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    35 Italian Appetizers (antipasti)

    Jul 16, 2022 by Katia · 2 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

    Top view of a table full of Italian appetizers.

    If you’ve got a holiday party or a summer gathering on the calendar, this collection of simple, flavorful Italian appetizers are sure to impress!

    They’re colorful, generous, fast to make loads, and most of them can be served at room temperature. Oh – and they look and taste amazing! 

    Top view of a table full of colorful Italian appetizers.

    If you think about Italian food, antipasti or Italian appetizers provide some of the most delicious moments in an Italian meal. Because they’re hearty, packed with flavor and perfect to share and celebrate.

    Who loves Italian appetizers? Everybody loves them.

    What does antipasti means?

    Antipasti (or antipasto) literally means ‘before the meal’ in Italian. And it’s essentially the beginning of a looooong meal (trust me here, I’m 100% Italian : ).

    Just clutch your glass of wine in one hand and use your other to grab moist focaccia, scrumptious crostini, bruschetta, cheese, olives while you’re having a lovely, sometimes loud, conversation with family and friends.

    Close-up a table full of Italian appetizers including mozzarella, caprese skewers, and pinzimonio.

    Popular ingredients to make easy Italian appetizers

    The list of Italian starters can be endless!

    The variety of flavor and textures from Norther to Southern Italy is simple amazing, but seasonal produces are usually the main ingredient in Italian dishes, regardless of the region. 

    And although here at The Clever Meal we share mostly vegetarian recipes, in this collection of Italian appetizers I’ve decided to offer a wider array of traditional recipes including fish and meat.

    But let’s see which are the most popular ingredients in the Italian cuisine when it comes to antipasti:

    Fruit & vegetables: plenty of olives and extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes or sun dried tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, eggplants, artichokes, mushrooms, and much more. Italians turn simple, seasonal ingredients into fabulous rustic antipasti.

    Italian cheese: from the soft, mild mozzarella cheese, ricotta, gorgonzola to the savoury aged parmesan or pecorino cheese. Cheese is definitely a must.

    Carbs: crispy ciabatta bread, focaccia, pizza, crackers, grissini or taralli are absolutely stars of the show when it comes to a classic Italian antipasto platter.

    Beef: the most popular meat is the savoury and salty Prosciutto di Parma, or Parma Ham. This cured ham is the result of traditional, artisan techniques, and it’s served thinly sliced along with bread, breadsticks or crostini. But cooked ham, bresaola, salami, pancetta and mortadella are also popular appetizers.

    Fish: the variety of Italian appetizers include also many recipes featuring fish and seafood, especially in South Italy. From anchovies and tuna to prawn and mussels. If you love seafood, there’s plenty to chose from!

    Italian Appetizer Recipes

    Here you'll find some of the best Italian appetizers. ENJOY!

    1

    Italian rice balls (Arancini)

    Deliciously crispy and golden outside, soft and creamy inside with a core of molten mozzarella, these Italian rice balls or “arancini di riso” are sure to please a crowd!

    2

    Italian Spicy Olives

    Flavoured with garlic, herbs and chili, these Italian spicy olives are juicy and packed full of flavor. They make a terrific appetizer, the perfect finger food for cheese boards or parties.

    3

    Pinzimonio

    Pinzimonio is one of the easiest, simplest and most versatile Italian antipasti. It’s light, healthy, delicious and absolutely perfect to celebrate local, seasonal, fresh produce.

    4

    Caprese antipasto Skewers

    These caprese salad skewers are a crowd pleaser, the little bites are SUPER easy to assamble, and deliciously fresh. Made with just three basic ingredients, this is one the best vegetarian appetizer recipes to make this summer.

    5

    Super easy focaccia recipe (no-knead)

    It’s so hard to resist the AMAZING smell of freshly baked focaccia when you pass by a bakery in Italy. Its golden crisp oil-scented crust and chewy texture are absolutely delicious. Serve it with a cheeseboard, olives, soups, salads, it’s perfect for sharing and so easy to make it in 1 bowl!

    6

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Marinated mozzarella balls with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, herbs, pepper and a little chilli combine with the creamy mozzarella taste so delicious. This is the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in just 5 minutes!

    7

    Tomato Bruschetta

    Photo Credit: www.loveandlemons.com

    This Bruschetta recipe is a classic Italian one, definitely one of those gems that proves you can make incredible food in minutes with a few quality ingredients. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for warm summer nights.

    8

    Mozzarella in Carrozza

    Everyone loves this classic Italian appetizer. It’s essentially a fried mozzarella sandwich, crisp on the outside and melted on the inside. A glorious cheesy treat!

