Roman Colosseum Snack Platter (Printable Version)

An Italian-inspired snack of crisp crackers and olives arranged in a striking circular display.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Crackers

01 - 3.5–4.2 oz round or oval crackers (about 40–50 pieces)

→ Gladiators

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

→ Garnishes

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

→ Accompaniments (optional)

05 - 1.8 oz cubed cheese (aged provolone or mozzarella)
06 - 1.8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Select a large, round serving platter or board to serve as the Colosseum foundation.
02 - Place crackers upright or slightly overlapping in concentric circles around the platter’s edge, creating two to three layers to mimic tiered seating.
03 - Position the mixed olives in a mound at the center of the platter to represent gladiators in the arena.
04 - If using, place cubed cheese and halved cherry tomatoes around the olives for added color and flavor.
05 - Sprinkle chopped parsley over the olives and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired.
06 - Present immediately as a playful, interactive centerpiece for your guests.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes but looks like you spent an hour planning—that's the real magic.
  • Everyone eats with their hands and talks more, which is exactly what happens when food feels playful instead of formal.
  • The circular arrangement means no fighting over the "good" part—there's drama and symmetry, so people actually slow down and enjoy it.
02 -
  • Soggy crackers are the enemy—assemble this no more than thirty minutes before serving, or your beautiful arena will start leaning like the actual Tower of Pisa.
  • Pitted olives matter more than you'd expect; one hidden pit can derail someone's mood mid-party, so check them or buy the pre-pitted kind and thank yourself later.
03 -
  • Buy pre-pitted olives and save yourself the time and the risk of someone biting into a pit at an important moment.
  • Choose a platter with a rim or slightly raised edges so nothing rolls off when people reach across—a wooden board with a lip is ideal.
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