Italian Appetizer Recipes

Find in the following easy and delicious Italian Appetizer Recipes you should try.

Italian appetizers have been a popular choice for years. They're vibrantly flavorful and fun to eat, as well as being simple to make in many cases.

That's a winning combination when it comes to starters for your meal or for your next party. However, there are so many options out there that you might not know where to start.

If you're in that boat, you're not alone.Fortunately, there are several simple options you can use without much effort. Here are a few great Italian appetizer recipes that'll be a hit at your next gathering.

Double Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients:
6 chopped plum tomatoes (fresh)
1/2 cup sun dried oil-packed tomatoes
3 minced garlic cloves (fresh)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh, destemmed basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
1 French or Italian loaf
2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

First, preheat the broiler. While it's heating, combine tomatoes, garlic, oil and vinegar, basil, salt and pepper in a large bowl, allowing it to rest for ten minutes.

Cut the bread into slices 3/4" thick, and arrange them on a single layer in a baking sheet. Broil for a minute or two, until tops are slightly browned. Divide the tomato mixture over the bread and top with cheese. Broil until cheese melts, about five minutes.

Mozzarella and Tomato Appetizer Tray

Ingredients
1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thickly
2 fresh tomatoes, sliced thin
7 oz roasted red peppers, julienned
1 tbs fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 pinch dried oregano
1 tbs capers
Crushed red pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced finely
6 tbs extra virgin olive oil

Mix herbs, garlic, capers and oil in a medium bowl, then arrange alternating layers of tomatoes slices and mozzarella slices. Top with red peppers and drizzle with herb and oil mixture.

Let rest, covered, in the refrigerator for half an hour before sprinkling with red pepper and serving.

Farinata

Ingredients
2/3 cup chickpea (garbanzo bean) flour
3/4 cup water
4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
Rosemary to taste

Add flour to water a little at a time until all water has been absorbed. Season with salt and rosemary, then allow to rest four hours or overnight. Remove foam with a spoon, then add olive oil. A batter will have been formed.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and thoroughly grease a deep dish pizza pan or iron skillet with olive oil. Pour batter into the pan, then bake until the edges are a dark golden brown.

Sprinkle with pepper and eat immediately, or top with vegetables or cheese.

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