    9

    Tuscan-Style Tomato Panzanella Salad

    Photo Credit: gatheringdreams.com

    Panzanella is a delicious Tuscan salad that helps you to put to good use juicy tomatoes and also makes a fanstasti, fresh appetizer!

    10

    Bread and Beans, the Italian way!

    These no-frill, fresh-and-flavorful, speedy beans on garlic bread require just a few pantry staples and are ready in less than 10 minutes. They're also economical, vegan and make a lovely crowd-pleaser appetizer.

    11

    Prosciutto and Melon (Prosciutto e Melone)

    Photo Credit: itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com

    When it comes to Italian appetiser, prosciutto e melone is an all-time favourite and a definite crowd-pleaser. There is something enticing about the combination of salty and sweet flavours which is amazing!

    12

    Caponata

    Photo Credit: cookieandkate.com

    This classic Sicilian appetizer combines roasted (not fried) eggplant with sautéed bell pepper, celery, tomatoes, olives and capers. Red wine vinegar and honey make it irresistibly tangy and sweet. You’re going to love caponata!

    13

    Bruschetta with fresh Mozzarella

    You’ll love this quick bruschetta with mozzarella that’s crispy, juicy and full of fresh flavor. It comes together in no time and it’s simple, delicious and makes a fantastic appetizer!

    14

    "Italian" Russian salad

    Photo Credit: en.julskitchen.com

    The Russian salad is a classic Italian vegetarian appetizer made with veggies and mayonnese. My mum used to arrange it nicely in a ceramic plate, and decorate it with hard-boiled eggs. It was amazing.

    15

    Crispy Baked Polenta Fries

    Photo Credit: gatheringdreams.com

    These crispy baked Italian polenta fries are made from scratch and baked to perfection with a crisp-golden surface and a rich, velvety center. Serve these crunchy fries as a appetizer with dips and or marinara sauce, and you are not going to be able to stop eating them.

    16

    Focaccia with Tomatoes (super easy!)

    This golden brown Italian bread with tomatoes is the ultimate comfort food! It’s perfectly soft, chewy, topped with juicy tomatoes, crunchy flaky sea salt, and fruity olive oil. Best of all, it’s so easy that you can make it in 1 BOWL.

    17

    Oven Baked Italian Meatballs

    Photo Credit: www.recipetineats.com

    These tasty popular Italian meatballs are soft, juicy, and extra tasty. Serve them with crusty bread and everyone will come back for more!

    18

    Easy Breadstick Recipe

    This breadstick recipe doesn’t require any stand mixer and makes irresistible crispy breadsticks, also known as grissini. Serve them with cheese, olives, or on your charcuterie board: they’re perfect with classic Italian antipasti.

    19

    Heirloom Caprese Salad

    Photo Credit: cookieandkate.com

    A delicious caprese salad will make a statement at your summer parties, and it's simply perfect served as Italian appetizer and delicious with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

    20

    Italian Taralli

    Photo Credit: anitalianinmykitchen.com

    These Italian Taralli are crunchy and tasty, very popular and available throughout Italy, they are mainly produced in the south, in Puglia and Campania. They are irresistible, one of my fav snacks!

    21

    Impepata di cozze (Peppered Mussels)

    Photo Credit: memoriediangelina.com

    To make this Neapolitan classic, you simply steam mussels in their own juices with nothing but generous amounts of freshly ground black pepper. Garnish them, if you like, with some chopped parsley and lemon wedges. It's so simple but utterly delicious.

    22

    Sun Dried Tomato Paste

    Sun dried tomato paste is always a huge hit! And it’s so rich, piquant and keeps well for days! Serve it along with focaccia, italian breadsticks or pesto bread, it makes a great addition to any Italian appetizer platter.

    23

    Italian Stuffed Zucchini Flowers

    Photo Credit: anitalianinmykitchen.com

    Italian stuffed zucchini flowers are one of my favorite summer Italian appetizers. The zucchini flowers are stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella then coated in a light batter and fried unitl light, crispy and delicious!

    24

    Asparagus wrapped with prosciutto

    Photo Credit: www.marcellinaincucina.com

    This is another classic Italian antipasti made with asparagus and Parma ham. It's tasty, super quick and perfect for a dinner party!

    25

    Salsa Verde

    Photo Credit: www.recipetineats.com

    Salsa verde is a must when it comes to Northern Italian antipasti, it's easy to make, piquant, and goes so well with anchovies, fresh cheese like Italian tomini, and thin slices of beef fillet.

    26

    Italian Stuffed Cherry Peppers

    Photo Credit: www.marcellinaincucina.com

    This is a scrumptious Italian appetizer recipe also known as Peperoncini Ripieni. It's a year round appetiser, full of flavor and perfect on an Italian appetizer platter.

