31 Perfect Italian Appetizer Recipes

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In need of easy Italian appetizers? These delicious appetizer recipes will take your dinner to a whole new level and be a crowd-pleaser.

On date nights, family celebrations, graduations, and anniversaries, Italian food is the go-to cuisine for many people on their special occasions.

This well-loved regional cuisine celebrates fresh ingredients, age-old techniques, and a love for living in the moment. Italian food is a treat whether you’re going out or eating in.

Of course, no special meal is complete without an appetizer. To bulk up your repertoire, we’re going to be touring through thirty-one Italian appetizers perfect for any occasion.

italian appetizers

What Are Some Italian Appetizers?

The best place to start with Italian food is, as I mentioned before, with fresh ingredients. Whether dining in Tuscany or Venice, every regional Italian cuisine appreciates the ingredients first.

You can’t go wrong if you opt for simple appetizers like bruschetta, crostini, focaccia, and Caprese salad. Each one highlights the core ingredients, doing just enough to make them stand out.

So, let’s dive into the possibilities!

Italian Bread Appetizers

First on the docket is an adventure into Italy’s very best bread-based appetizers. Bread is a popular element in Italian households.

Since ancient times, it’s been seen as a symbol of life. Families have put centuries into developing the best bread recipes, and today we might find a couple to measure up.

1. Vegan Sheet Pan Panzanella

Vegan Sheet Pan Panzanella

Source: marleysmenu.com

Panzanella is a Tuscan dish created to ensure stale bread doesn’t go to waste, and the result is stunning. With this one-pan recipe, you can serve up an authentic Italian salad in just thirty minutes!

The idea is to contrast mostly fresh ingredients with a loaf of stale bread that’s been given new life. Tomatoes and basil are your best bet, but you can also use a little fresh mozzarella.

2. Gluten-Free Focaccia

Gluten-Free Focaccia

Source: livglutenfree.ca

Here’s a quick and easy way to deliver delicious gluten-free bread to the table. That’s right; it’s gluten-free! Focaccia recipes are delightfully simple, and the results leave nothing to be desired.

Soak up your main meal’s sauce with spongy, herbaceous focaccia slices. The crumb on this bread makes it perfect for absorbing the stray sauce, and the leftovers make for a great breakfast addition.

3. Vegan Focaccia Bread

Vegan Focaccia Bread

Source: plantbasedonabudget.com

Don’t worry; there are vegan recipes for focaccia as well! This simple take on the well-loved Italian bread heroes olives as a topping. Each bite has a delicious, salty gem embedded in the middle.

If you’ve got some picky eaters, don’t worry, you can leave the bread plain or use a different topping.

Making this bread with the family is a great way to satisfy everyone and spend time together. This is also a perfect side dish to any main dish and soon can become your Italian favorite.

4. Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Source: rescuedogkitchen.com

Here’s another way to use up any leftover bread at the end of the week. Bring new life to an old loaf with this delicious air fryer hack that produces restaurant-quality garlic bread.

It’s so simple to make! Get your slices of garlic bread prepared, then place them in the air-fryer five minutes before you’re ready to serve your main meal. Whip them out and serve piping hot.

This crusty bread goes amazing with cream cheese or mozzarella cheese. A perfect way to enjoy your appetizer.

This could also be a great side dish for your chicken!

5. Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Source: practicallykidding.com

If you want something a little more unique, these air fryer garlic knots are a great way to test your baking skills. Get the kids in there to knead the dough or knock this out solo.

The great thing about garlic knots is that they’re super versatile. So, you can double your batch and use them in lunches or even as an appetizer for the following night’s dinner!

6. Gluten-Free Panzanella

Gluten-Free Panzanella

Source: livglutenfree.ca

This take on Panzanella uses chunky ingredients and large pieces of bread to create a visual delight. It’s bright, beautiful, and a great way to use leftover bread at the end of the week.

Stale bread is soaked in a delicious vinaigrette and then sprinkled throughout an assortment of fresh vegetables and herbs. Serve this up for your next summer meal and watch the guests tear through it.

Italian Sausage Appetizers

Italian sausage is a seasoned pork sausage that typically contains herbs like fennel. You can have it sweet, or you can have it spicy, but there’s one thing that always holds true: it’s always delicious.

These make for perfect finger foods the next time you’re celebrating a party. Find the most popular Italian appetizer you’ll actually enjoy.

7. Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage Pinwheels

Source: noshingwiththenolands.com

The first recipe in this category dismantles the traditional Italian sausage. Instead of the entire link, you’ll be using the seasoned meat inside to create a deliciously buttery pinwheel pastry.

Pinwheels are a great dish to serve at your next dinner party. They’re visually striking and an undeniable crowd-pleaser with a luscious, almost decadent taste.

8. Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

 Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Source: butteryourbiscuit.com

Next up, we have a personal favorite: Italian sausage stuffed mushrooms. These bite-sized treats are meaty and earthy but not too filling. The crunchy topping is so addictive; that you won’t be able to stop!

