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15+ Easy Italian Appetizers to Make Tonight!

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

April 2, 2025

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5 from 1 vote

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Are you looking for some easy, delicious, and quick Italian appetizers to serve at your next get-together? Look no further! In this post, you will find a variety of Italian appetizers that are perfect for any occasion. All of these recipes are simple to make and packed full of flavor. Read on to discover the perfect way to start off your next special meal.

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These Italian finger foods are sure to be a hit with your friends and family! They’re easy to make ahead and will add a delicious touch to your next get-together. So, next time you’re planning an Italian-inspired meal, be sure to include one of these flavorful appetizers.

Here are some of the absolute best make ahead Italian appetizers.

Buon Appetito!

Be sure to check out these Italian soups, Italian salads, Italian sides and classic Italian desserts too! Plus, for more inspiration, here’s 85+ Italian Foods (with EASY Recipes!). And toast to the occasion with one of these Italian cocktails.

Italian Appetizers for a Party

Side view of Avocado bites wrapped in prosciutto on wood cutting board.
Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado Bites
Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado Bites are the perfect party appetizer. They’re an easy to make, no-bake finger food and come together in under 10 minutes!
Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado Bites
Overhead shot of marinated mozzarella balls in speckled bowl with wooden spoon.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
These easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls are perfect for entertaining or snacking. Tossed in a rich and zesty Mediterranean-inspired marinade, each one is bursting with irresistible flavors!
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Crostini dipped into melty goat cheese.
Baked Goat Cheese
This baked goat cheese appetizer is super simple to throw together at the last minute with just 3 ingredients! Chevre is baked in marinara sauce until hot and bubbly – Perfect for spreading on crostini.
Baked Goat Cheese
Pasta chips on plate with small bowl of dipping sauce.
Pasta Chips
Pasta Chips are the latest TikTok food trend. Made with cooked pasta that's coated with parmesan, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Then air fried (or baked in the oven) until crispy, crunchy & delicious!
Pasta Chips
Overhead shot of small bowl of tapenade on grey plate with crostini scattered about.
Olive Spread
This easy Olive Tapenade recipe comes together in just 10 minutes in your food processor or blender. It's amazing as an appetizer for parties, served as part of a charcuterie board, or used as a sandwich spread.
Olive Spread
Overhead shot of serving tray of toasted ravioli with bowl of marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli is coated in a cheesy, breadcrumb mixture and then air fried (or baked) until crispy and delicious! Serve this yummy appetizer with marinara sauce or alfredo sauce and enjoy! 
Air Fryer Ravioli
Sausage bites arranged on grey plate with small bowl of mustard sauce.
Sausage Bites
Sausage Bites are simmered in white wine & served with a creamy, spicy mustard dipping sauce. They’re a delicious party appetizer that cooks up quick.
Sausage Bites
Overhead shot of stuffed artichoke hearts in baking dish with serving spoon.
Stuffed Artichoke Hearts
These Stuffed Artichoke Hearts take all the work out of actually stuffing an artichoke. Canned artichoke hearts are arranged in a dish and topped with a “stuffing” of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic.
Stuffed Artichoke Hearts
Two stuffed mushrooms on plate with fork.
Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
These Italian Stuffed Mushrooms are an irresistible party snack or appetizer. Easy to make with a mouthwatering blend of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and cheese, then baked with marinara sauce, it’s a recipe every party host needs on their menu.
Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
Grana padano wrapped in prosciutto and topped with fig jam.
Prosciutto Wrapped Parmesan with Fig Preserves
These bites of Prosciutto Wrapped Grana Padano with Fig Preserves are the perfect party snack. This easy to make, no-bake finger food comes together in under 10-minutes.
Prosciutto Wrapped Grana Padano
Sauteed peppers in large skillet.
Pepperonata
Pepperonata is a classic Italian appetizer made from bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatics. It’s easy to make in one skillet and has mouthwatering flavors.
Pepperonata
Skillet filled with shrimp piccata on pink backdrop.
Shrimp Piccata
This easy recipe for Shrimp Piccata is delicious. Shrimp tossed in a lemon-garlic, butter sauce flecked with capers. Made in just 30-minutes!
Shrimp Piccata
crostini lasagna appetizer on grey plate
Lasagna Crostini
These Lasagna Crostini are a perfect make ahead party appetizer. The Italian meat sauce, creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella cheese are irresistible.
Lasagna Crostini
Crispy prosciutto stacked on serving plate.
Crispy Prosciutto (Air Fried or Baked)
Crispy Prosciutto is easy to make in the oven or air fryer. Perfectly crunchy and even better than bacon, enjoy fried prosciutto as a snack on its own or topping on salads, pasta, pizza, soups, veggies, and more.
Crispy Prosciutto
Overhead shot of peach caprese salad on grey plate next to wooden cutting board.
Peach Caprese Salad
This fresh and tangy Peach Caprese Salad features sweet peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and juicy tomatoes. A perfect blend of summery flavors, this simple yet delicious salad is the ideal late summer side dish!
Peach Caprese Salad
Close up of crispy artichoke hearts in air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts
Love artichokes? Try this quick and easy Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts recipe! Seasoned with parmesan and Italian seasonings, they’re an incredibly crispy and flavorful appetizer or healthy snack.
Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these appetizer recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

Did you make any of these easy Italian appetizer recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of Italian appetizer recipes. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

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Full Recipe

15+ Easy Italian Appetizers

Looking for some easy, make-ahead, Italian appetizers to serve at your next get-together? Look no further! Here's 15+ tasty options. Try this baked goat cheese appetizer. Simple to throw together at the last minute with just 3 ingredients!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Serves 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 25 minutes mins
Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 clove garlic (grated)
  • 8 ounces goat cheese (pressed 1-inch thick and leaving 1-inch border around baking dish)
  • 1 baguette
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
  • Basil leaves (optional garnish)
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Combine marinara sauce and garlic in a baking dish and top with goat cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, until the sauce begins to bubble at edges and the cheese is hot, about 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, slice baguette on a bias and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  • During the last 10 minutes of baking time, add bread to oven and toast until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Garnish cheese with basil and cherry tomatoes, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

To Make Ahead: Place the goat cheese and marinara into a baking dish. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it into the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 512mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 578IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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