90 italian appetizer recipes

Roman-style concia: zucchini slices fried golden in olive oil, then layered with garlic, basil, and vinegar. An old-world Italian appetizer that improves as it sits.

Marinated olives with garlic, orange zest, and fennel seeds warmed in olive oil. An Italian-style appetizer that improves with time. Ready in hours, not days.

Italian-style zucchini with butter, olive oil, basil, oregano, and parsley. A quick microwave side dish that keeps the zucchini crisp-tender in 20 minutes.

Tiny baby zucchini halves hollowed out and stuffed with a sauteed filling of garlic, shallot, Roma tomatoes, and fresh parsley. An elegant room-temperature appetizer from the Silver Palate.

Make your own Bruschetta with this simple recipe that's extremely easy to follow!

Black olive paste (pure di olive nere) blends pitted Italian or French olives with olive oil, lemon, pepper, and bread crumbs. Italian-style spread for crostini, sandwiches, and pasta. Vegan, keeps for weeks.

Grilled polenta topped with charred radicchio, olive oil, and a drizzle of vinegar. A rustic Italian antipasto where crispy-edged polenta meets the bitter smoky bite of grilled chicory.

Italian marinated eggplant sott'olio made with Japanese eggplant simmered in red wine vinegar, then layered with fresh mint, garlic, and red pepper flakes under olive oil. Marinate two days for bold antipasto flavor.

Italian marinated sun-dried tomatoes preserved in olive oil with basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. A homemade antipasto topping for bread, pasta, and charcuterie boards.

Pappa al pomodoro, a thick Tuscan bread and tomato soup with stale Italian bread, fresh and canned Roma tomatoes, garlic, leeks, basil, and olive oil. Rustic Italian comfort.

Fennel focaccia made with frozen bread dough, olive oil, fennel seeds, and cornmeal. A crispy, aromatic Italian flatbread appetizer ready in just 30 minutes.

Marinated mixed Italian olives cracked and soaked with bell peppers, celery, garlic, oregano, and vinegar. Cured at room temperature for two days for bold, giardiniera-style flavor.

Broiled polenta squares topped with a quick fresh tomato and garlic sauce with parsley. A simple Italian vegetarian appetizer or snack with crisp edges and a soft, creamy center.

Roasted eggplant and pepper salad with celery, garlic, black olives, red wine vinegar, and oregano. A make-ahead Italian antipasto served at room temperature.

Polenta Toscana with rosemary and toasted walnuts sauteed in olive oil, stirred into creamy polenta. Serve it soft or cool it and slice into crostini. A simple Tuscan vegetarian side or appetizer.

Cooked Italian antipasto with carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, black olives, and tuna simmered in tomato sauce and ketchup. A make-ahead party appetizer.