Roman Colosseum Snack Platter

# List of Ingredients:

→ Crackers

01 - 3.5 to 4.2 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 (optional)

04 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)

→ Accompaniments

05 - 1.8 oz cubed cheese (aged provolone or mozzarella, optional)

06 - 1.8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Select a large, round serving platter or board to act as the Colosseum base.

02 - Place the crackers upright or slightly overlapping in concentric circles along the perimeter to mimic tiered seating; build two to three layers if space permits.

03 - Create a mound of mixed olives at the platter’s center to represent gladiators within the arena.

04 - Optionally arrange cubed cheese and halved cherry tomatoes around the olives for added color and flavor.

05 - Sprinkle chopped parsley over the olives and drizzle with olive oil if used.

06 - Present immediately as a decorative and interactive centerpiece.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

No cooking means you can throw it together while chatting with guests who arrive early.
It becomes the conversation starter—everyone wants to know why there's a Colosseum on your table.
You can customize it endlessly depending on what you have in your pantry.

02 -

Arrange your crackers just before serving—they'll start softening the moment they're exposed to the olive oil and humidity from the olives.
Pitted olives are non-negotiable unless you enjoy watching guests awkwardly navigate pits at a party.

03 -

Chill your platter in the fridge for ten minutes before assembling if your kitchen is warm—cold crackers are crisper and everything feels fresher.
Use a mix of cracker sizes and shapes if you have them; the variation makes the Colosseum look more authentic and less staged.