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–+ servings
Golden Parmigiano crown lifted above an Italian Christmas antipasti platter with Prosciutto, Burrata, cured meats, figs, olives and roasted tomatoes.

Nicol's Natale Spettacolare – The Golden Italian Christmas Reveal

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A spectacular Italian Christmas sharing centrepiece: lift a delicate edible Parmigiano crown to reveal premium Italian cured meats, Burrata, Mozzarella, figs and colourful Mediterranean produce. Original festive presentation developed for Nicol Retailer Limited.
Course Appetiser, Christmas, Sharing Platter, Starter
Cuisine Italian, Italian-inspired
Keyword Bresaola, Burrata, Christmas sharing platter, Coppa, Italian Christmas antipasti, Italian Christmas centrepiece, Italian cured meats, Mortadella, Nicol Retailer, Parmigiano crown, Prosciutto, Salame Napoli
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 10 people
Calories 670

Ingredients

Edible Parmigiano crown

Italian cured meats

Italian cheese centrepiece

Mediterranean Christmas jewels

To serve

  • 400 g Rosemary focaccia sliced and gently warmed

Instructions

Make the golden Parmigiano crown

  • Preheat the oven to 190°C / 170°C fan. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking parchment.
  • Spread 120 g of the grated Parmigiano into a thin, connected 24–26 cm circle. Scatter with half the rosemary and pepper. Bake for 6–9 minutes until melted and golden.
  • Cool for approximately 30–60 seconds until flexible but no longer runny. Carefully drape over an inverted, lightly oiled, heatproof bowl to form a shallow dome. Repeat with the remaining Parmigiano and seasonings to make a second dome if desired. Leave to cool and harden completely for approximately 20 minutes. Keep dry.

Prepare the Mediterranean vegetables

  • Toss the cherry tomatoes with 20 ml olive oil. Roast at 190°C / 170°C fan for 15–18 minutes until softened. Cool before placing near chilled cheese and meats.
  • Drain the artichokes, olives, roasted peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. Quarter the figs. Toast the pistachios gently in a dry pan, then cool.

Shape the Italian cured meats

  • Fold the Prosciutto into loose ribbons, the Bresaola into rosettes and the Coppa into soft overlapping layers. Fan the Salame Napoli and fold the Mortadella into quarters. Keep covered and refrigerated until assembly.

Prepare the cheese centrepiece

  • Drain the Burrata and Mozzarella. Arrange in a shallow serving dish or at the centre of a large platter. Add cooled roasted tomatoes and torn basil, drizzle with 20 ml olive oil and season with black pepper if desired.

Assemble and reveal

  • On a large platter, arrange the Italian cured meats in distinct clusters around the Burrata and Mozzarella. Fill the spaces with figs, artichokes, olives, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and rocket.
  • Scatter over the toasted pistachios and add the balsamic glaze sparingly. Just before presenting, balance one cooled Parmigiano dome securely over the centrepiece without crushing the ingredients.
  • At the table, lift off the edible crown and break it carefully into shareable pieces. Serve promptly with warm rosemary focaccia. Offer the second crown separately or as a replacement.

Notes

Chef's Tips for the Perfect Italian Christmas Antipasti Centrepiece
Create a crisp golden Parmigiano crown. Use finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano and spread it evenly before baking. Shape the cheese while it is still warm and flexible, then allow it to cool completely. Prepare a spare crown in case the delicate shell breaks.
Choose premium Italian cured meats. Combine Prosciutto Crudo, Bresaola, Coppa, Salame Napoli and pistachio Mortadella for contrasting textures and flavours. Arrange the slices in loose folds rather than tightly packed layers to enhance their presentation.
Keep the Burrata beautifully creamy. Drain the Burrata thoroughly and remove it from the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes before serving. Add it to the platter just before presentation to preserve its delicate texture.
Balance richness with fresh Mediterranean produce. Roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh figs, marinated artichokes, olives and basil provide sweetness, acidity and freshness that complement the cured meats and Italian cheeses.
Build a spectacular Christmas presentation. Arrange the cured meats and colourful vegetables around the Burrata, creating natural height and visual contrast. Position the golden Parmigiano crown securely over the centrepiece and lift it at the table for an impressive festive reveal.
Prepare ahead for effortless entertaining. Roast the tomatoes, drain the antipasti and prepare the Parmigiano crown in advance. Refrigerate the cured meats and cheeses separately, then assemble the platter shortly before guests arrive.
Serve with warm rosemary focaccia. Offer freshly warmed focaccia alongside the antipasti so guests can enjoy the creamy Burrata, delicate cured meats and roasted Mediterranean vegetables together.
Discover the ingredients at Nicol Retailer. Explore our Italian cured meat collection and premium Italian cheese selection to create your own luxurious Italian Christmas sharing feast.

Nutrition

Serving: 300g | Calories: 670kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 1600mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g
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