30 Italian Appetizers That Will No Doubt Impress You And Your Guests

The meatatarians are also not left out from enjoying the delicacy of Italian appetizers. They can enjoy Italian appetizers like Italian Style Meatball Kabobs, Prosciutto Rolls, Italian Meatball Buns, etc.

You can be sure that you will find the Italian appetizer that suits you whether you are a vegetarian, meat lover, or cheese lover. 

The beauty of these Italian appetizers is that you can make them yourself at home using affordable and accessible ingredients. All your meals must start with a tasty appetizer.

Once you learn the recipes of these Italian appetizers, be sure that everyone will want to come to your place for dinner. 

Quick Table: Delicious Italian Appetizers

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation time
Crostini	83	7 Minutes
Pizza Sticks	189	10 Minutes
Italian stuffed mushrooms	215	15 Minutes
Zucchini Bites	26	12 Minutes
Caponata	91.3	20 Minutes
Calzone Pinwheel	113	15 Minutes
Caprese Flatbread	289	5 Minutes
Italian-style meatball Kabobs	465	10 Minutes
Whipped Ricotta crostini	110	30 Minutes
Bruschetta	202	30 Minutes
Italian meatball buns	140	30 Minutes
Focaccia	250	6 Hours 20 Minutes
Marinated Mozzarella balls	240	35 Minutes
Eggplant Parmesan poppers	516	25 Minutes
Caprese Skewers	55	20 Minutes
Italian Tomato Salad	117	10 Minutes
Marinated Olives	1000	10 Minutes
Tuscan Truffles	80	10  Minutes
Italian cheese pull-apart bread	308	5 Minutes
Italian green beans	151	5 Minutes
Burrata	90	5 Minutes
Margherita flatbread	313	5 Minutes
Garlic cheese bombs	101	10 Minutes
Chicken Florentine Flatbread	186	15 Minutes
Antipasto skewers	220	10 Minutes
Cheese Straws	150	25 Minutes
Ravioli Nachos	700	30 Minutes
minutesi lasagna rolls	116	20 Minutes
Spaghetti Fritters	498.62	10 Minutes
Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls	190	25 Minutes

1. Crostini

Have you ever walked into an Italian restaurant and seen people ordering a small slice of crisp, crunchy bread? What you saw is Crostini. It is fried bread smeared with olive oil.

The good thing is that you can easily make the Crostini yourself, and it will only take you less than twenty minutes. 

When making Crostini, you must choose high-quality bread. The preferred bread that you can use is the baguette. In addition, you will also need high-quality olive oil as it helps in flavor addition and making the toast crisp.

Another Ingredient you can find in Crostini is garlic which also adds flavor. Furthermore, you will also need to season the bread with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. 

You can enjoy Crostini as your breakfast with tea or even soup. If you are a person who loves toppings, Crostini should be your favorite appetizer since you can add any toppings that you want. 

Calories Per Serving: 83

Preparation Time: 7 Minutes

2. Pizza Sticks

Are you bored with the regular pizza that comes in slices? You can find another way of enjoying your pizza by eating Pizza sticks as your appetizer. Pizza sticks are the best appetizer for younger guests who love pizza and who may not eat much pizza. 

The pizza Stick is a delicacy filled with mozzarella cheese wrapped in a rectangular dough. The good thing about Pizza sticks is that it offers room for creativity and put any toppings of your liking. 

In addition, it is not hard to make once you have your baking sheets, pastry brush, and all your ingredients ready. The delight of eating Pizza sticks is that you can serve them with anything or take it without anything.

Calories Per Serving: 189

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

3. Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

If you are a vegetarian and you want to enjoy Italian appetizers, Italian stuffed mushrooms should be first on your list of Italian appetizers. Those who are not vegetarian can also enjoy stuffed mushrooms by adding sausages.

Even though you can use any stuffed mushrooms, you should use portobello mushrooms. 

What you will love about Italian stuffed mushrooms is that it is simple and exciting to make them. You will need mushroom stems, finely diced onions, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and olive oil.

The parmigiana cheese is the best cheese that goes into the Italian stuffed mushroom. 

In addition, if you do not like gluten, you can make your stuffed mushroom gluten-free by leaving off the breadcrumbs. Italian stuffed mushrooms are the best appetizers for a vegetarian dinner where you can serve them with a salad and crusty bread. 

