Italian cuisine has many amazing dishes that are perfect for a casual evening out with friends. Pizza night is an Italian classic, but it can be made even better by adding some tasty appetizers to the menu.
If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to pair with your next pizza night, look no further!
From traditional bruschetta to modern Caprese salad, I have something more amazing for you. These rounded-up 10 delicious Italian appetizers will surely wow your family and friends.
If you are in quickness and want to find the Best Italian appetizers that go with Pizza, then try any of these- Bruschetta, Caprese Salad, Garlic Bread, Antipasto Platter, Arancini, Stuffed Mushrooms, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, Mini Meatballs, Fried Zucchini Sticks, Cheese Platter, Polenta Fries, Fried Calamari, Focaccia Bread, Crostini. Artichoke Dip, Caprese Skewers, Fried Mozzarella Sticks, Insalata Tricolore, Carpaccio, Grilled Calamari, Mozzarella in Carrozza, and Prosciutto e Melone.
22 Most Amazing Italian Appetizers That Go with Pizza at any time and anywhere
1. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is one of my top list appetizers whenever I need a good pair for my Pizza.
It is an Italian appetizer made by topping a slice of grilled or toasted bread with olive oil and toppings such as diced tomatoes, garlic, herbs, balsamic vinegar, and cheese. It’s simple yet flavorful and pairs perfectly with any type of pizza.
2. Caprese Salad
Another classic Italian appetizer perfect for any occasion is the Caprese salad – fresh tomatoes and mozzarella topped off with a drizzle of olive oil, basil, and pepper.
It’s a light salad packed full of flavor. It provides a refreshing addition, so I guess it is an excellent way to start off any meal, especially when it’s served alongside a hot slice of pizza.
3. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is the most common side dish for pizza; its crunchy texture complements the soft dough of the pizza, while its garlicky flavor contrasts nicely with the savory tomato sauce.
Plus, it’s so easy to make at home—all you need is some butter, garlic powder, parsley flakes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese!
4. Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter can be tailored to suit everyone’s tastes; simply fill a plate or board with cured meats like prosciutto or salami, assorted cheeses like parmesan or gorgonzola, olives, marinated mushrooms, and artichokes as well as roasted peppers or eggplant slices – all perfectly matched to your favorite type of pizza!
Simply arrange a variety of cured meats (such as salami or prosciutto), cheeses (such as provolone or gorgonzola), olives, pickled vegetables (such as artichokes or peppers), sun-dried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, and other Italian favorites onto a large platter or board for everyone to share and enjoy before their pizzas arrive.
5. Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Again I highly recommend you try Arancini with your pizza. These bite-sized rice balls are filled with a mixture of risotto rice cooked in chicken stock and then seasoned with parmesan cheese.
The crunchy outside and creamy inside pair perfectly with a cheesy slice of pizza, which are deep-fried rice balls filled with either cheese or a meaty ragu sauce.
They’re then coated in breadcrumbs before being fried until golden brown on the outside but still creamy on the inside. Serve them hot from the fryer alongside some marinara sauce for dipping – yum!
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
Bite-sized savory stuffed mushrooms are another great option for the most delicious pre-pizza snack ever!
Simply hollow out some mushroom caps, then stuff them with ricotta cheese mixed with herbs such as parsley and oregano before baking in the oven until golden brown perfection!
7. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Wrapping spears of blanched asparagus in thin slices of prosciutto adds an extra layer of salty flavor that pairs well with any type of pizza;
Simply heat your oven to 400 degrees F, then wrap each spear in two slices of prosciutto before baking on a lined baking sheet for about 15 minutes – voila!
8. Try Italian Mini Meatballs
Italian mini meatballs are full of flavor thanks to ground beef mixed with fresh herbs like oregano, basil & parsley, plus plenty of grated Parmesan cheese & garlic; serve them hot from the pan alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping – delizioso!
9. Fried Zucchini Sticks
Fresh zucchini slices are lightly battered in flour and then deep fried until golden brown & crispy; serve them alongside some marinara sauce for dipping & let everyone customize their own plate – yum!
10. Cheese Platter
A platter filled with all sorts of different cheeses makes an excellent accompaniment to any type of pizza; arrange cubes or wedges from soft Brie & Gouda cheeses along wedges from harder varieties like Cheddar & Gorgonzola – delish!
11. Polenta Fries
Polenta fries are an excellent alternative to regular French fries, especially if you’re looking for something a bit healthier yet still just as tasty!
These golden crispy fries made from cooked polenta are the perfect accompaniment to any pizza night!
Cut up some polenta into strips, then fry them in hot oil until they turn crisp on each side; serve them alongside your favorite pizza, topped off with Parmesan cheese flakes and freshly chopped parsley before serving for extra flavor!
12. Fried Calamari
Nothing says “Italian” quite like fried calamari (squid). Dip squid rings into seasoned flour before frying them in hot oil until they turn golden brown; enjoy these crispy treats as an appetizer before tucking them into your favorite type of Pizza Perfetto (perfect pizza)!
13. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is one of Italy’s most famous flatbreads made using simple ingredients such as flour, water, yeast, and olive oil for an aromatic dough which is often topped off with herbs such as rosemary or thyme; serve focaccia warm alongside your favorite type of pizzas for a truly authentic Italian experience!
14. Crostini
Crostini are small slices of toast topped off with various toppings such as anchovies or capers; mix together different ingredients such as olives or sun-dried tomatoes depending on what type of pizzas you’ll be serving for an unforgettable pre-pizza treat!
15. Artichoke Dip
A creamy dip made with artichokes, cream cheese, and parmesan makes for a savory appetizer to enjoy with your pizza. Serve it with crostini or crackers for an extra flavor boost!
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16. Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers are an easy-to-make appetizer that features cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and basil leaves all skewered together. Mizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper—a delicious way to start off a pizza night!
17. Fried Mozzarella Sticks
With a crispy coating outside and melted cheese inside—it’s hard to resist these fried mozzarella sticks! Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for an extra flavor kick.
18. Insalata Tricolore
An Italian salad that consists of thinly sliced fennel paired with mild arugula leaves as well as sweet ripe tomatoes for a flavor combination like no other!
Blended together with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkled generously with salt and pepper, it makes for a tasty start to your meal!
19. Carpaccio
Thinly sliced raw beef or fish fillet, which has been covered in citrus vinaigrette dressing, is also an excellent option when looking for something light yet fully flavored to start off your meal.
Served alongside some zesty rocket leaves, you’ll be sure to tantalize everyone’s taste buds!
20. Grilled Calamari
This seafood dish consists of squid rings grilled over coals until they become tender and juicy before being seasoned with herbs such as oregano or paprika, as well as lemon wedges for squeezing over at the table just before eating! Yum!
21. Mozzarella in Carrozza
Mozzarella cheese melted between slices of crusty white bread that is then dipped in beaten eggs before frying in hot oil until golden brown on both sides makes this dish one not to be missed when dining at an Italian restaurant!
22. Prosciutto e Melone
Lastly, I have this classic Italian combination of sweet melon slices draped in paper-thin slices of prosciutto ham that make every bite succulent while adding a salty twist to an otherwise sweet dish! Enjoy!
Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s a go-to staple that is so versatile and delicious. But we all know that it’s even better when paired with other delicious Italian appetizers.
So if you’re planning a pizza night, put those appetizer skills to the test with some of these authentically Italian recipes!