This list of Italian appetizer recipes includes some of my favorite starters. They are perfect for a bite with cocktails before dinner, or serve a few in place of a meal.
Why These Recipes Work
Appetizers are almost always super easy to make. I even have an Aerogarden so I have fresh herbs all the time.
When I was in Italy recently, we ordered appetizers at restaurants every day. I like to be able to taste a little bit of everything, and small bites are a great way to do that.
Though I do order a main course at an Italian restaurant occasionally, it’s not my first choice. If there are enough Italian appetizers on the menu to make a meal, that’s what I’ll be ordering.
My favorite easy Italian appetizer recipes are this best bruschetta recipe and bruschetta with mozzarella. I think they are the perfect way to start any dinner party and the classic finger food!
What Goes Into these Recipes
Obviously, with this collection of delicious Italian appetizer recipes, you’re going to have a lot of different ingredients.
Still, when we’re talking Italian cuisine, many of these dishes will begin with a good quality olive oil, fresh basil or parsley, and fresh mozzarella.
Serve your appetizers on a pretty stand for a beautiful presentation. This cheese board would look beautiful on the kitchen table.
Take a look at each recipe card to determine what you need. Let me know your favorites from this wide range of choices. I think there’s something for all taste buds!
Make sure you have fresh Italian bread in baskets around the table, or make this rosemary garlic bread recipe.
Authentic Italian Stromboli Crescent Rolls
Who thought to put stromboli ingredients inside crescent rolls? We did, and you're going to love it!
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Best Bruschetta Recipe
This bruschetta is one of my favorite appetizers. It’s super easy to make and my family loves it. You can pack the tomato mixture separately to serve on top of crusty Italian bread once you arrive at a party. Take a bottle of balsamic vinegar reduction for drizzling!
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Bruschetta with Mozzarella
Bruschetta with fresh mozzarella cheese makes the perfect appetizer or snack with a glass of red wine. It’s easy to make with bread, marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil. I like easy recipes!
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Burrata Recipe with Tomatoes
Easy burrata recipe with fresh tomatoes that burst buttery, sweet, and savory flavors is one of the best Italian appetizers you can make. This burrata appetizer is the ultimate summer treat!
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Easy Spicy Artichoke Salad (5 Ingredients)
Spicy Artichoke Salad with olives, Giardiniera mix, fresh parsley, and chili oil. Only 5 ingredients to make this super-simple, versatile salad. A beautiful and delicious dish!
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Calamari Fritti with Smoked Chipotle Aioli
Fresh rings of squid battered in a seasoned flour that is lightly friend to make the most delectable homemade Calamari Fritti. Don’t forget to make the creamy and smokey homemade Smoked Chipotle Aioli. You will forget you are enjoying this at home as this is just as good if not better then what you…
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Green Olive Tapenade (Made in 10 minutes!)
A buttery, vibrant, zesty Green Olive Tapenade that you can make in just 10 minutes with your food processor! This savory dip is a real Italian favorite!
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Panelle (Sicilian Chickpea Fritters)
Popular Sicilian street food that you can easily prepare at home. Panelle (or Sicilian Chickpea Fritters) is excellent as an appetizer, a snack, or for making your own panelle sandwich!
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Clams Oreganata – Stuffed With Garlicky Breadcrumbs
Clams oreganata are a beloved seafood appetizer. Briny littleneck clams are stuffed with garlicky breadcrumbs and baked in white wine and butter. Serve with a squeeze of a lemon wedge and enjoy!
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Breaded Artichoke Hearts
Breaded artichoke hearts made in the typical Italian style are perfect as appetizers or even a side dish. They are best served immediately.
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Easy Double Cheese Mozzarella Balls
These Easy Mozzarella Balls, come together in no time, baked or fried they make the perfect appetizer. Whether it’s game day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years or just because. So good you won’t be able to stop at just one! I first tried these quite a while ago, my friend made them and said they ar…
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Antipasto Skewers
The perfect alternative to a large antipasto salad platter, especially for parties, and such a simple recipe. The pearls of fresh mozzarella make this super easy to prepare. I love grab and go appetizers like this. It keeps people mingling!
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Air Fryer Ravioli
Air Fryer Ravioli are toasted until golden brown with a crispy coating that’s easy to make with Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. A classic Italian appetizer!
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Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Over the years I’ve featured Zucchini Blossoms a number of different ways, but I always come back to my original recipe of Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms, it’s truly an Italian Classic!