Calories Per Serving: 215

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

4. Zucchini Bites

Do you want a romantic, memorable movie night with your spouse? Show love to your spouse by filling their stomachs with delicious Zucchini bites while watching your favorite movie.

Most people know Zucchini as a crop, but you can transform it into mouth-watering bites using the right ingredients. 

Some of these ingredients include parmesan cheese which adds flavor and prevents your zucchini bites from flattening out. Zucchini bites also have shredded Zucchini with garlic, egg, and fresh herbs.

After preparing it at home, which is easy, you can serve it with marinara dipping sauce. 

Calories Per Serving: 26

Preparation Time: 12 Minutes

5. Caponata

You can find different eggplant recipes worldwide, such as eggplant rollatini, stuffed eggplant, classic moussaka, etc. When you visit Italy, the delicious eggplant recipe you cannot fail to taste is the Caponata.

Caponata is an eggplant salad for vegetarians made of eggplant, bell peppers, onions, celery, Greek olives and capers, and tomatoes. 

You can be sure that you will love this eggplant recipe since, unlike the others, it has a load of texture and flavor. You can serve this delicacy with chicken or fish. In addition, since it tastes even better the next day, you can serve it over crusty bread for crostini. 

Calories Per Serving: 91.3

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

6. Calzone Pinwheels

Calzone Pinwheels are one of the most eye-catching Italian appetizers due to their swirled centers and colorful fillings. In addition, they have a savory taste.

These cute little bites are so easy, tasty, and adorable that they make you want to visit Italy and try them.

However, you do not have to since you can easily make them in the comfort of your home. Even more impressive about Calzone Pinwheel is that they are made of crescent roll dough. You can eat them without anything or serve them with your favorite soup.

Calories Per Serving: 113

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

7. Caprese Flatbread 

If you invite your friends to your home, Caprese Flatbread is an easy-to-make dish that will bring joy to your guests with its delicacy.

The Italian appetizers have loads of ingredients, including flatbread crust, spinach pesto, mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil. 

If you want to enjoy this appetizer more, drizzle thick sweet balsamic reduction over the top of your Caprese Flatbread after taking it out of the oven.

You should eat without anything. It will only take you a few minutes to make Caprese Flatbread, thus making it the best party snack. 

Calories Per Serving: 289

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

8. Italian-Style Meatball Kabobs

Who else is yearning for the scent of a grill heating up in this warm season? If you haven’t yet tasted Italian-style meatball Kabobs, grab your cold drink, chair, and grill, and be ready for the savory smell of the marinated Italian Style meatball Kabobs. 

The difference between Italian-style meatball kabobs and the other kabobs is that it is more cost-effective and twice as delicious. In addition, it is faster and more straightforward to make. 

For your meatball kabobs to have a touch of Italian flavor, you should use Italian favorites such as garlic, pesto, and olive oil. You can also add flavorful bell peppers and saucy red onion. You can serve it hot with crusty bread.

Calories Per Serving: 465

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

9. Whipped Ricotta Crostini

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What better starter for your Italian dinner than the Whipped Ricotta Crostini appetizer? One of the reasons why people love it is because it is one of the easiest appetizers to make, and it takes little time to prepare. 

The main ingredients of Whipped Ricotta Crostini are milk, salt, and vinegar. You will also need a baguette as your bread. The only catch when making whipped Ricotta Crostini is the Ricotta you use. You should ensure that you use the best Ricotta. 

When it comes to the topping you want to add, you can get creative and add the toppings of your liking. You can enjoy this delicacy with cocktails or champagne. 

Calories Per Serving: 110

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

10. Bruschetta

Have you eaten a delicacy, and afterward, you thought of it as summer on a toast? If you eat Bruschetta, that is precisely how you will feel.

It is an Italian bread topped with the natural flavors of garden-ripened tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil and smeared with olive oil. 

It is perfect for party snacks since you can prepare them ahead of time. In addition, it is easy and fast to prepare. You can serve Bruschetta with drinks of your liking.

It can go pretty well with cocktails. You can also enjoy this appetizer with a delicious soup or marinated meat.

Calories Per Serving: 202

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: 10 Best Substitutes For Italian Seasoning

11. Italian Meatball Buns

To make Italian meatballs buns, you will first have to make Italian meatballs. You should use ground beef, pork, or Italian sausage when making Italian meatballs. Using these meat trios, you will get the best flavor.

