12 Best Italian Appetizers

 

These Italian appetizers will add some flair to your next meal!

Italian cuisine is known for its delicious pasta dishes, mouth-watering pizzas, and hearty stews, but did you know that the starters are just as amazing? That’s right, Italian appetizers are the perfect way to begin a meal and set the tone for a truly authentic dining experience.

From simple bruschetta to delicious frittatas, Italian appetizers are full of flavor, and texture, and are often easy to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious snack, these dishes are sure to impress.

So, let’s get ready to indulge in the world of Italian appetizers! Join me as we explore some of the most delicious and traditional starters from this beautiful country.

 

Best Italian Appetizers You’ll Love

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1. Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

Get The Full Recipe On Simply Recipes

Have you tried making this delicious Italian starter?

It’s so easy to prepare – all you need to do is chop up some fresh tomatoes, mix in some balsamic, garlic, and basil, then spoon the mixture onto some toasted bread that’s been brushed with olive oil.

It’s a crowd-pleaser too! You can make a big batch of the topping ahead of time and toast the bread slices before the party.

Then, you can either let your guests top their toasts or do it for them just before serving.

It’s the perfect dish for any occasion!

 

2. Crostini (Italian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On Recipe Tin Eats

Did you know that “Crostini” translates to “little crusts” or “little toasts” in Italian?

These thin slices of bread are toasted until they’re crispy and can be topped with just about anything you can imagine!

Whether you prefer veggies, cured meats, seafood, or cheese, the possibilities are endless.

Similar to bruschetta, crostini make a great light snack or pre-dinner nibble.

So go ahead and get creative with your toppings – there are no rules or need to stick to Italian flavors!

 

3. Antipasto platter

Get The Full Recipe On Dinner At The Zoo

If you love Italian food, you might be familiar with antipasto.

It’s a yummy mix of cold foods like cured meats, cheeses, olives, and veggies, and it’s usually served as a family-style platter.

The ingredients in antipasto can vary depending on where you are in Italy.

This is a fantastic choice if you’re entertaining guests or if you’re looking for a tasty starter before a bigger meal.

 

4. Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls (Italian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On Mess for Less

Have you ever tried arancini? These yummy Italian rice balls are a staple in Italian cuisine and can be filled with cheese, meat, or veggies.

They make for a perfect snack or light meal!

Originating from Sicily, they’re made by rolling cooked rice and cheese (and sometimes other fillings) into balls, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying until crispy.

Typically, arancini are made with white rice, which can be time-consuming.

But here’s a secret for you – you can use quick-cooking rice to make them much faster!

And, if you have any leftover rice, you can use that too to save even more time.

Give them a try – they’re so delicious!

 

5. Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Get The Full Recipe On Sip And Feast

This Italian appetizer, stuffed mushrooms, is a real crowd-pleaser!

You’ll love the combination of mushroom caps filled with a delightful blend of breadcrumbs, chopped mushroom stems, garlic, parsley, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The mixture is lightly sauteed with white wine and lemon juice and then baked until the mushrooms are tender.

These are perfect for any gathering, but they’re so good that you’ll want to make them even on quiet evenings at home!

 

6. Frittata (Italian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On Love and Lemons

Have you ever tried a frittata? It’s a delicious Italian-style omelet made with eggs, cheese, veggies, and sometimes meat.

The best part is that it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you can serve it hot or cold depending on your preference.

Give it a try, it’s a great option for any time of day!

 

7. Carpaccio

Get The Full Recipe On The Spruce Eats

Have you heard of Carpaccio? It’s an Italian dish similar to steak tartare, but instead of being made with raw ground beef, it’s made with thinly sliced raw beef.

Traditionally, Carpaccio is dressed with lemony mayonnaise and was invented in a fancy restaurant called Harry’s Bar in Venice by an Italian named Giuseppe Cipriani back in 1931.

But the version that I’m sharing with you today uses a balsamic vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise, making it a wonderfully light meal perfect for the summer season.

Give it a try, it’s so tasty!

 

8. Italian Fried Calamari (Italian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On The Matbakh

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ve got to try the classic appetizer, fried calamari.

This dish features tender squid that’s been lightly breaded and fried to crispy perfection.

It’s commonly served with a side of marinara sauce, which makes for a tasty dipping sauce.

This 15-minute Italian fried calamari recipe is seriously the best!

It’s a simple appetizer that only requires a few ingredients like fresh squid, flour, olive oil, and fresh garlic cloves.

With this recipe, you can make mouthwatering fried calamari in no time!

So why not give it a try and impress your guests with this tasty and easy-to-make dish?

 

9. Caprese salad

Get The Full Recipe On Love and Lemons

If you’re looking for a refreshing and delicious dish that screams summer, make Caprese salad!

It’s a classic Italian recipe that’s super simple to make – just combine fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar.

Trust me, it’s so flavorful! So, grab the best tomatoes you can find, a ball of fresh mozzarella, and some fresh basil, and whip up this tasty salad before summer comes to an end.

 

10. Prosciutto e melone (Italian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On The Mediterranean Dish

Looking for an easy and delicious recipe to make at home? This prosciutto and melon appetizer is a real winner!

With only three simple ingredients and no cooking required, you can whip it up in just 5 to 10 minutes.

The combination of sweet cantaloupe and savory prosciutto is simply divine.

Plus, it looks so elegant and impressive – perfect for entertaining guests.

So why not give it a try and enjoy the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home?

 

11. Funghi trifolati

Get The Full Recipe On Italian Recipe Book

Are you a mushroom lover? If so, you should try Funghi Trifolati – it’s a delicious Italian dish made from sautéed mushrooms cooked with garlic, olive oil, and white wine.

Don’t worry if the name sounds intimidating – “funghi” simply means mushrooms in Italian, and “trifolati” means cooked in a way that’s similar to truffle mushrooms, using olive oil, garlic, and parsley.

It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish, and it can fit into any diet.

So why not give it a try and enjoy some Yummy Funghi Trifolati for your next meal?

 

12. Polenta (Italian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On Love and Lemons

Have you ever tried polenta? It’s a type of cornmeal that’s boiled and served either hot as a dish or cooled and sliced into rounds. You can top it with a variety of ingredients like cheese, tomato sauce, or mushrooms.

While Italian pasta and pizza get all the attention, I think polenta deserves just as much love!

It’s a creamy, lightly sweet, buttery, corn-based porridge that comes from northern Italy.

Unlike oatmeal, it’s not typically eaten for breakfast. Instead, it’s a delicious dinner option topped with cheese, herbs, veggies, or a flavorful sauce, turning it into a comforting and mouthwatering meal.

Give it a try – I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

 

 

And there you have it, folks! A list of 12 must-try Italian appetizers that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a delicious snack, these dishes are sure to satisfy you.

Buon appetito!

 

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