50+ Refreshing Appetizers for Italian Dinner Party

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Appetizers for Italian Dinner Party: Because for Italians, a dinner party is never just about the main course: it’s about the whole shebang. The first course of an Italian meal presents a stage, a backdrop even, and that begins with light, invigorating appetizers. These appetizers are intended to rouse the appetite, set tongues wagging and offer dinner guests a small tease of Italy’s true flavors before delving into more substantial pastas, meats or fish.

Appetizers for Italian Dinner Party

Refreshing Appetizers for Italian Dinner Party

What makes Italian appetizers great is that they’re versatile. You can go basic with fresh tomato bruschetta, or you can kick up your spread with seafood salads, antipasto platters and fancy combinations for the topping. With over 50 ideas to choose from, this list is the ideal combination of invigorating, delicious recipes of Italian appetizers that are simple to make and perfect for your dinner party.

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Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil – Classic

Simple, delicious tomatoes burst with flavor on nicely toasted bread and evergreen Italian natural ingredients including a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a simple homemade recipe but one you should try.

Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers
Credit IG: @extrasparklesplease

Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls skewered with basil leaves, splash on some balsamic glaze for fresh, bite-sized morsels any way you stack ’em!

Antipasto Platter

A blend of olives, cured meats, cheese, artichokes and marinated veggies makes for a bright, tempting spread.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Melon slices with prosciutto are sweet and salty, the perfect refreshing food—light but oh so fancy.

Marinated Olives

An infused bowl of olives, flavored with garlic and lemon zest and herbs, is a simple but tasty pre-dinner bite.

Crostini with Ricotta and Honey

Sweet and savory collide in this ricotta-topped toast with honey on crispy bread.

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes stuffed with herbed cream cheese or tuna salad are a cooling appetizer.

Focaccia Bread Bites

Perfectly simple focaccia sprinkled with rosemary and sea salt, served with olive oil dip.

Mini Arancini (Rice Balls)

Classic cheese-stuffed rice balls rolled in breadcrumbs and fried, served with marinara sauce.

Panzanella Salad Cups

Refreshing Tuscan bread salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bread cubes, served in individual cups.

Grilled Zucchini Rolls

Thin zucchini slices rolled around ricotta and herbs, light and summery.

Eggplant Caponata

Eggplant Caponata
Credit IG: @onceuponachef

A Sicilian dish with eggplant, capers, and olives that’s tangy-sweet and delicious on toast.

Baked Stuffed Mushrooms

Garlicky, herb-sprinkled mushrooms filled with breadcrumbs make a savory starter.

Mozzarella in Carrozza

Golden fried mozzarella sandwiches cut into bite-sized pieces for sharing.

Shrimp Scampi Skewers

Grilled shrimp with garlic and butter for a seafood twist to your appetizers.

Burrata with Roasted Peppers

Silky burrata cheese with roasted peppers and olive oil for a decadent starter.

Polenta Bites

Polenta Bites
Credit IG: @meetonmain

Mini squares of grilled polenta topped with cheese or mushrooms.

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Mini bell peppers filled with herbed cheese or meats add color and flavor.

Tomato and Mozzarella Tartlets

Puff pastry topped with tomatoes and mozzarella, baked until golden.

Smoked Salmon Crostini

Crostini topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and dill.

Bruschetta with Roasted Vegetables

Roasted peppers, zucchini, and onions on toasted bread add flavor depth.

Calamari Fritti

Crispy fried calamari with lemon wedges and marinara sauce.

Spinach and Ricotta Puffs

Pastry rounds filled with creamy spinach-ricotta filling.

Margherita Flatbread Slices

Mini flatbreads topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

Chicken Meatballs with Marinara

Mini Italian chicken meatballs with marinara dipping sauce.

Bruschetta with Pesto and Mozzarella

Crostini topped with fresh pesto and mozzarella instead of tomato.

White Bean Dip with Crostini

Creamy white bean dip with garlic and rosemary.

Crab Salad Cups

Crab Salad Cups
Credit IG: @lacavelv

Italian seafood crab salad with lemon zest, served in lettuce cups.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Crunchy asparagus wrapped in salty prosciutto.

Bruschetta Trio

Serve three versions: tomato, mushroom & truffle, and roasted pepper.

Italian Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs topped with olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

Sicilian Orange Salad

Oranges, onions, and olives dressed in olive oil.

Mini Caprese Tarts

Mini tarts filled with mozzarella, tomato, and basil.

Bruschetta with Fig and Prosciutto

Toasted bread topped with figs and prosciutto.

Anchovy Crostini

Bold anchovy flavor on crostini with butter and herbs.

Radicchio Salad Cups

Radicchio leaves filled with Parmesan, walnuts, and balsamic.

Italian Tuna Salad on Crackers

Light tuna salad with lemon, olive oil, and parsley on crackers.

Mini Eggplant Rollatini

Rolled eggplant slices filled with ricotta and baked with tomato sauce.

Bruschetta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Crostini topped with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese.

Seafood Cocktail Cups

Chilled shrimp, scallops, or octopus with lemon dressing.

Parmesan Crisps

Baked Parmesan crisps served plain or with dips.

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Pear

Crostini topped with pears and blue cheese.

Italian Chickpea Salad

A refreshing chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs.

Caponata Crostini

Eggplant caponata spread over toasted bread.

Zucchini Fritters

Light, crispy zucchini fritters with sour cream or marinara.

Bruschetta with Artichoke Spread

Crostini topped with creamy artichoke spread.

Mini Calzones

Mini pizza dough pockets filled with cheese and veggies or meats.

Cold Pasta Salad Cups

Italian pasta salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives in mini cups.

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