BREAD BASKETS with cold cuts and cheese, a quick appetizer for the holidays ready in 5 minutes, a Christmas or New Year’s idea with simple ingredients.
The BREAD BASKETS with cold cuts and cheese are the delightful appetizer that won’t waste your time and will save you on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s and even any last-minute surprises. I always prepare them because they are a smart idea in 5 minutes, with simple ingredients we all have in the fridge, and especially because they make a great impression at the table. It’s that classic recipe people ask “how did you make these?!” and you think to yourself: “if only they knew I made it all in a flash”.
The great thing about these bread baskets is that you can fill them however you like: this time I used parmesan cubes, provolone slices, and a mix of cold cuts (ham, speck, salami… whatever you have on hand), perfect for a truly delicious Christmas appetizer. Just flatten the slices of bread, place them in the muffin tin, and put them in the oven.
One of those clever dishes that both adults and children love, and that you can even prepare in advance, because the bread becomes crispy and offers that addictive texture. If you want an extra touch, you can add walnuts, parmesan cream, melting cheeses, or even a vegetarian version with grilled vegetables.
In short: a basic recipe that you can customize as you like, perfect to enrich your table.
Join me in the kitchen today, there are bread baskets with cold cuts and cheese.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven, Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Christmas, All seasons
Ingredients
- 2 slices sandwich bread (pancarrè)
- green olives
- 2.8 oz parmesan (cubed)
- 0.7 oz provolone
- 4 cherry tomatoes
- 0.7 oz bread
- 0.7 oz cooked ham
- 0.7 oz speck diced
- arugula
Steps
Cut the bread and place it in a muffin tin, bake in the oven at 355°F for about 10 minutes or at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
Fill the baskets with some arugula, olives, the cubed cheese, slices of provolone, and the diced ham and speck, finally add a halved cherry tomato.
Drizzle with a little olive oil, a sprinkle of pepper, and serve.
Bon appétit
If you like the recipe click on the stars at the end of the article THANK YOU!
BREAD BASKETS with cold cuts and cheese
Useful tips
Use crustless sandwich bread for more uniform and nice-looking baskets.
Press the slices well with a rolling pin: they shape better and become crispier.
Lightly brush the baskets with oil or butter before baking: perfect browning guaranteed.
Bake them alone for 5 minutes and then fill them: this way they stay more compact and don’t get soggy.
If you want to prepare them in advance, bake the empty baskets and fill them at the last moment.
For a lighter version, you can use light spreadable cheeses or grilled vegetables.
Perfect even gluten-free using gluten-free sandwich bread.
If you want them super melty, add provolone or well-drained mozzarella.
For a wow effect, decorate with fresh herbs or chopped pistachios/walnuts.
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FAQ BREAD BASKETS with cold cuts and cheese
Can I use whole wheat bread?
Yes, it comes out great and more rustic.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Of course, it works perfectly: just press it well.
Can they be frozen?
Better not to freeze them filled. If you really want to, freeze only the already baked empty baskets.
How long do they last?
It’s best to consume them filled on the same day. The empty baskets last 2 days in an airtight container.
Can I make them without cheese?
Yes, try hummus, olive pâté, tuna cream, or plant-based ricotta.
How long should the bread baskets with cold cuts bake?
8-10 minutes at 355°F, but check because every oven is different, and 5 minutes in an air fryer at 350°F
Which cold cuts go best with them?
Cooked ham, raw ham, speck, salami, or a mix.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely yes: grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, cheese, olives, pesto.
Can I prepare them the day before?
You can make the baskets in advance, but fill them only before serving to keep them crispy.
