Growing up, Bridge Night at our house was a BIG deal!

Six couples. Three tables. My mom in the kitchen doing something that looked effortless but absolutely was not. While the adults played cards and laughed too loud, she'd put out the most beautiful little appetizers - the kind that felt fancy without being fussy. Very Mad Men. Very "I have it all together." Very not how I operate on a Tuesday!

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These Tortellini Antipasto Skewers would have fit right in on her Bridge Night spread. They've got that same retro cocktail party charm - a little dramatic, a little impressive, and secretly so simple that you'll have them done before the first hand is dealt.

Cheese-filled tortellini, folded pepperoni, creamy pepper jack, and a briny green olive all stacked on a little pick. They look like something from a catered event. They take 15 minutes. Mom would have approved.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes (plus tortellini cook time)
• No special skills required - just stack and skewer
• That retro cocktail party look without the effort
• Great for game nights, potlucks, holiday parties, or anytime you want to look like you tried harder than you did
• Easily scaled up for a crowd

Ingredients

• 18 green olives
• 8 oz block pepper jack cheese, cut into 18 cubes
• 36 pepperoni slices
• 18 cheese-filled tortellini, cooked and cooled

Optional: a drizzle of Italian dressing before serving

Tools & Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Appetizer picks or small skewers
• Medium pot (for cooking tortellini)

Directions

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.

Cut your block of pepper jack into 18 even cubes - slice 3 across and 6 down.

Thread an olive onto each appetizer pick first. Add a cube of pepper jack cheese.

Fold one pepperoni slice in half, then fold a second pepperoni the opposite direction so one fold faces front and one faces back. Slide both onto the pick.

Finish with a cooked tortellini.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tara's Tips

• Make it ahead: These hold up beautifully in the fridge for several hours. Assemble, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until party time.
• Cheese swaps: Pepper jack gives it a little kick, but sharp cheddar or provolone work great too if you want something milder.
• Dress it up: A light drizzle of Italian dressing right before serving adds a nice tangy finish and really pulls the antipasto flavors together.
• Scale it easily: This recipe makes 18 skewers, but doubles or triples without any fuss - just buy more of everything!
• Pick your picks: Longer appetizer skewers give guests more to hold onto. Knotted bamboo picks (like in the photos!) look extra polished.

Serving Ideas

Set these out on a white platter for maximum visual impact - the red pepperoni, yellow tortellini, and green olives make a naturally beautiful color spread. They pair perfectly with a charcuterie board, a bowl of marinated olives, or a simple dip like marinara on the side.

Perfect for: game nights, potlucks, holiday parties, football Sundays, or any time you want to channel your inner 1960s hostess!

Storage

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. Best enjoyed within 24 hours. Not recommended for freezing.

Yield: 18

Tortellini Antipasto Skewers

Print

Easy tortellini antipasto skewers stacked with cheese-filled tortellini, pepper jack, folded pepperoni, and green olives on a little pick.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 18 Green olives
• 8 oz block Pepperjack cheese
• 36 Pepperoni slices
• 18 Tortellini

Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions.
2. Cut the cheese into 18 pieces, 3 across and 6 down
3. First add an onlive to your appetizer skewer. Then add a cube of cheese
4. Next, fold a pepperoni in half, then another, and alternate the fold - one fold will be in front, the other in back. Add folded pepperoni to the skewer.
5. Finally, add a tortellini to the skewer.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Notes

NOTE: You could drizzle a little italian dressing over these before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

18

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 316Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 504mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 15g

If your mom had a Bridge Night, you already know these belong on that table. And if she didn't - well, now you can start your own tradition. Either way, these little skewers are going to steal the show!

Here are some more great recipes you might love:

• Easy Appetizers Antipasto Skewers for Holidays & Last-Minute Parties!
• Cucumber and Dill Pinwheel Appetizers (Like My Mom Used to Make!)
• Tiny Little BLT Appetizers - Great For Parties!