135 italian appetizer recipes

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.

Bob's crab stuffed mushrooms marinate whole caps in Italian dressing before filling with lump crab, fresh breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, mayo, and lemon. Easy seafood appetizer ready in an hour.

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

Crostini topped with a chunky artichoke and white bean spread brightened with lemon and basil, finished with crumbles of oven-crisped prosciutto. An easy Italian appetizer built from pantry staples.

Crispy baked polenta triangles topped with roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and Parmesan. A light, low-fat Italian appetizer with golden crunch and creamy center.

Pan-fried asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto, dredged in flour, and dipped in egg for a golden, crispy coating. An elegant Italian appetizer that turns simple asparagus into something special.

Blanched escarole leaves stuffed with marinated chickpeas, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and white wine vinegar. A vegan, low-fat Italian appetizer served at room temperature.

Italian steamed mussels in white wine with garlic and fresh parsley, served chilled as an elegant appetizer. Just five ingredients and a simple stovetop method.

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

Stuffed baked mussels on the half shell topped with reduced tomato sauce, chiffonade basil, and crisp breadcrumbs. Restaurant-style Italian appetizer in under an hour.

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.

Crispy fried asparagus spears wrapped in savory prosciutto with a golden parmesan crust. Classic Italian appetizer that showcases spring asparagus with elegant simplicity and irresistible crunch.

Sicilian caponata with sauteed eggplant, olives, capers, and a sweet-tangy vinegar sauce. A rustic Italian appetizer or side that tastes even better the next day.

Sicilian-style caponata with tender eggplant, olives, capers, and tomatoes in a tangy vinegar sauce. Make it ahead and serve cold as a rustic Italian appetizer.

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.