Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and delicious dishes, and one of the best ways to start a meal is with some mouth-watering Italian starters. These small plates are perfect for kicking off a meal, and they are sure to impress your guests with their bold flavors and beautiful presentation. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty appetizer, these Italian starters are sure to be a hit. So let's dive into some delicious recipes and get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
If you're looking for a classic and comforting Italian dish, look no further than these delicious Italian meatballs. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are perfectly seasoned with a combination of herbs and spices. Serve them over a bed of pasta with your favorite sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
For those who prefer a larger meatball, these great big Italian meatballs are a must-try. Made with the same blend of meats and seasonings, these meatballs are shaped into larger portions and baked until perfectly browned and juicy. Serve with a side of spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal.
This traditional Italian soup is a favorite at weddings and for good reason. Made with chicken broth, meatballs, spinach, and orzo, this soup is hearty and full of flavor. Serve as a starter for a dinner party or as a main course for a comforting and delicious meal.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on Italian cuisine. These keto-friendly stuffed peppers are filled with a mixture of ground beef, cauliflower rice, and Italian seasoning. Topped with mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection, these stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional Italian dishes.
Braciole is a classic Italian dish that consists of thinly sliced beef rolled around a filling of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. The rolls are then simmered in a tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Serve with pasta or crusty bread for a delicious and authentic Italian meal.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
For a delicious and homemade version of Italian meatballs, try this recipe. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and breadcrumbs, these meatballs are seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. Served with your favorite sauce and pasta, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These traditional Italian cookies are made with a combination of almond paste, flour, sugar, and eggs. The result is a chewy and delicious cookie with a subtle almond flavor. They are perfect for dipping in a cup of coffee or espresso for a sweet treat.
This refreshing and flavorful pasta salad is a perfect side dish for any Italian meal. Made with tri-color rotini, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and Italian dressing, this salad is a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meal. You can also add salami, ham, or prosciutto for a heartier version.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
This creamy and indulgent ravioli dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you're craving a rich and decadent meal. Made with cheese ravioli and a creamy tomato sauce flavored with garlic, basil, and parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy your Italian food cravings.
This easy and delicious casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Made with penne pasta, chicken, spinach, and marinara sauce, this casserole is topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. It's a great weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
This hearty and nutritious soup is a staple in Italian cuisine. Made with lentils, vegetables, and Italian sausage, this soup is packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Easy Stromboli (Italian Stromboli)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Pizza Dough, Sliced Pepperoni, Capicola, Sliced
This easy and delicious stromboli is perfect for a quick dinner or as a game day snack. Made with store-bought pizza dough, Italian deli meats, and mozzarella cheese, this stromboli is rolled up and baked until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
This easy and budget-friendly casserole is made with crescent roll dough, ground beef, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly, this casserole is a great way to satisfy your Italian food cravings without breaking the bank.
For those following a keto diet, these Italian meatballs are a great option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Made with a combination of ground beef, almond flour, and Italian seasoning, these meatballs are served with a sugar-free and tomato-based sauce for a delicious and low-carb option.
These stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and easy appetizer for any Italian-themed party or dinner. Made with Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese, these mushrooms are baked until tender and golden. They are a great addition to any meal or can be served as a standalone dish.
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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Italian meal, these quick and easy meatballs are the perfect solution. Made with a combination of frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning, these meatballs are simmered until heated through and served over your favorite pasta for a simple and tasty meal.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This sheet pan dinner is a great option for a busy weeknight when you want a flavorful and nutritious meal without a lot of cleanup. Made with chicken breasts, potatoes, green beans, and Italian dressing, this dish is baked until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are roasted to perfection.
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Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large Carrots, Celery
This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for a cold winter night or when you're feeling under the weather. Made with beef chuck, vegetables, and Italian herbs, this soup is simmered until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
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Italian Pork Kabobs with Summer Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin Roast, Red Wine Vinegar, Kosher Salt, Red
These Italian-inspired kabobs are a great option for a summer barbecue or a quick and easy dinner. Made with pork tenderloin, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion, these kabobs are marinated in a balsamic vinegar and Italian seasoning mixture for a delicious and flavorful meal.
This tender and flavorful roast beef is a great option for a Sunday dinner or a special occasion. Made with beef chuck roast and a combination of Italian herbs, this roast is cooked until it falls apart and is served with a red wine and tomato-based sauce. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and delicious meal.
Bruschetta: A Classic Italian Starter
Ingredients:
To make this classic Italian starter, you will need:
1 baguette
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and minced garlic. Brush this mixture onto the bread slices.
4. Bake the bread slices for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Once the bread slices are done, top each one with a spoonful of the tomato mixture.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful and classic Italian starter!
Arancini: Fried Rice Balls with a Twist
Ingredients:
To make this unique and delicious Italian starter, you will need:
1 1/2 cups risotto rice
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add in the risotto rice and stir. Reduce the heat and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice cool for a few minutes.
3. Once cooled, mix in the beaten eggs, grated parmesan cheese, diced mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley.
4. Take a small handful of the rice mixture and form it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
5. Roll each rice ball in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are coated evenly.
6. In a large pot, heat the oil for frying. Once hot, carefully place the rice balls in the oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the rice balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve these delicious fried rice balls as a unique and flavorful Italian starter.
These are just two of many delicious Italian starters that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. From classic bruschetta to unique arancini, these dishes are a perfect way to start off any Italian meal. So next time you're planning a dinner party or just looking for a tasty appetizer, give these recipes a try and transport your taste buds to Italy!
