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
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.
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

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

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

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

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.

Hi, I’m Serena Bruce, the creative force behind EnjoyPartyIdeas.com!
As a passionate event planner and long-time lover of all things festive, I’ve dedicated my life to making celebrations unforgettable. With years of experience planning everything from kids’ birthday bashes to elegant weddings and themed parties, I’ve learned one important thing—every party deserves to be memorable, meaningful, and fun.