Italian starters

Looking for Italian appetizers? Here's a delicious collection of Italian starters, including antipasto, vegetarian, meat and seafood options!

These 24 Italian appetizer recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or a casual get-together.

A classic Arancini recipe for an Italian favorite. It makes for a great starter for dinner or appetizer at a party. Vegetarian risotto balls filled with mozzarella, breaded and fried. Served with warmed marinara.

Hosting a gathering? Don't forget to provide tasty food for your guests. This list of amazing Italian appetizers will make your party a hit.

London’s vibrant Flat Iron Square in SE1 is home to a clutch of independent restaurants, food trucks, artisan bakers and bars – including Lupins, whose small plates have given big pleasure to lots of people. Their flavour-packed starter is dead easy to make at home. For more starters with a Mediterranean spin, browse our Italian starter recipes collection.

Caponata is an Italian appetizer bursting with flavor! Eggplant and Mediterranean vegetables make a tangy, garlicky spread that's perfect over crusty bread.

A stunning Italian starter by Angela Hartnett featuring sweet roasted red peppers, salty anchovies, roasted garlic and basil.

If you must know something about me, I’m pretty much a huge sucker for anything fried or cheesy, but come on who isn’t? These cheesy arancini (rice balls) are the perfect appetizers for any party, event or even just because. Arancini is known as “adult mozzarella sticks”, but these crispy, deep fried Italian balls of rice are oozing with the ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese filling.

Italians are more than just their pizzas and pasta. Classic Italian appetizers are perfect for any season throughout the year. For summer, you may go for a refreshing caprese salad. If you want to welcome fall, try serving some tasty crispy frico cups. Another good thing about Italian appetizers is that they are fairly easy to create! And no, you do not need to stay in the kitchen for hours.

A classic Italian dish, I've made these bite size to be finger food but they are typically made larger to serve as a meal or appetiser! This makes 25 mini Arancini balls about the size of a golf ball. :) Great for making ahead - they keep in the fridge for 3 days, then just reheat at 350F/180C for 10 minutes!