Once you have your meat, it is essential to make a panade since it is the one secret to moist and tender meatballs.

Once your meatball is ready, you will need sweet Hawaiian crescent rolls to make Italian meatball buns. If you want a delicious Italian meatball bun, you will shred cheese on the Hawaiian crescent rolls and coat it with butter and bread crumbs.

You can enjoy this delicacy with a drink of your choice. You can also serve it with marinara sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 140

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

12. Focaccia

If you are wondering what to carry for your picnic, Focaccia is your answer. The Focaccia’s crisp exterior and olive oil-infused flavor will lighten your day with your spouse.

One thing you should know about Focaccia is that the longer the dough lasts, the better. 

Therefore, you should ensure that you put the dough in the refrigerator overnight. By doing so, the olive oil will seep down and infuse every bite. The main ingredients include yeast, sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil, and bread flour. 

The most common toppings are herbs and garlic. However, that does not limit you. Also, add toppings like caramelized onions, pine nuts, pesto, sesame seeds, parmesan cheese, etc. It goes well when it is served with a tasty hot soup.

Calories Per Serving: 250

Preparation Time: 16 Hours 20 Minutes

13. Marinated Mozzarella Balls

If you invite your in-laws for a gathering, you will have to appease them with something memorable. Due to its unique classic flavor combo, preparing marinated mozzarella balls as an appetizer will put your name on the top of their favorite in-law list.

The delicacy of marinated mozzarella balls has a feel of togetherness. 

The good thing is that it is simple to make. You will marinate the mozzarella balls and then immerse them in flavorful olive oil and balsamic vinegar filled with sliced garlic and herbs to prepare your drool-worthy appetizer.

You can serve it with crunchy crostini accompanied by a bit of champagne. 

Calories Per Serving: 240

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

14. Eggplant Parmesan Poppers 

Can you imagine going to an Italian-themed party with no eggplant Parmesan poppers? Since poppers are made to party, Eggplant Parmesan Poppers should not miss from your party items list.

If you pop this appetizer at your next party, you can be sure it will disappear in a flash.

The Eggplant Parmesan poppers have all the delicacy of eggplant Parmesan in bite-form. You should consider dicing them first if you want them to cook evenly.

You will then do a messy but exciting breading process by assembling flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can serve this delicious appetizer with cocktails or marinara sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 516

Preparation Time:: 25 Minutes

15. Caprese Skewers

Imagine being on the beach on a sunny day, feeling the cool ocean breeze, and next to you is the delicious cold appetizer, Caprese skewers.

It is a feeling you wouldn’t want to let go of. You can be sure that people will crowd you due to its appealing appearance and irresistible aroma. 

The good thing about Caprese Skewers is that you can easily make it at home, and it will not take much of your time. It consists of four main simple but unique ingredients that make Caprese Skewers one of the best Italian appetizers. 

Some ingredients include mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic reduction. You can accompany your Caprese Skewers with the drink of your choice. 

Calories Per Serving: 55

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

16. Italian Tomato Salad

Is there any better time of the year than when tomatoes start to ripen? If you are creative enough, you can make many delicacies using ripe fresh tomatoes.

If you have not yet discovered the fresh flavor of this fruit, try the Italian tomato salad appetizer, and you will appreciate the fruit. 

What makes it a lovable appetizer is its ease of preparing it. The Italian Tomato salad consisted of marinating fresh tomatoes with red onion, parsley, garlic, and fresh basil.

It is among the most incredible side dishes you can have. In addition, you can also use it as a burger topper. 

Calories Per Serving: 117

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

17. Marinated Olives

Marinated olives are the representation of all the traditional Italian spices. If there is one thing that is among the most significant sources of healthy fats, it is olives.

Therefore, now you see why this Italian appetizer is an irresistible dish. You will need some simple ingredients for this easy-to-make appetizer. 

One of the ingredients includes tasty olive oils for flavor addition. You should also have a citrus peel, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. In addition, you should also have your olives, and it would be preferable if you had more than one variety.

You can decide to use the marinated olives on their own or make a fantastic antipasto platter with sliced meat. 

