Roman Colosseum Snack Platter (Printable)

An Italian-inspired snack featuring layered crackers with olives and colorful garnishes arranged on a round platter.

# Ingredient list:

→ Crackers

01 - 3.5 to 4.25 oz round or oval crackers (about 40–50 pieces)

→ Gladiators

02 - 1 cup mixed olives (green and black, pitted, approx. 5.3 oz)

→ Garnishes

03 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

→ Accompaniments

05 - 1.75 oz cubed aged provolone or mozzarella cheese
06 - 1.75 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

# Cooking steps:

01 - Select a large, round serving platter or board to represent the Colosseum base.
02 - Place crackers upright or slightly overlapping in concentric circles around the platter edge, building two or three layers to mimic the tiered seating.
03 - Form a mound of mixed olives at the center of the platter, symbolizing gladiators in the arena.
04 - Distribute cubed cheese and halved cherry tomatoes around the olives for added color and flavor, if using.
05 - Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the olives and gently drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
06 - Present immediately as a festive and interactive centerpiece for guests.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you want to impress without stress.
  • The circular arrangement doubles as edible art—guests can't help but admire it before diving in.
  • Everyone can customize their bites by mixing crackers, olives, cheese, and tomatoes however they like.
02 -
  • Pat your olives dry before arranging them—any excess brine will make your crackers soggy if left sitting too long.
  • If you're making this more than an hour ahead, keep the crackers in an airtight container and assemble the platter just before guests arrive to maintain their crisp texture.
03 -
  • Choose crackers with interesting shapes or colors—they become part of the visual design, not just vehicles for toppings.
  • If your platter needs to sit out for more than an hour, lightly mist the crackers with a bit of olive oil right before serving to refresh their crispness.
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