When it comes to entertaining, Italian cuisine offers some of the most delicious and effortless finger foods. From crispy bruschetta topped with fresh ingredients to golden-fried ravioli and creamy burrata bites, these appetizers are perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a holiday feast, or just looking for a tasty snack, Italian finger foods bring bold flavors and simple elegance to the table.
Roasted Cherry Tomato and Burrata Bruschetta
Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta is a simple, delicious appetizer that calls for minimal ingredients. An elevated version of the classic, this cherry tomato bruschetta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Get the recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomato and Burrata Bruschetta
Marinated Olives
Made with fresh garlic, herbs, lemon peel, and a variety of olives, this Slow Cooker Marinated Olives recipe is sure to be a hit with your guests! Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and you’ll have an easy and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining!
Get recipe: Slow Cooker Marinated Olives
Goat Cheese Crostini with Balsamic Grape Tomatoes
Grape tomatoes sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar nestled in creamy, tangy goat cheese atop toasted crostini – these Goat Cheese Crostini with Balsamic Grape Tomatoes make the ultimate appetizer!
Get recipe: Goat Cheese Crostini with Balsamic Grape Tomatoes
Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs
Ripe juicy summer figs & salty Italian ham come together in the ultimate sweet & savory bite. This quick and easy appetizer will impress with little effort. In 15-minute this recipe for Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs is ready to enjoy.
Get recipe: Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs
Taralli – Italian Black Pepper Cookies
Taralli is a wonderful baked wheat flour rings that are a classic snack in Italy. These little round cracker-like Italian Black Pepper Cookies are a bit addicting so be warned. The tiny savory bites have a crispy outside and flaky inside that traditionally is dunked into wine when eating – now who can say no to that!?
Get recipe: Taralli – Italian Black Pepper Cookies
Peperonata (Italian Sweet Peppers with Tomatoes)
Peperonata is an Italian sweet pepper and tomato dish that is served with fresh, crusty bread. It is a super simple, rustic and delectable recipe.
Get recipe: Peperonata (Italian Sweet Peppers with Tomatoes)
Pizza Donuts – Savory Italian Recipe (Pizza Doughnuts)
Pizza donuts are going to be your new favorite type of donut! This savory Italian recipe turns out doughnuts that taste like a light and airy mini pizza, but be sure to use the right ingredients!
Get recipe: Pizza Donuts – Savory Italian Recipe (Pizza Doughnuts)
Antipasto Platter
This Antipasto Platter is as well received in the summer months as in the fall and winter months. Two very easy recipes are included to make your platter stand out from all the others. Delectable nibbles for an appetizer for any event.
Get recipe: Antipasto Platter
Panzerotti – Mini Pizza Calzones
Panzerotti is an Italian dish invented in Puglia. It was a simple recipe made by women when they had leftover bread dough. Instead of wasting it, they created a small pizza with tomatoes and cheese wrapped inside the dough.
Get recipe: Panzerotti – Mini Pizza Calzones
Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms
Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms is an easy recipe for a wonderful appetizer or delicious side! The ricotta filling is flavored with zesty lemon, fragrant parsley, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. You’ll love every tasty mouthful!
Get recipe: Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms
Bruschetta Recipe with Mozzarella
This Bruschetta Recipe with Mozzarella is an insanely delicious combination of the most classic Italian flavors!! Tomatoes, basil, and garlic combine with mozzarella to create an utterly delicious starter! Plus, this easy appetizer comes together in just 15 minutes, and you’ll love it for entertaining!
Get recipe: Bruschetta Recipe with Mozzarella
Fried Rye Flour Ravioli
Known as tirtlen or tortelli alle erbe, this vegetarian homemade fried rye flour ravioli is a traditional recipe from the beautiful Alto Adige (South Tyrol) in Northeast Italy. There, rye flour is a staple ingredient used to make bread, pasta and other foods. These ricotta and spinach raviolis are easy to make and very moreish.
Get recipe: Homemade Fried Rye Flour Ravioli
Piconi Ascolani
Unlike other types of ravioli, piconi ascolani are baked in the oven and eaten as a snack or as part of a traditional Easter breakfast with boiled eggs and salumi. Normally, these baked ravioli are not eaten hot.
Get recipe: Piconi Ascolani: Baked Ravioli from Le Marche
Fried Custard -Crema Fritta
Fried custard (crema fritta o cremini) is a sweet creamy custard with a crispy coat served as an aperitif with other fried food “fritto misto”. Typically, these deep-fried custard bites are served with the traditional savory fried stuffed olives called Olive Ascolane in Italian. These recipes both originate from Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region.
Get recipe: Italian Deep Fried Custard -Crema Fritta
Pizza Pops
Experience the ultimate convenience and deliciousness with frozen air fryer pizza pops. This quick and easy method delivers perfectly crispy and gooey pizza pops, making it the ideal snack for any time of day.
Get recipe: Frozen Air Fryer Pizza Pops (Easy Recipe)
Air Fryer Ravioli
Raviolis take on a whole new texture and flavor when breaded and toasted in the air fryer. Not only are these trendy air fryer ravioli delicious, but since they are air fried, they are healthier and less messy than fried ravioli. Plus they make quick and tasty appetizer, perfect for game day, holiday parties, or even a light meal.
Get recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli
Italian Stromboli
A fun and easy authentic Italian Stromboli recipe! This recipe has yummy ingredients like thinly sliced salami, pepperoni, capicola, and a blend of Italian cheeses. It’s a family favorite and will remind you of your favorite local pizzeria.
Get recipe: Easy Homemade Authentic Italian Stromboli Recipe
Bruschetta Caponata
One of my favourite things about visiting Sicily is the sheer abundance of caponata (a sour-sweet eggplant dish) in all kinds of applications. And one of the best ways to eat it is as caponata bruschetta. While you can eat this dish simply as a side, as a pasta sauce or even as a filling for arancini, using it as a topping for bruschetta is a truly fantastic way to enjoy this dish.
Get recipe: Bruschetta Caponata Recipe: Delicious Sicilian Appetiser
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto Skewers are a super easy to make appetizer that are perfect for any party, picnic, or potluck. Double the recipe to feed a crowd.
Get recipe: Super Easy Antipasto Skewers
Burrata Bruschetta with Garlic Basil Sauce
Burrata Bruschetta is a delicious, creamy spread of burrata cheese and cherry tomatoes in garlicky olive oil served on crusty bread. The tangy tomato mixture is made with fresh tomatoes and served on classic bruschetta. It is a great appetizer or starter for a special dinner.
Get recipe: Burrata Bruschetta with Garlic Basil Sauce
Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers (with Balsamic Glaze)
Inspired by caprese salad, this Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers recipe is a quick and easy appetizer or snack! Thanks to fresh basil and a shortcut bottled balsamic glaze, these simple caprese skewers are bursting with flavor and ready to serve in minutes.
Get recipe: Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers (with Balsamic Glaze)
4 Ingredient Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls
Everyone is going to love these loaded pizza rolls. A perfect appetizer for any gathering. A family favorite around my home and I bet yours too! This yummy recipe for 4 ingredient Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls with only 4 simple steps is a go-to recipe for any occasion Great for any gathering and will be perfect for the Super Bowl game.
Get recipe: 4 Ingredient Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls
Baby Eggplant Parmesan
Baked Baby Eggplant Parmigiana is a vegetarian stuffed eggplant appetizer or side dish that’s incredibly easy to make. These small, round eggplants are unbreaded and filled with ricotta and parmesan. Topped with marinara sauce and garnished with basil leaves, these little eggplants make a fantastic hot appetizer.
Get recipe: Baby Eggplant Parmesan