Calories Per Serving: 1000

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

18. Tuscan Truffles 

Are you in love with cheese, but you want to play low-key? You can find an appetizer with a lot of cheese, but its appearance says otherwise at first glance. When you look at Tuscan Truffles appetizers, you may think they are not cheesy.

However, to your surprise, they have up to three different cheese types: goat cheese, parmesan, and mascarpone.

Fortunately, preparing these delicious appetizers is simple and fast. The catch with making Tuscan Truffles is that you must find a balance in the appetizer. Therefore, you must have crunchy nuts and savory prosciutto.

Calories Per Serving: 80

Preparation Time: 10  Minutes

19. Italian Cheese Pull-Apart Bread 

What other better way to celebrate your anniversary than preparing your sweet wife a romantic dinner with candles and a delicious Italian cheese pull-apart bread as an appetizer?

You can be sure that this Italian appetizer will take your dinner to another level and rekindle the lost fire in your relationship. It is a reliable appetizer because of its scrumptiousness and it’s easy preparation. 

Italian cheese pull-apart bread involves the combination of biscuits and garlic bread smothered in melted cheese. It also has Italian seasoning and butter to make it even yummier.

If you want to enjoy Italian cheese pull-apart bread even more, serve it with Tuscan Chicken Pasta. 

Calories Per Serving: 308

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

20. Italian Green Beans

Is there anything that parmesan cheese does not make better? Even the Italian green beans taste better due to parmesan cheese.

You may think the Italian green beans are ordinary, but you will be amazed by their delicacy. These green beans are sweet since they get sautéed in butter, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. 

The Italian green beans are an excellent option for the traditional veggie casserole since it provides the body with vitamin C, K, fiber, and folate.

In addition, they are great for people who are overweight since they are low in calories. You can enjoy this delicious appetizer with baked chicken or cheesy potatoes.

Calories Per Serving: 151

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

21. Burrata 

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One of the things that should be on your bucket list is testing the delicious Burrata Italian cheese. You should be keen, however, not to confuse Burrata cheese with mozzarella cheese.

When you compare mozzarella cheese with Burrata cheese, Burrata is softer and has much more flavor than mozzarella. 

You can add herbs and spices to make Burrata a quick appetizer. Burrata is among the best summer recipes you should try.

For this recipe, you will need Burrata, fresh tomatoes, peaches, cherries, fresh herbs, toasted crushed pistachios, and sea salt. You can serve it alongside stuffed zucchini boats or homemade pizza. 

Calories Per Serving: 90

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

22. Margherita Flatbread 

Now that the holidays are over, one thing that you should let go of is cooking meals with tiresome recipe steps. You need something you can prepare quickly and easily when you want to eat. One of the options you can choose is the Margherita flatbread.

What makes this appetizer delicious are the fresh ingredients that it has. 

The good thing about Margherita flatbread is that you can use it as an appetizer or a main dish. You can pair Margherita flatbread with fresh basil, olive oil, and cheese to create the freshest, most delicious appetizer.

You can serve it accompanied by your favorite drink.

Calories Per Serving: 313

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

23. Garlic Cheese Bombs

Do you want an explosion of delicious flavors to your meal? If so, try garlic cheese bombs as your appetizer. Garlic cheese bombs are cheesy biscuits with oozy cheesy goodness in their crisp layer.

In addition, it gets brushed with butter, garlic, and herbs for even more sweetness. 

Consider preparing garlic cheese bombs as your appetizer whenever you have a big crowd. It is because it is easy to make and does not take much time.

In addition, its delicious taste will make people forget their hunger. You can serve it with soup or marinara sauce. 

Calories Per Serving: 101

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

24. Chicken Florentine Flatbread

Have you ever gone to a restaurant, ordered an appetizer, and ordered it for the main dish after testing? It happened to me one time when I ordered chicken Florentine Flatbread.

It is one of the best appetizers if you have a thanksgiving function. It is easy to make and fast.

The appetizer takes all the delicious chicken Florentine flavor and piles it on a tasty flatbread. What more could you dream of when you have a juicy chicken on a soft, mouth-watering buttery crust?

The good thing about Chicken Florentine flatbread is you can use it as an appetizer or as the main dish. You can serve it with your favorite drink or soup.

Calories Per Serving: 186

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

 25. Antipasto Skewers

Have you ever held a party where people like to eat while moving around? If so, what appetizer did you give them? For such a circumstance, the best appetizer to offer people is the Antipasto Skewers.

