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
Best Bruschetta Recipe
Bruschetta with Mozzarella
Burrata Recipe with Tomatoes
Easy Spicy Artichoke Salad (5 Ingredients)
Calamari Fritti with Smoked Chipotle Aioli
Green Olive Tapenade (Made in 10 minutes!)
Panelle (Sicilian Chickpea Fritters)
Clams Oreganata - Stuffed With Garlicky Breadcrumbs
Breaded Artichoke Hearts
Easy Double Cheese Mozzarella Balls
Antipasto Skewers
Air Fryer Ravioli
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart with Pesto Ricotta
Lemon Parmesan Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
Eat Seasonal: Zucchini Pizzette
Roman Style Fried Artichokes
How to Make Irresistible Italian White Bean Dip
Fennel au Gratin with Ricotta Forte Mousse
Seared Pepper Beef Carpaccio
Sautéed Sweet Mini Peppers in a Garlic Cream Sauce
How to Make Sicilian Caponata
Deep Fried Eggplant Balls
Arancini - Three Cheese Fried Risotto Balls
Italian Lupini Beans [A Step by Step Tutorial]
Simple Grilled Italian Eggplant Antipasto Recipe
Easy Cheesy Vegan Garlic Knots
Taralli Pugliesi (Italian Snack)
Italian Savory Pie
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
The Italians refer to appetizers as antipasto.
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.
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.
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Samantha Ferraro
This is such a fantastic list!! Already bookmarked a few for the holiday season!
Kelly Stilwell
Thanks so much, Samantha! I know I'll be making many of them, too! Enjoy!