20 Great Italian Appetizers

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.