53 italian appetizer recipes

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Oysters Mosca: chopped fresh oysters cooked down with garlic, scallions, lemon, and Romano cheese, then spooned into puff pastry shells. The classic Italian-Creole New Orleans appetizer from the legendary Mosca's restaurant.

Italian-flavored shrimp dip with baby shrimp, cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian dressing mix brightened with lemon juice and chopped bell pepper. No-cook appetizer ready after a one-hour chill.

Buttery garlic mushroom appetizer simmered low and slow with Italian dressing mix. Three ingredients, toothpick-ready, and they vanish off the platter in minutes.

Sliced ripe Roma tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, fresh minced herbs, and cracked black pepper. A 5-minute Italian appetizer or side with only 4 ingredients. Vegetarian and naturally low calorie.

Smoked mozzarella focaccia topping with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and garlic. Italian bruschetta-style appetizer ready in under 20 minutes.

Pop the Cork Pasta Crunch: deep fried corkscrew macaroni tossed in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. A crispy, addictive party snack or appetizer.

Stuffed mushrooms with Parmesan, garlic, bread crumbs, and fresh parsley baked until golden. A classic Italian-style appetizer that comes together with just a few pantry staples.

Crispy baked rice squares made from leftover rice, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Italian herbs. A 6-ingredient snack or appetizer that uses up day-old rice.