I’d highly recommend this appetizer if you have a large crowd to feed. They’re delicate enough to be finger food but not fiddly to assemble in the kitchen so that you can churn out large batches quickly.

9. Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup

Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup

Source: amandascookin.com

Our final adventure in the Italian sausage category is a delicious take on orzo soup. Orzo is a grain-like pasta that goes beautifully in stews or soups, and the herbaceous sausage is its ideal companion.

Enjoy sipping away at this light and delicious soup to wake up your stomach for the main meal. Featuring fresh tomatoes, a rich broth, and plump orzo, this is a soup you don’t want to miss.

Cold Italian Appetizers

When the sun is blazing, and the sky is blue, the last thing you want to eat is a hot soup or steaming pasta. That’s where these light and fresh Italian appetizers come in.

Check out these cold Italian appetizers to use for your next summer lunch.

10. Bruschetta

Bruschetta

Source: willcookforsmiles.com

We’re kicking things off with a classic. Bruschetta is a crusty piece of bread topped with a mixture of chopped fresh vegetables, usually dressed in a delicious vinaigrette.

Served cold, this simple appetizer is light, refreshing, and tasty. Not to mention, it’s super cheap and easy to make using ingredients that are most likely in your pantry right now.

11. Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto Skewers

Source: spendwithpennies.com

Headed to a summer potluck and not sure what to bring? These antipasto skewers are a perfect choice! They embody everything good about Italian cuisine, featuring all the little things we love.

Tortellini, prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and olives form a delicious assortment of skewered treats. These pack up super easy, so they’re also great for picnics or road trips!

12. Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

Source: marleysmenu.com

Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad that highlights three ingredients: mozzarella, fresh basil, and tomatoes. This bruschetta recipe takes it one step further, adding crunch and a delicious vinaigrette.

This is a beautiful appetizer to serve at a dinner party or a get-together with friends. Break out the wine, set down a platter of these bite-sized treats, and enjoy the sun together.

13. Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers

Source: spendwithpennies.com

If bruschetta or a salad isn’t your cup of tea, these Caprese skewers are a great way to enjoy those same classic Italian flavors. These skewers look like little gems on the plate, and they’re so simple!

All you need are the three core ingredients of a Caprese salad and some skewers. Slip the tomatoes, cheese, and basil onto the skewer, season, and you’re good to go.

14. Seafood Salad

Seafood Salad

Source: carolynscooking.com

One of the primary food groups in Italian cuisine is seafood, and this take on an Italian seafood salad will leave you feeling refreshed beyond belief.

Staples like calamari, squid, and shrimp are dressed with citrus and herbs to create a light and herbaceous centerpiece for the table. Serve solo or with bread to kick off a great summer meal.

15. Burrata Salad with Prosciutto and Nectarines

Burrata Salad with Prosciutto and Nectarines

Source: cravingcalifornia.com

Burrata is a type of cheese made by whipping mozzarella with cream. So, it’s super rich and fluffy, which is great for an appetizer. To freshen it up for summer, serve it as part of this yummy salad.

Prosciutto and nectarines combine with heirloom tomatoes and herbs to build a platter of beautiful flavors. Each bite tastes like a new dish. It’s so pretty on the table and easy to pull together!

16. Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Source: knowyourproduce.com

Sometimes, the best approach is the simple one. These marinated mozzarella balls prove it! Utterly simple in their preparation and presentation, the flavor of these blows me away every time.

17. Caprese Salsa

Caprese Salsa

Source: cookiedoughandovenmitt.com

Here’s a final variation of the classic Caprese salad. This time it’s a light salsa that goes perfectly with a spread of crackers, cheese, and soft summery drinks.

If you’ve got a game day coming up, this salsa will be your secret weapon; trust me. This is also a great side dish for salmon.

Light Italian Appetizers

If you’ve got a big dinner planned for your main meal, it’s crucial to pick a light appetizer. Luckily, we’ve got plenty of authentic Italian options to choose from. Let’s investigate a few.

18. Prosciutto and Melon

Prosciutto and Melon

Source: willcookforsmiles.com

Prosciutto and melon are a classic combination of ingredients. The saltiness of the cured meat plays off the melon’s sweetness to create the perfect cycle of flavor, so you’ll always want another piece.

Cap that off with a little ball of mozzarella to ground those flavors a little bit, and you’ve got a winner.

19. Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Source: marcellinaincucina.com

If you’re looking for a dish that’s impressive to the eye but simple to craft, this is the one for you. These stuffed cherry peppers literally burst with flavor as soon as you bite down.

You don’t need a lot of ingredients to make these peppers. Simply blend them, stuff them, and store them in a jar of olive oil until you’re ready to serve them. They’re also great as a gift to take home!  

20. Italian Roasted Cauliflower

Italian Roasted Cauliflower

Source: thedaringkitchen.com

An Italian grandmother approves this next dish, so you know it’s good. Piccata typically describes a meat dish, but this take with roasted cauliflower makes a great appetizer.

Cauliflower is served in a shallow pan with brown butter, capers, and lemon. This is a dish your guests won’t want to miss. It’s quick and easy and a great introduction to any meal.

