There’s something timeless and effortlessly elegant about a well-composed antipasto platter. Whether you're entertaining on a chilly Melbourne evening or simply indulging in a weekend wine-and-snack session, Gertrude Grocer has everything you need to create a gourmet antipasto spread that delights every guest.
We stock a curated range of cured meats, premium cheeses, marinated vegetables, house olives, and specialty crackers — perfect for layering flavour, colour, and texture.
What Is Antipasto?
“Antipasto” simply means "before the meal" in Italian — but done well, it is the main event. A traditional antipasto board includes a variety of:
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Cured meats
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Cheeses
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Pickled or marinated vegetables
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Olives
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Breads and crackers
With the right combination, it becomes a feast of flavour and a centrepiece for your table.
How to Build a Perfect Antipasto Platter
Here’s your guide to assembling a show-stopping spread using premium products from Gertrude Grocer.
1. Start with Cured Meats
Select a variety of textures and flavours:
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Prosciutto di Parma – delicate, salty and melt-in-the-mouth
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Finocchiona salami – fennel-infused and aromatic
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Sopressa or hot salami – for a punch of heat
Tip: Fold slices into ruffled piles for visual appeal and easy picking.
2. Add Artisanal Cheeses
Aim for contrast in both texture and flavour:
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Truffle Pecorino – rich and earthy
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Goat’s cheese or chèvre – soft, tangy and perfect for spreading
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Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano – sharp, nutty and full of umami
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Taleggio – creamy, pungent and indulgent
We stock a rotating selection of Italian and local artisan cheeses — ask in-store for the best pairings this season.
3. Include Olives & Marinated Vegetables
Our house marinated goods bring acidity and bite to balance the richness:
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Mixed Sicilian olives or Ligurian black olives
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Artichoke hearts marinated in garlic and herbs
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Chargrilled red peppers or eggplant strips
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Semi-dried tomatoes or pickled onions
These add colour, tang, and texture to the board — plus, they keep well in the fridge for spontaneous entertaining.
4. Don’t Forget the Crunch
You’ll need a vehicle for all those beautiful toppings:
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Grissini (Italian breadsticks)
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Artisan crackers (including gluten-free options)
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Sliced sourdough or focaccia from our local bakery partners
Drizzle with cold-pressed olive oil from our shelves, and offer a balsamic glaze or fig jam for a sweet-savory edge.
5. Finishing Touches
Add small ramekins of:
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Pistachios or marcona almonds
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Raw honey or truffle honey
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Mostarda or fruit chutney
A sprig of rosemary or thyme, or some seasonal citrus slices (like mandarin wedges) add fragrance and colour.
Styling Tips
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Use a large wooden board or stone slab
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Create small groupings — don’t overmix or overcrowd
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Think layers and height — fold, stack, and place in clusters
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Label cheeses with toothpick flags or chalkboard tags
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Provide small serving spoons, cheese knives, and cocktail picks
Shop the Ingredients at Gertrude Grocer
We stock everything you need to build your platter — from the cheeses and olives to the crackers and condiments.
📍 Visit us at Kensington or Carlton
🛒 Or shop online for Click & Collect
We’re always happy to help you curate the perfect combination of goods — just ask one of our staff next time you’re in-store.