One of the famous combinations in Italian Cuisine is the antipasto. 

There are Antipasto platters, Antipasto salad and now Antipasto Skewers. 

Antipasto may contain a variety of things depending on what you want. You can combine your favorite cheese, meat, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil and thread them onto a skewer. You can eat while on the go as it is or accompany it with a drink. 

Calories Per Serving: 220

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Italian Beef Recipes That Are Easy To Make

26. Cheese Straws

Are dinner party plans giving you headaches? Wondering what you will offer your guests as an appetizer? Cheese straws are your answer since it is easy to make and easily accessible to anyone. 

In addition, they are delicious with crispy, flaky, cheesy twists. Puff pastries made of many thin layers of dough and butter cut into strips and twisted into straws make cheese straws. 

It has two primary ingredients, which are puff pastry and cheese. Therefore, it makes it easy to prepare and fast. It goes perfect with a glass of wine or even a bear. In addition, you can also serve it with deviled eggs or dips. 

Calories Per Serving: 150

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

27. Ravioli Nachos

The Ravioli Nachos is an appetizer for open-minded people willing to try new things. Have you ever imagined combining two dishes onto one plate to create a more fabulous color and flavor? One way you can do that is by making Ravioli Nachos.

Ravioli Nachos is the beautiful combination of Ravioli and Nachos to come up with one incredible and delicious appetizer.

The baked part is the Ravioli, and you can add all your favorite Nacho toppings. You can opt to add green onions, tomatoes, or cheddar cheese. 

This delicacy is the perfect appetizer you can eat while watching your best football team play. You can accompany it with a glass of champagne.

Calories Per Serving: 700

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

 28. Mini Lasagna Rolls

Are you hosting a big crowd and have no idea what appetizer you will give your guests? mini lasagna rolls might be an excellent option for you.

Even though they are tiny, they are cheesy and delicious. In addition, unlike most other appetizers, it is fun and easy to prepare mini lasagna rolls. 

Some ingredients you will need when making mini lasagna rolls include lasagna noodles, egg, freshly ground pepper, parsley, Ricotta, and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can enjoy this delicacy with marinara sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 116

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

29. Spaghetti Fritters

I had never seen fried spaghetti before until I visited one prestigious restaurant in Italy. Once I tasted it, I never regretted trying it out.

On the contrary, I now make these delicious spaghetti fritters at home. If you have any spaghetti noodle left after cooking, you should try making spaghetti fritter which is easy and fast. 

Some of the ingredients you can add are chili, parsley, and parmesan cheese. To vary the flavor, you can also add bacon, chopped tomatoes, or olives.

While making the spaghetti fritters, you should ensure that the middle of the fritters is soft while crunchy on the outside. 

You can serve your spaghetti fritter with marinara sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 498.62

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

30. Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls

If you think drugs are addictive, wait, you taste Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls. Inside the crispy golden Arancini balls, you will find a blend of sweet-scented rice and glorious gooey cheese. 

Once you take one bit of this delicacy, you will notice creamy goodness with a hint of onions and herbs that will leave you yearning for more. You can enjoy this appetizer with a warm marinara pasta sauce. 

Calories Per Serving: 190

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Different Categories Of Italian Appetizers?

The Italian appetizers are among the healthiest appetizers you can have since they are all-natural. The Italian appetizers have not left out anyone. It does not matter if you are a vegetarian, a meat lover, or a cheese lover. You will get what will suit your needs.

Some Italian appetizer categories include Italian appetizers with savory pastries, Italian appetizers with vegetables, Italian appetizers with delicious meat, Italian appetizers with irresistible cheese, etc. 

What Makes Italian Foods So Unique?

Italian food is unique because it’s recipes lack fats and are rich in olive oils. In addition, the Italian recipes are made from scratch. Therefore, you will not find any artificial ingredients or processed foods.

Furthermore, Italians add plenty of fruits and vegetables to their recipes. The quality ingredients found in Italian recipes have made its final product unique. 

What Is The Importance Of An Appetizer?

Appetizers are small serving foods meant for having a few bites before the main meal. In addition, an appetizer is often shared among several people. An appetizer is essential because it stimulates your hunger and prepares you for the main meal.

The one preparing the meal ensures that the flavors of the appetizers coordinate with those of the main dish.