18 Italian Appetizers That Bring Big Flavor to the Table
Italian appetizers set the tone for a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. With bold flavors and timeless ingredients, they’re the perfect way to start your feast. These dishes bring people together with every bite.
Antipasto Board
Make the Italian antipasto board or holiday antipasto wreath your new appetizer tradition – a delicious party platter featuring a variety of cheeses, deli meats, vegetables, and a flavorful garlicky herb dressing that’s sure to please every palate.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Board
Giardiniera
An authentic Italian giardiniera recipe consists of Italian pickled vegetables, making it the perfect condiment for Italian sandwiches, cured meats, cheese, grilled meats, pasta salads, and charcuterie boards. Fresh peppers and veggies add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Giardiniera
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers, or antipasto kabobs, make great party food. Easy to make in advance, they are an easy party appetizer idea that’s ideal for parties, picnics, game day, BBQs, road trips, tailgating and gatherings, among others. This crowd-pleasing antipasto bite appetizer is served on wooden skewers and made with classic Italian flavours.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers
Marinated Olives With Feta
You only need seven different ingredients to prepare this delicious marinated olives and feta cheese appetizer or snack. Expect a riot of soft and pleasing Mediterranean flavours in every mouthful. Everything in there is tasty from the green and kalamata olives to the creamy feta, salty caperberries, and hints of garlic, red pepper flakes and extra virgin olive oil. If you love Greek appetizers, this might become your next favourite.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Olives With Feta
Steak And Shiitake Mushroom Bruschetta
This steak and shiitake mushroom bruschetta crostini is a really tasty canapé. Since the steak and mushrooms are served on toasted bread, it’s a handy finger food option for parties.
Get the Recipe: Steak And Shiitake Mushroom Bruschetta
Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer
For a delightful Italian appetizer, try making fresh burrata-stuffed tomatoes – a quick, simple, and colorful dish that’s perfect for bite-sized finger food. With only four ingredients, plus salt and pepper, these appetizers are appetizing without being too filling, making them a great start to an Italian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Stuffed Tomato
Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites
Mini pizza bagels combine cute mini bagels with garlic, Italian seasoning, tomatoes, marinara, mozzarella cheese, and more. This is an Italian inspired recipe which features fresh flavors and a mouth-watering crunch. This will be one of your favorite lunch ideas!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites
Arancini
If you have leftover rice or leftover risotto, why not make this arancini recipe? These crispy rice balls are great as an appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Arancini
Bruschetta With Tomato And Basil
This easy fresh tomato and basil Bruschetta makes an easy Italian appetizer that you can make in just 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta With Tomato And Basil
Italian Arancini Prosciutto Eggs
Ken and I were discussing doing an arancini ball as an appetizer…and came up with these ultimate Italian Arancini Prosciutto Eggs.
Get the Recipe: Italian Arancini Prosciutto Eggs
Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam
If you’re looking for festive appetizer inspiration, try this tasty twist on an Italian classic: Burrata Crostini with Tomato Jam.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam
Italian Sliders
These Italian Sliders are like a mini-trip to Italy for your taste buds, with tangy cheese, flavorful deli meats, and a creamy, herby dressing that ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
These Italian Stuffed Mushrooms have become one of our absolute favorite appetizers!
Get the Recipe: Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
Chicken Milanese Bites
Chicken Milanese Bites are breaded chicken pieces, seasoned with Italian seasoning and fried to a crisp perfection. Super crispy and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Milanese Bites
Easy Mushrooms On Toast With Avocado Appetizer
Easy Mushrooms on Toast with Avocado Appetizer is a delightful mushrooms on toast recipe, full of flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes. On its own, avocado and mushroom on toast is a great snack, and it’s also a perfect appy to serve before your main course.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushrooms On Toast With Avocado Appetizer
Cheesy Crusted Roasted Tomato Crostini
Step up your appetizer game with these gorgeous crispy cheese-crusted crostini, piled with creamy Greek yogurt and jammy roasted tomatoes. They’re SUPER easy and guaranteed to be a hit with your guests over the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crusted Roasted Tomato Crostini
Prosciutto With Melon And Balsamic Glaze
Take a trip to Italy with this Prosciutto with Melon with Balsamic Glaze. This simple and fresh Italian recipe is perfect as an antipasti appetizer or a party.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto With Melon And Balsamic Glaze
Sardines On Toast
Make these delicious Sardines on Toast for an easy, quick, and cheap lunch. Or an appetizer that you can serve at any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sardines On Toast
