90 italian appetizer recipes

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

Broiled tomato mozzarella bruschetta with Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, capers, and balsamic vinegar on toasted Italian bread. Ready in 15 minutes as an appetizer or light meal.

Italian baked clams on the half shell stuffed with herbed bread crumbs, garlic, Romano cheese, basil, oregano, and lemon juice, finished with a splash of white wine. A classic Italian-American appetizer.

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.

Low-fat marinated vegetable platter with crisp broccoli, carrots, celery, red pepper, olives, and artichoke hearts in tangy Italian dressing. Make-ahead appetizer that gets better as it chills.

Baked Clams Casino with littleneck clams on the half shell topped with garlicky, paprika-seasoned bread crumbs and crispy bacon. A classic Italian-American appetizer served with lemon wedges.