meat party platter. There are also some items that can and should not make their way to the table – including mayonnaise.
Italian Cold Cuts for the Homemade Italian Meat Party Platter
To make a homemade Italian meat party platter you will need to buy certain meats. If you can find Boar’s Head brand, go with that, since the quality of Boar’s Head meats is outstanding.
Other top brands include Carando and Margherita.
Cooked Salami – Cooked salami is generally of a lower quality and flavor level than other salamis. Buy some to fill out the platter, but don’t over do it.
Genoa Salami – Genoa salami is a fatty and tasty salami that is flavored with white peppercorns.
Ham – Imported – The taste difference between domestic boiled ham and imported boiled ham is quite noticeable. Domestic boiled ham typically tastes watery. Imported boiled ham has asaltier taste, and feels like a denser meat. The imported ham typically comes in a large tin or can. Best Brands: Krakus.
Hard Salami – Hard salami and Genoa Salami are not interchageable. They are their own, unique flavors and textures of salami. Genoa is a meatier salami, and is more firm than Genoa Salami.
Hot Capicola – Hot Capicola is a tender pork product that is rolled in both paprika and red pepper. It is hot and pleasing.
Mortadella – Mortadella is definitely and acquired taste. To the un-initiated it can taste like bologna with extra chunks of fat in it. It is really a tender deli style sausage. Get a small portion of Mortadella, just to have variety.
Prosciutto – Prosciutto is the truffle of the Italian meat party platter. It will also be the most expensive item you purchase. Be sure to ask the deli clerk to see the Prosciutto before they cut it. Some cuts of Prosciutto can be incredible fatty. The best Prosciutto has only a thin layer of fat at the top or bottom. Avoid Prosciutto that is half fat.
Prosciutto is a air-dried ham that is absolutely delicious all on its own.
The masterpiece of Classic Italian delicacies crafted from our finest select hams, hand-rubbed, slowly air-dried and aged to the peak of perfection. It is available sliced paper thin to combine with other ingredients in appetizer, breakfast, entree and antipasto recipes.
Mozzarella Cheese – Have the mozzarella cheese sliced fresh at the deli counter. Skip the pre-sliced mozzarella cheese packages in the dairy case.
Provolone Cheese – No Italian meat party platter would be complete without Provolone cheese.
Sandwich Pepperoni – Sandwich or slicing pepperoni is wider and bigger than regular sliced or stick pepperoni. For the best flavor, have the deli slice the sandwich pepperoni thinly. A little slicing pepperoni will go a long way.
Soppressata – Sopressata is anohter pork-based salami, and is available hot or sweet. Soppressata is truly an Italian-tasting meat.
Sweet Capicola – Sweet Capicola is the the same basic meat as Hot Capicola, except it is rolled in black pepper, and is surprisingly sweet. It can be incredibly lean or very fatty. Ask to see it before you have it sliced and buy it.
Extras for the Homemade Italian Meat Party Platter
Breads are a must to make the homemade Italian meat party platter complete. Purchase or bake fresh bulky rolls or Italian bread.
Condiments to include with the homemade Italian meat party platter should include Italian dressing, and straight olive and vinegar in separate decanters. Also supply balsamic vinegar, a spicy mustard, and yellow mustard.
For a nice presentation, include garnishes that complement the Italian meat party platter including green olives, and hot peppers. Also slice up a green pepper and a red pepper, into circles, to decorate the platter.
