Roman Colosseum Snack Platter (Printable Version)

Circular layers of crackers surround a mound of olives for a flavorful Italian-inspired snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crackers

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

→ Gladiators

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

→ Garnishes

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

→ Accompaniments

05 - 1.75 oz cubed cheese (such as aged provolone or mozzarella, optional)
06 - 1.75 oz cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Select a large, round serving platter or board to symbolize the Colosseum's structure.
02 - Place crackers upright or overlapping in concentric circles around the platter's edge to mimic the Colosseum seating, building two to three layers if possible.
03 - Form a mound with mixed olives at the center of the platter to represent gladiators in the arena.
04 - Surround the olives with cubed cheese and halved cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor, if desired.
05 - Sprinkle chopped parsley over olives and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if using.
06 - Present immediately as an interactive centerpiece for your gathering.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks dramatic and impressive but takes just 15 minutes, so you can actually pull it off on a Tuesday night.
  • Everyone instinctively knows how to eat it—no fancy plating explanations needed, just grab and go.
  • You can build it an hour ahead and it stays crisp, which means less stress when guests arrive.
02 -
  • Arrange your crackers right before serving, not hours ahead—they absorb moisture from the olives and go soft if they sit too long.
  • Pitted olives are non-negotiable unless you enjoy watching guests awkwardly spit pits into napkins while trying to be polite.
03 -
  • If you're making this ahead, arrange the crackers no more than an hour before serving—they stay crisp and won't absorb moisture from the olives.
  • Use a mix of green and black olives not just for looks, but because they have genuinely different flavor profiles and your guests will taste the difference.
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