These crowd-pleasing Italian appetizers bring authentic flavor to any meal, from caponata to marinated mozzarella and antipasto platters. My tried and tested recipes are perfect for entertaining or family dinners!
Making an Italian-style dinner and need some starters? As a cookbook author who specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, these are the Italian appetizers I turn to the most!
I’ve spent years testing and perfecting these recipes in my kitchen, testing the flavors on my family and friends. This list of favorites has both traditional Italian appetizer recipes like eggplant caponata and Caprese salad, as well as Italian-inspired or Italian American recipes like antipasto skewers or tomato bruschetta. Each one of these fresh appetizer recipes is ideal for building out an Italian-inspired menu!
My top Italian appetizers and recipe ideas
This Italian appetizer hails from Sicily, staring cooked eggplant, tomatoes, and onions into a sweet-and-sour spread that's addictive on crusty bread. The tangy, garlicky flavors develop beautifully when chilled overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead idea for parties.
This toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil has become a favorite around the world for good reason: the flavors are universally loved and very adaptable. This way to serve bruschetta is Italian American, so I encourage you to experiment with seasonal toppings to be more traditional, like adding sauteed mushrooms, roasted artichokes, or figs.
This board of Italian appetizers is an explosion of colors and flavors that makes an instant centerpiece at any party. Add traditional antipasti like cheese, meats, marinated vegetables, olives, crackers, and breads, to a platter and serve with small plates to let your guests get to snacking.
This Italian-style dish will make an olive lover out of anyone. Using the right olives here results in smooth, rich flavor: not briny or overly salty. The garlic, lemon and herbs make people go crazy for them.
Sweet fire-roasted tomato sauce meets creamy, tangy chevre in this crowd-pleaser: it disappears within minutes of being set on the table! It's inspired by a dish at my favorite local pizzeria: and scooped up with crusty bread, it tastes like pizza too!
Named after the Italian island of Capri, this simple combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil celebrates the colors of the Italian flag. The key to a great Caprese is using the ripest tomatoes you can find and high-quality fresh mozzarella.
Here’s a fun and easy Italian appetizer recipe that takes just minutes of hands on time: fresh mozzarella balls marinated in olive oil and chopped herbs. I'm always surprised by how such a simple preparation can taste this satisfying: it transforms basic mozzarella into something special.
This thick Italian bread with its crispy exterior makes the perfect addition to any cheese board or appetizer spread. My recipe is easy to whip up and everoyne always loves the flavor combination of sea salt and rosemary.
A well-composed cheese board with Italian cheeses and cured meats like prosciutto and salami is a perfect Italian appetizer recipe to start a meal. I love that cheese boards are easy to customize for various diets while still looking appealing and tasting even better.
These skewers thread olives, mozzarella, marinated artichokes, and tortellini onto sticks for easy, hand-held eating. I find that anything served on a skewer automatically becomes more fun to eat!
Burrata is an incredible Italian cheese with a creamy interior that feels luxurious paired with fresh summer tomatoes. The Italian philosophy of perfection through simplicity shines here: just add herbs, olive oil, and sea salt for an unforgettable appetizer.
Whipped ricotta pairs fluffy, savory cheese and gooey honey in this tasty Italian-inspired appetizer. It’s creamy and salty-sweet scooped up with some warm bread. It’s the ideal starter to get any meal rolling.
These savory mushrooms deliver meaty flavor and a satisfying crunch without the need to sauté any filling ingredients. Just chop, fill, and bake for a simple appetizer that always disappears quickly.
This Italian appetizer idea could not be easier. Bake up some homemade crostini, top with goat cheese and honey, and you’ve got the most delicious sweet and savory taste treat. If you'd like, add seasonal fruit, sauteed vegetables, or herbs to enhance the flavors.
These elegant pizzas feature thin, crispy crust topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, and arugula, finished with Parmesan shavings, balsamic reduction, and toasted pine nuts. The combination of flavors makes for delicious party finger food.
You know those seasoned mushrooms you find at an Italian deli counter or antipasti bar at the grocery? They’re actually an Italian appetizer that's easy to make at home and full of bold, zesty flavor. Add them to a cheese board or antipasti platter.
This easy recipe might not be a classic Italian appetizer recipe, but it's so much fun to spear the components of a Caprese salad onto a skewer. There’s nothing better than basil and ripe tomatoes, and combined with seasoned mozzarella and a balsamic glaze, it's perfect party food.
This versatile spread works perfectly on crostini or as a dip for crusty bread. It's similar to tapenade, a Provençal version with anchovies and capers, but this Italian-style kalamata olive spread is equally delicious and versatile.
The sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates paired with tangy goat cheese creates a delicious sweet-savory combination. For an even more Italian spin, wrap them in prosciutto.
Here’s a fun easy appetizer that riffs on that classic Italian salad: Caprese Flatbread! It’s a flatbread pizza that uses purchased flatbread as a base. Layer it up with mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil, and the key ingredient: a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Tips for serving Italian appetizers
When I’m planning an Italian-style menu, I like to think about balancing different textures. I start with something creamy like whipped ricotta or baked goat cheese, served with crusty crostini or focaccia. For a contrast, you can add marinated vegetables or a fresh Caprese salad for brightness.
When thinking of make ahead options, caponata, marinated olives, and marinated mushrooms all taste better after their flavors meld overnight. I usually prepare these a day ahead.
Don’t underestimate the power of good bread. Whether you’re serving bruschetta, olive spread, or alongside a cheese board, quality crusty bread is key. I make homemade focaccia when I have time, but a good purchased crusty artisan loaf works too.
Drink pairings
Italian appetizers pair naturally with Italian wines like Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, or Chianti. For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with lemon or Italian sodas.
I’ve found that simple Italian cocktails work well, like a Hugo Spritz or Limoncello Spritz. In my opinion, the classic Aperol Spritz or Negroni can overwhelm the food: but you can also make these if you are a fan of these drinks!
Building your Italian appetizer spread
For parties, an easy way to plan is to have an antipasto platter or cheese board as the centerpiece, supplemented by 2 to 3 smaller appetizers. This approach looks impressive while keeping your prep time manageable.
Consider your main course when selecting starters. If you’re serving a heavy pasta dinner, lighter appetizers like Caprese salad or marinated vegetables work well. For simpler mains, you can go more substantial with stuffed mushrooms or flatbread pizzas.
Frequently asked questions
While both are served before the main course, antipasto is specifically Italian and typically features cured meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and sometimes seafood. Appetizers are more general and can be anything from small bites to light dishes.
Some classic choices include bruschetta, crostini, caprese salad, prosciutto with melon, marinated artichoke hearts, and antipasto platters.
20 Italian Appetizers: Caponata & More!
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Caponata is an Italian appetizer bursting with flavor! Eggplant and Mediterranean vegetables make a tangy, garlicky spread that’s perfect over crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds eggplant (2 medium)
- 1 celery rib
- 1 medium red onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 14-ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Basil, for garnish
- Toasted pine nuts, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the eggplant into small cubes, about ½ inch by ½ inch. Dice the celery. Slice the red onion. Dice the red bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
- In a Dutch oven or large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the eggplant, celery, red pepper and red onion and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook 3 to 5 minutes until the eggplant and onions are browned and softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, capers, and salt. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring once, until very tender. Taste and add another pinch or two of salt. Serve warm, garnished with chopped basil and toasted pine nuts. Or, chill for up to 1 day and serve cold or at room temperature (the flavors taste even better after refrigerating).
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More Italian recipes
Want more inspiration from this flavorful cuisine outside of Italian appetizer recipes? Here are some of my favorite ideas:
