Whether it’s a small gathering before Christmas or any other big event, there’s always a delicious way to start it. From savory meatballs to tantalizing Tuscan truffles, here are some easy Italian appetizers to kick start a party. These Italian appetizer recipes are prepared with healthy ingredients and have the right flavors to delight your guests.
Tuscan Truffles
These Italian-inspired truffles are cheesy enough to delight everyone’s taste buds. The truffles are non-baked and go well with all types of soups.
Ingredients
8 oz. mascarpone cheese
2 Tsp. olive oil
4 Tbsp. Parmesan (grated)
2 Tsp. white balsamic vinegar
8 oz. goat cheese
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley
3 minced garlic cloves
6-8 Tbsp. chopped prosciutto
3/4 cup toasted and chopped pine nuts
3 oz. chopped dried figs
3/4 Tsp. lemon zest
Pepper to taste
Method
Take all the truffle ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Shape this mixture into small balls. Roll the truffles over chopped pine nuts. Freeze the truffles for some time before serving.
Simple Meatballs
These meatballs are one of the perfect Italian appetizer recipes for people of all ages. Use frozen chicken, turkey, or beef meatballs to prepare the dish.
Ingredients
1 bag of frozen meatballs
2 chopped onions
10 oz. red pepper jelly
Chili sauce to taste
Method
Take all the meatball ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook the meatballs covered for about 5 hours. Serve with ketchup and bread.
Pizza Sticks
These cheesy pizza sticks are great to serve at any casual event including birthdays. Customize the sticks by using your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
1 cup mixed tomatoes, onions, and olives
3/4 cup bell peppers
2 thin pizza crusts
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pizza sauce
Marinara sauce
Method
Preheat your oven to about 450 degrees. Take the pizza crusts and spread pizza sauce on them. Spread veggies on the top of the sauce and then top with shredded cheese. Bake the pizza and then slice it into strips. Serve with marinara sauce.
Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli aka pasta & beans are simple food staples to please your guests. Cook pasta with veggies and sauce and then add beans to make this savory dish.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. oil
1/2 Tsp. garlic (chopped)
1 can of chicken/veggie broth
2 small chopped onions
1 stalk diced celery
12 oz. canned white beans
1 cup tomato sauce
2 Tbsp. parsley (dried)
1 cup cooked pasta
Salt and black pepper
Method
Sauté all the veggies together. Add tomato sauce to the veggie mixture followed by broth. Sprinkle parsley, pepper, and salt and cook on simmer for 13-14 minutes. Stir in the cooked pasta and then add drained beans to the sauce. Mix well and cook until beans are soft and saucy. You can top pasta e Fagioli with cheese if you like. Serve the bowl with bread or salad.
Green Bean Salad
This crunchy salad has that perfect tangy flavor. Complement this green salad with any main course or holiday dinner.
Ingredients
3 cups trimmed and cooked green beans
1 chopped onion
2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 Tsp. garlic powder
3 Tbsp. or more lemon juice
1 cup or more crumbled feta cheese
1/4 Tsp. mustard powder
4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Salt and ground black pepper
Method
Take cooked beans in a bowl. Now take another bowl and mix lemon juice, mustard, oil, vinegar, pepper, and garlic powder in it. Sprinkle salt per taste and then drizzle the mixture over beans. Stir in onions and toss well. Let the bean mixture cool in the fridge for some hours. Top with tomatoes and cheese right before serving.
Try these Italian appetizer recipes for your next party and please the guests to the core!
