Pizza and spaghetti aren’t the only things Italians are known for – you need to try out their appetizers, too! Traditional Italian appetizers are appropriate for any season of the year. In the summer, a refreshing Caprese salad is a good choice. Serve some wonderful crispy frico cups to greet the fall season. Another good thing about Italian appetizers is that they are very quick and simple to prepare! No, you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen.
If you need more ideas to serve as your starters, then here are 15 popular traditional Italian appetizers that everyone will like!
15. Sicilian Caponata – Aubergine Stew
Sicilian Caponata (Caponata Siciliana di melanzane) is a traditional aubergine dish perfect to share as a side or appetizer.
Check it here.
14.
One of the most traditional Italian recipes loved by kids and grown-ups. Learn all the tips and tricks to make perfect potato frittata every single time!
Check it here.
13. Gluten-Free Fried Ravioli with Pesto Alfredo
What, a gluten-free fried ravioli? Yes and it’s everything you could dream of! This gluten-free fried ravioli is going to be your new favorite appetizer to serve to family and friends.
Check it here.
12. Air Fryer Arancini | Italian Rice Balls
Arancini or Italian Rice Balls, is a very popular street food in Sicily. The classic traditional deep fried recipe gets a makeover by being air fried to make it a healthier and guilt free snack / appetizer.
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11. Crostini with Cherry Tomatoes And Mozzarella
Crostini are small bite size toasted piece of bread that is crusty and can be topped with several different toppings. This Crostini with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella is our summertime favorite to make with fresh homegrown tomatoes.
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10. Classic Basil Pesto Crostini
Classic Basil Pesto Crostini recipe features zesty pesto sauce spread over crispy toasted baguette slices. An easy and festive appetizer!
Check it here.
9. Italian Lupini Beans [A Step by Step Tutorial]
Italian Lupini Beans are truly a unique, healthy and delicious snack that can be eaten throughout the year. Lupini are also great for your appetizer or cheese boards. Whether you refer to them as lupini or lupins, come and see for yourself how easily they can be prepared at home.
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8.
Enjoy a simple and beautiful Italian antipasto platter this summer! With fresh garden fruit, cured meat, cheeses, and bread, this Charcuterie Board is so delicious, easy to put together, and fun to eat!
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7. Panelle (Sicilian Chickpea Fritters)
Popular Sicilian street food that you can easily prepare at home. Panelle (or Sicilian Chickpea Fritters) is excellent as an appetizer, a snack, or for making your own panelle sandwich!
Check it here.
6. Bocconcini Caprese with Caramelized Onions
Are you looking for a light meal for those hot summer nights? When the weather warms, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or prepare a hot, heavy meal. This Bocconcini Caprese is the perfect balance of refreshing fresh veggies, delicious cheese, and zesty balsamic vinegar.
Check it here.
5. Roman Style Fried Artichokes
Roman style fried artichokes recipe inspired by the infamous fried artichokes in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. Baby artichokes are gently fried in olive oil and seasoned simply with sea salt and lemon juice.
Check it here.
4. The Best Sicilian Arancini
Sicilian Arancini, or rice balls, are one of the most recognized Sicilian foods throughout the world. These crisp, golden little nuggets are a popular street food all over Sicily.
Check it here.
3. Caponata: A Delicious Appetizer You Can Make in Advance
Caponata is a traditional Italian appetizer you can make in advance of any event you’re having. It is made of eggplant and lots of other summer vegetables, simmered and served over crostini. Absolutely delicious!!!
Check it here.
2. Socca Pizza with Parma Ham
Craving pizza but in a hurry? Quick and easy socca pizza with Parma Ham is the answer! Whenever I’m craving pizza, but I don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen to make my homemade Italian pizza dough, socca comes to the rescue.
Check it here.
1. How to Make Irresistible Italian White Bean Dip
This Italian White Bean Dip is just as delicious as the version from Supper NYC that inspired it! Super simple ingredients make this an easy appetizer!
Check it here.
15 Classic Italian Appetizers

Pizza and spaghetti aren't the only things Italians are known for - you need to try out their appetizers, too! Traditional Italian appetizers are appropriate for any season of the year. In the summer, a refreshing Caprese salad is a good choice. Serve some wonderful crispy frico cups to greet the fall season. Another good thing about Italian appetizers is that they are very quick and simple to prepare! No, you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Sicilian Caponata – Aubergine Stew
- Authentic Italian Potato Frittata
- Fried Ravioli with Pesto Alfredo
- Air Fryer Arancini | Italian Rice Balls
Instructions
- Choose any Popular Traditional Italian Appetizers from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Popular Traditional Italian Appetizers and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!

I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.