This Italian-Inspired Find At Costco's Deli Will Make For The Easiest Party Platter

Costco's a great place to shop if you're entertaining a crowd on occasions like game day. And one thing that lends itself perfectly to finger food is a wide spread of cured meat that people can graze on. That's why if you're planning on hosting a group, we think the Fratelli Beretta Antipasto should be something to consider, since all the work's pretty much done for you. Each package contains four types of sliced meats — Calabrese, pepper-coated salami, Italian dry salami, and prosciutto — and will run you around $16, depending on your location.

As you can see, this should be all you need to cover the meat portion of any party platter. And since it's an Italian-inspired package of meats, this will make a great base for an antipasto selection. You can add things like fresh mozzarella balls and any hard or semi-soft cheeses like parmesan chunks and Havarti. Then you can add things like olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, jarred pepperoncini, jams, spreads, and more, which Costco should have plenty of too. (Don't forget any sliced crostini or crackers, by the way.) Your work is complete; no cooking necessary.

If you just bought this Fratelli Beretta Antipasto on a whim (which I've done while shopping hungry) and are looking for ways to enjoy it besides as a fancy party platter, you've got plenty of options. If I'm feeling lazy for dinner, I'll just turn the meats into a base for grazing (yes, yes, men enjoy girl dinner too), and add whatever I have lying around. I occasionally like to add a tinned oily fish like anchovies on the side to perk things up. For a more proper meal, you can always use the slices of meat in an antipasto pasta salad, using any of the party platter ingredients mentioned earlier, along with pasta dressed in your favorite Italian vinaigrette.

But don't forget, you can also use this sliced meat in a homemade Italian sandwich. Line a roll with the meat, provolone, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions. Then dash some vinegar and olive oil on there along with a bit of dried Italian herbs, and now you're transported to your favorite Italian sub shop. Just keep in mind that the meats are salty, so you'll want to balance accordingly. But honestly, you'll find a use for a package of this stuff in no time.