    27

    Focaccia with Olives (Easy | No-Knead)

    This super easy focaccia with olives is absolutely delicious, moist with golden oil-scented crust and tasty, juicy olives. It's perfect for sharing!

    28

    Stuffed green peppers

    Photo Credit: en.julskitchen.com

    These scrumptious peppers are wisely filled with leftovers and taste soo good. This is a delicious recipe that comes from the South of Italy,

    29

    Artichoke Bruschetta

    This artichoke bruschetta IS easy to assemble and ready in less than 15 minutes! The crispy bread is topped with a mix of artichoke hearts, creamy ricotta, tangy lemon juice, herbs and extra virgin olive oil. It’s so fresh and full of flavor.

    30

    Pizza with Gorgonzola, so delicious!

    This amazing pizza with indulgently creamy gorgonzola, parmesan cheese, and toasty walnuts can be served as a scrumptious appetizer and goes so well with a glass of white wine! YUM.

    31

    Smoky Beans on Toast

    Here is another bruschetta recipe topped with scrumptious smoky cannellini beans, thyme, and chili flakes. It's full of Italian flavors like fresh garlic and extra virgin olive oil.

    32

    Italian Giardiniera

    Photo Credit: anitalianinmykitchen.com

    This Italian giardiniera is one of the best known and classic preserves, made with a mix of your favourite vegetables and eaten as an antipasto with crusty bread. This is one of my mum's recipe that we used to enjoy all year round!

    33

    Crostini with Ricotta & Peas

    These crispy crostini with soft ricotta and peas make a delicious canapé full of fresh flavor and with a lovely texture. It’s so economical and easy to whip up, perfect for any gathering all year round.

    34

    Easy Pesto Bread

    This irresistible pesto bread is crispy outside and soft inside, with a subtle delicious pesto flavor. It tastes and smells amazing, it goes beautifully with Italian antipasti and looks lovely too!

    35

    Chickpea Bruschetta with Sun Dried Tomatoes

    Also this simple chickpea bruschetta will please everyone’s tastes in no time. Alll you have to do is rubbing your toasted bread with a garlic clove (don’t skip this step!) and enjoy smashed chickpeasm, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.

    36

    How to Make Crostini

    Photo Credit: cookieandkate.com

    Golden, toasted crostini are amazing and so versatile, absolutely the perfect base for your party appetizers or a fun light meal with accompaniments.

    Looking for more appetizer recipes?

    Here are more appetizer ideas to inspire you, and perfect for sharing:

    • Carrot hummus
    • Beetroot hummus
    • Carrot fritters
    • Mint yogurt sauce
    • Vegan tzatziki

    If you make one or more of these delicious Italian appetizers, or you have a question, let me know by leaving a comment. I would love to hear from you and get your feedback! x

    And for more recipe updates, subscribe my newsletter and follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

    Top view of a table full of Italian appetizers.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    35 Italian Appetizers

    If you've got a holiday party or a summer gathering on the calendar, this collection of simple, flavorful Italian appetizers are sure to impress! Here is one of my favorite super easy recipe to make caprese skewers.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: Italian appetizers
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 58kcal
    Author: Katia

    Ingredients

    • 12 baby mozzarella balls (in water)
    • 12 cherry tomatoes
    • 12 fresh basil leaves
    • ½ Tablespoon tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle
    • salt, to sprinkle
    • freshly ground black pepper, to sprinkle
    • balsamic glaze or basil pesto, to drizzle (optional)

    Instructions

    • Layer a basil leaf, a cherry tomato and a mini mozzarella ball onto a skewer followed by another fresh basil leaf, and repeat if your skewer is long enough. Otherwise use another skewer to make 12 small servings. 
    • Place all your lovely skewers on a serving plate, season with fine salt, pepper and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can also drizzle them with some basil pesto or balsamic glaze, if you wish. Serve at room temperature.

    Notes

    Storage: these Caprese salad skewers keep well in the fridge in airtight container for about 24 hours. However, the basil leaves might turn brown in the fridge.
    Nutrition facts: the nutrition values are for one serving and are based on an online nutrition calculator. It’s an estimate only and it should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please see my disclosure policies.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 0.3mg

    « Caprese Salad Skewers
    Italian rice balls (Arancini) »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lucy

      August 09, 2022 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      What a wonderful collection, love all of them! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Katia

        August 09, 2022 at 9:39 am

        I’m so pleased to hear that! Thank you. X

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    Hi, I’m Katia! Welcome to my blog where I share easy, delicious, and budget-friendly recipes. I love cooking mainly vegetarian meals in no time at all. Minimum effort, maximum result. Read more…

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