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Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart with Pesto Ricotta
Ready in under 30 minutes this Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart with Pesto Ricotta is the perfect summer appetizer. Discover the best recipe for an easy and delicious zucchini puff pastry tart.
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Lemon Parmesan Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
Lemon Parmesan Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms are the ultimate spring-inspired appetizer! Besides being delicious, they’re super simple and can be made well ahead of your get-together.
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Eat Seasonal: Zucchini Pizzette
These tiny pizzas are one of the author’s favourite small bites to serve during the afternoon aperitivo, and it’s not hard to see why as they are completly addicting.
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Roman Style Fried Artichokes
Roman style fried artichokes recipe inspired by the infamous fried artichokes in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. Baby artichokes are gently fried in olive oil and seasoned simply with sea salt and lemon juice. Oh if I still had the photo from our trip to Rome. One of the first places we had to go…
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How to Make Irresistible Italian White Bean Dip
This Italian White Bean Dip is just as delicious as the version from Supper NYC that inspired it! Super simple ingredients make this an easy appetizer!
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Fennel au Gratin with Ricotta Forte Mousse
This easy recipe for fennel au gratin features almonds and ricotta forte, a traditional cheese from the Salento region of Puglia, Italy. It’s also gluten-free!
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Seared Pepper Beef Carpaccio
Learn how to make this restaurant quality beef carpaccio. This seared pepper beef carpaccio makes the perfect elegant appetizer. This is one of my favorite recipes.
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Sautéed Sweet Mini Peppers in a Garlic Cream Sauce
Smoky sautéed sweet mini peppers are smothered in a savory, cheesy, garlic cream sauce that’s perfect for mopping up with french bread.
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How to Make Sicilian Caponata
Sicilian caponata is an aromatic vegetable dish that combines sweet and sour ingredients. Learn how to make it and enjoy it countless different ways! My favorite is with fresh Italian bread!
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Deep Fried Eggplant Balls
Deep fried eggplant balls is a classic recipe from the South of Italy, flavoured with basil, garlic and Parmesan, even the fuzziest kids will devour them. Make this for your next party!
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Arancini – Three Cheese Fried Risotto Balls
These Italian three cheese fried risotto balls, Arancini, make the prettiest appetizer, or even a meatless meal. Arborio rice, cheese, garlic and herbs, breaded and fried until golden brown, served up with marinara and a dusting of grated cheese.
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Italian Lupini Beans [A Step by Step Tutorial]
Italian Lupini Beans (lupins) are a unique,healthy & delicious snack that can be consumed throughout the year. Here is a step by step tutorial just for you to make this simple appetizer.
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Simple Grilled Italian Eggplant Antipasto Recipe
Grilled Eggplant antipasto is an easy, amazingly flavorful Italian appetizer to make ahead of a party. The eggplant is tender and fabulously flavorful thanks to the Italian marinade.
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Easy Cheesy Vegan Garlic Knots
These are the best vegan garlic knots you will ever taste! You can modify them and add cheese for extra flavor, or eat them as-is for a savory treat! These are the perfect starter with a bowl of marinara on the side!
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Taralli Pugliesi (Italian Snack)
Taralli Pugliesi are a delicious little snack from Puglia. Crunchy and crispy made with white wine, flour and olive oil. The perfect finger food to serve with drinks!
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Italian Savory Pie
Italian Savory Pie (Antipasto di torte salate) is a simple and delicious authentic Italian recipe that will impress both family and guests alike.
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Top Tip
When making any of these classic Italian appetizers, always use a good quality olive oil. Remember, olive oil should be used within six months of opening. Nothing can ruin an Italian appetizer recipe faster than rancid olive oil!
FAQ
What are appetizers called in Italy? The Italians refer to appetizers as antipasto.
How do I choose which appetizer to serve before a meal? If you are serving an Italian meal, any of these appetizers would work. Try to serve something that will not repeat the flavors you are already serving.
How many of these Italian appetizers should I plan per person? If you are serving the appetizers before a meal, plan on 3-4 per person. If you are serving them as a meal, plan on around 12 per person.
If you love Italian food, too, you might want to check out these Italian dinner recipes. The Parmesan risotto recipe and grilled bruschetta chicken recipe are a couple of my all time favorites.
Meet the author
Welcome! I’m Kelly!
Writer, Traveler, Lover of good Food and Wine.
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