21. Prosciutto Melon and Mozzarella Skewers

Prosciutto Melon and Mozzarella Skewers

Source: alekasgettogether.com

This is another take on the prosciutto and melon combo, one that’s perfect for taking to your next potluck! Whip up these skewers beforehand, pack them up, and take them wherever good food is needed.

22. Roasted Grape Tomatoes

Roasted Grape Tomatoes

Source: noshingwiththenolands.com

These roasted grape tomatoes are one of the simplest dishes on this list. All you need is an oven, some herbs, and a roasting pan to make them happen!

The result is a dish of roasted tomatoes with concentrated flavor. Serve with mozzarella and some focaccia for a full meal or on their own as an appetizer.

You can eat these instead of Italian tomato salad. While it’s a very simple appetizer it has a ton of Italian influence that will take your dinner to a whole new level.

This could also be a great side dish for burgers.

23. Stone Fruit Caprese Salad

Stone Fruit Caprese Salad

Source: throughthefibrofog.com

Freshen up the classic Caprese salad by replacing the tomatoes with various stone fruits. These fruits are abundant in summer, making them perfect for a summer day appetizer.

Pick up your favorite stone fruits in season, such as peaches, nectarines, or plumbs, and simply substitute them for the tomatoes in a Caprese salad.

Serve with balsamic vinegar. The result is utterly divine.

Best Italian Appetizers

Finally, we come to the biggest question of them all: what are the best classic Italian appetizers? Each of these embodies a classic Italian dish.

Check out some tried-and-true Italian appetizer recipes guaranteed to get your mouth watering. These simple recipes will make your taste buds truly feel special and you can bring them to your next party knowing it’s the best thing.

24. Vegan Risotto Balls

Vegan Risotto Balls

Source: theveganlarder.com

Also known as ‘arancini,’ these delicious little balls are a great way to use any leftover risotto! Rather than throwing them out, assemble them into this delightful appetizer for the next meal.

Take these along with you on a picnic, to a potluck, or even as your contribution to a friend’s dinner party. The options are endless when deliciousness is this easy.

25. Ricotta and Roasted Red Pepper Crostini

Ricotta and Roasted Red Pepper Crostini

Source: carolynscooking.com

Crostini is a tried-and-true classic that embraces the play of textures. In this take, our crunchy crostini are topped with a citrusy ricotta cheese mixture of pine nuts and peppers.

26. Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Source: weekendcraft.com

Antipasto is the Italian word for what is essentially an appetizer, so this salad is a very appropriate choice. Antipasto boards typically feature a lot of fresh vegetables and the occasional pasta variety.

So, blending those elements into a stunning pasta salad is the logical next step. This is a great way to make and store an antipasto salad ahead of time, allowing you to focus on the main course.

This could also be a great side dish for lamb.

27. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Dipping Sauce

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Dipping Sauce

Source: therusticfoodie.com

You know I love a one-pan-wonder, which means I love this next easy recipe. By wrapping light and crunchy asparagus in crispy prosciutto, you create a delicious contrast in both taste and texture.

Serve up these little spears in virtually no time at all! Experiment with adding different herbs and spices, or stick with the classic combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

This is the perfect canvas for experimentation.

28. Crispy Fried Zucchini with Marinara

Crispy Fried Zucchini with Marinara

Source: bingeworthybites.com

I’ve encountered many people who shy away from frying zucchini because they’re used to getting a soggy and unappetizing result. But the secret to a brilliant crispy fried zucchini is hiding in this recipe.

Serve with a delicious marinara dip and some black pepper; these zucchini chips are the ideal appetizer for a game day or picnic lunch.

You should also check these parmesan zucchini bites.

29. Bruschetta with Caramelised Pears Grana Padano Riserva

Bruschetta with Caramelised Pears Grana Padano Riserva

Source: thepetitecook.com

Kick the down-to-earth bruschetta up a notch with this sophisticated recipe. Combining caramelized pears and a good, salty cheese like Riserva or parmesan cheese creates a treat for the eyes and palate.

Serve this up with a light wine pairing on a beautiful summer day to fully immerse your guests in the authentic Italian experience.

30. Antipasto Pasta Salad with Italian Vinaigrette Dressing

Antipasto Pasta Salad with Italian Vinaigrette Dressing

Source: bingeworthybites.com

Here’s another take on an antipasto pasta salad. This time, we’re leaning into the flavors of a traditional antipasto board, but in much smaller pieces!

This looks a lot more like your classic pasta salad, so it’s a great introduction to the world of Italian cuisine for anyone who isn’t used to it.

31. Sicilian Rice Balls

Sicilian Rice Balls

Source: foodnouveau.com

The final recipe on our list – and my personal favorite – is arancini. Originating in Sicily, these deep-fried balls make a great appetizer or snack.

These are also a great way to use up any leftover risotto after you’ve served your Italian feast. Serve them while camping or alongside your cocktails at dinner; they’re a versatile choice.

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