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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Italian Appetizer Recipes

    Published: Nov 13, 2021 · Modified: Feb 22, 2023 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 2 Comments

    Bruschetta with mozzarella, caprese salad, bruschetta, and fried ravioli in a collage for Pinterest.

    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.

    Bruschetta with mozzarella, caprese salad, bruschetta, and fried ravioli in a collage.

    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.

    Charcuterie board in Rome Italy.

    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.

    The Recipes

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Italian Stromboli Crescent Rolls on a cutting board.

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Best Bruschetta Recipe

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Bruschetta-with-mozzarella

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Burrata Recipe with Tomatoes

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Spicy Artichoke Salad (5 Ingredients)

    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…
    Check out this recipe
    Calamari Fritti with Smoked Chipotle Aioli

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Green Olive Tapenade (Made in 10 minutes!)

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Panelle (Sicilian Chickpea Fritters)

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Clams Oreganata - Stuffed With Garlicky Breadcrumbs

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Breaded Artichoke Hearts

    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…
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Double Cheese Mozzarella Balls

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Antipasto Skewers

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Air Fryer Ravioli

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart with Pesto Ricotta

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon Parmesan Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Eat Seasonal: Zucchini Pizzette

    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…
    Check out this recipe
    Roman Style Fried Artichokes

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    White bean dip with bread.

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Fennel au Gratin with Ricotta Forte Mousse

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Seared Pepper Beef Carpaccio

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Sautéed Sweet Mini Peppers in a Garlic Cream Sauce

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    How to Make Sicilian Caponata

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Deep Fried Eggplant Balls

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Arancini - Three Cheese Fried Risotto Balls

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Italian Lupini Beans [A Step by Step Tutorial]

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Grilled eggplant, tomatoes, bread, and mozzarella on a plate.

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Cheesy Vegan Garlic Knots

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Taralli Pugliesi (Italian Snack)

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    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

    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.

    • Traditional Italian Dessert Recipes
    • 38 Italian Dinner Ideas
    • Italian Amaretti Cookies Recipe
    • Italian Bean Soup

    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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    Food, Fun & Faraway Places participates in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Samantha Ferraro

      November 13, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      This is such a fantastic list!! Already bookmarked a few for the holiday season!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        November 13, 2021 at 7:49 pm

        Thanks so much, Samantha! I know I'll be making many of them, too! Enjoy!

        Reply

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