35+ Italian Appetizers (Easy Make Ahead Recipes)

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.

These Italian appetizers 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 Italian appetizer recipes.

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.

Easy Italian Appetizers

Side view of Avocado bites wrapped in prosciutto on wood cutting board.
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!
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Crostini dipped into melty 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.
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Pasta chips on plate with small bowl of dipping sauce.
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!
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Overhead shot of small bowl of tapenade on grey plate with crostini scattered about.
This easy Olive Spread 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.
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Overhead shot of serving tray of toasted ravioli with bowl of marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Ravioli. Coated in a cheesy, breadcrumb mixture and then air fried until crispy and delicious! Serve this yummy appetizer with marinara sauce or alfredo sauce and enjoy! 
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Sausage bites arranged on grey plate with small bowl of mustard sauce.
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.
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Baked artichoke hearts in baking dish after cooking.
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.
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Antipasto is the perfect start to any Italian meal, and it’s an easy, delicious way to impress your family and friends. A tasty combination of cured meats, cheeses, olives, veggies, and other assorted goodies.
Get the RECIPE from Lemon Tree Dwelling
Grana padano wrapped in prosciutto and topped with fig jam.
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.
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This eggplant caponata recipe is a delicious take on the sweet and sour Sicilian appetizer. Serve on crostini with fresh basil for garnish!
Get the RECIPE from Love and Lemons
Skillet filled with shrimp piccata on pink backdrop.
This easy recipe for Shrimp Piccata is delicious. Shrimp tossed in a lemon-garlic, butter sauce flecked with capers. Made in just 30-minutes!
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A refreshing cantaloupe and prosciutto recipe, Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon is served as an appetizer or salad, drizzled with balsamic glaze!
Get the RECIPE from Reluctant Entertainer
Mascarpone stuffed dates topped off with pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts and pistachios. The easiest 20 minute party appetizer!
Get the RECIPE from Foolproof Living
This crostini topped with sweet, juicy figs and paired with tangy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios is so flavourful and perfect for snacking on or entertaining.
Get the RECIPE from aheadofthyme.com
Fresh and delicious Tomato and Basil Bruschetta that is super flavorful, so easy to make and such a huge crowdpleaser when entertaining!
Get the RECIPE from Eat Yourself Skinny
Italian & Greek olives marinated in olive oil infused with fresh herbs, lemon & plenty of garlic. Making marinated olives at home couldn’t be easier!
Get the RECIPE from Plays Well with Butter
Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Pickled Peach Appetizer Skewers. So super pretty!
Get the RECIPE from The Noshery
crostini lasagna appetizer on grey plate
These Lasagna Crostini are a perfect make ahead party appetizer. The Italian meat sauce, creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella cheese are irresistible.
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These Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls are a quick and easy appetizer that takes less than 15 minutes to make.
Get the RECIPE from Fox and Briar
Crispy prosciutto stacked on serving plate.
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.
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Overhead shot of peach caprese salad on grey plate next to wooden cutting board.
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!
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Marinated Mozzarella Melon Skewers…the fun, colorful, and delicious summer appetizer that we’re all looking for right now. Sweet-juicy summer melon, garden basil, and pesto marinated balls of mozzarella cheese are all layered together to create a fresh summer appetizer that’s pretty and so delicious. Finish these quick and simple melon skewers with a drizzle of balsamic fig vinaigrette.
Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest
In just 10 minutes, creamy ricotta cheese is whipped to perfection with honey, lemon, and fresh herbs. Serve as a dip, spread, or crostini appetizer.
Get the RECIPE from Fork in the Kitchen
Caprese Salad is guaranteed to be a favorite in your home. 10 minutes is all you need for this side made of soft mozzarella, sweet basil and juicy tomatoes.
Get the RECIPE from Craving Home Cooked
These Marinated Mushrooms recipe is fuss-free to prepare, bursting with robust flavor and will become a household staple! Serve them as an appetizer or add them to salads, pizza, pasta and more!
Get the RECIPE from No Spoon Necessary
Smoked Jumbo Shrimp Wrapped in Prosciutto is a recipe that will make you double up the flavour!
Get the RECIPE from Bradley Smoker
Juicy & plump tomatoes roasted with herbs and garlic with creamy burrata.
Get the RECIPE from Olive & Mango
Arancini is the ultimate Sicilian and Italian food, its a delicious meat sauce stuffed inside a rice ball, dipped in bread crumbs and fried a ragu stuffed rice ball dipped in bread crumbs and deep fried.
Get the RECIPE from Like Mother Like Daughter
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are the ultimate delicious appetizer for any occasion! Not only are these stuffed mushroom SUPER delicious, this simple recipe makes mushrooms taste so good! Even non-mushroom lovers LOVE these!
Get the RECIPE from Cafe Delites
Easy Fried Calamari served with marinara sauce is the ultimate Italian snack!
Get the RECIPE from Carloyn’s Cooking
All you need is a simple marinade and a grill pan to make the best Grilled Italian Vegetables Recipe. If you like easy side dishes, this recipe is for you!
Get the RECIPE from She Loves Biscotti
The Best, Easiest Focaccia Bread Recipe. Cold, refrigerated dough is the secret to making delicious focaccia! This recipe takes 5 min to stir together and emerges pillowy and golden.
Get the RECIPE from Alexandra’s Kitchen
Beef carpaccio with truffle vinaigrette
If you’re looking for an impressive appetizer, whether for a dinner party, date night or Valentine’s day, then beef carpaccio has to be on your list to try. It’s really easy to make, but is elegant and delicious.
Get the RECIPE from Caroline’s Cooking
This easy bruschetta recipe is made with homemade lemon ricotta cheese (it’s simple!), fresh grilled peaches and a drizzle of Tupelo honey.
Get the RECIPE from The Wicked Noodle
This crostini neri recipe is the perfect antipasti to kick off a Tuscan feast.
Get the RECIPE from Great Italian Chefs
Everyone loves spinach artichoke dip! It is packed with flavor and golden brown ooey, gooey, goodness. This will be the best spinach artichoke dip you’ve ever had!
Get the RECIPE from The Stay at Home Chef

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 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 PinterestTikTokFacebookYouTube and Twitter.

Baked goat cheese with marinara in dish.

35+ EASY Italian Appetizers

Looking for some easy, make-ahead, Italian appetizers to serve at your next get-together? Look no further! Here's 35+ 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
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people

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.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

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

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