66 italian appetizer recipes

Condimento Pugliese: roasted red pepper spread with olive oil and red pepper flakes. A chunky Italian condiment for crostini, pasta, or bruschetta. Five ingredients, no cook.

Ligurian caviar is an Italian olive paste spread blended with capers and red pepper flakes. A briny, spicy vegetarian crostini topping that keeps in the fridge for two weeks.

Porcini mushroom crostini with shiitake, cream, garlic, and Asiago cheese broiled on Italian toast. A rich, earthy Italian appetizer with deep mushroom flavor from dried and fresh fungi.

Bagna cauda, a warm Italian dip of olive oil, butter, garlic, and anchovies simmered until silky. Served fondue-style with fresh vegetables and crusty bread.

Crispy pita triangles dusted with Parmesan, piled high with warm marinara, basil, olives, and melted mozzarella for an Italian spin on nachos.

Bruschetta with tomato, basil, and fresh mozzarella relish on garlic-rubbed grilled bread. The classic Italian appetizer with a juice-drained tomato trick for crisp toasts.

Italian envelopes are fried wonton wrappers stuffed with ricotta, salami, mozzarella, and oregano, topped with Parmesan. A crispy, cheesy Italian-Asian fusion appetizer.

Fig and ricotta crostini with fresh basil ribbons and aged balsamic vinegar on toasted baguette. Elegant five-ingredient Italian appetizer ready in 20 minutes.

Classic Italian balsamic bruschetta with ripe Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and Parmesan on toasted French bread. Essential summer appetizer for tomato season.

Chilled shrimp cocktail with brandy-spiked lemon cream sauce, studded with crisp apple and fresh herbs. Elegant Italian appetizer.

Polenta crostini topped with a savory porcini and cremini mushroom sauce. Crisp broiled polenta rounds stand in for bread, making this Italian appetizer naturally gluten-free.

Mango and prosciutto bites: salty Italian cured ham wrapped around sweet ripe mango chunks, served with lime wedges. Three-ingredient party appetizer.

Basil pesto bread with homemade pine nut pesto, Roma tomatoes and melted mozzarella on Italian bread. Easy broiled Italian-style appetizer or light meal.

Chilled shrimp and artichoke hearts tossed with lemon, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh mint, and parsley in the style of San Benedetto. A bright, elegant Italian appetizer served at room temperature.

Crostini topped with roasted red pepper strips and smoked mozzarella, broiled until the cheese melts into toasted baguette. Four ingredients for an easy Italian appetizer where the smoky cheese steals the show.

Individual Thai-style pizzas with peanut sauce, Monterey Jack, bean sprouts, shrimp, and green onion on Italian bread shells. A Thai-Italian fusion appetizer in 30 minutes.