Because the holiday season is a special time of year, these aren’t your typical appetizers. They’re beautiful enough to complement the lovely Christmas dinner you’ve cooked, and tasty enough to please almost any palate, and bring hearty and ethnic flavors of Italy to the table. Try out these 20 Italian Christmas appetizers this year for something new.
Are you trying to decide what to make for your Christmas Eve meal or holiday party? You may enjoy creating the same main meal every holiday season, but if you want to mix things up and cook outside of your comfort zone, scroll down to see these wonderful recipes.
20 Creative Italian Appetizers to Try for Christmas
Air Fryer Risotto Balls Italian Rice Arancini Courtesy of Savas Kitchen
Air fryer risotto balls are a delicious and quick way to use up leftover risotto. Enjoy them as a fun appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Arancini balls are among the most popular street foods in Italy. The recipe originated in Sicily and quickly gained popularity in many countries, including the United States.
Appetizer Tortellini Skewers Courtesy of Noshing with the Nolans
These Appetizer Tortellini Skewers are the ultimate party finger food! They’re everything you love about an Italian antipasto platter but on a stick. Served with toasted crusty bread and delicious pesto for dipping. This recipe will be a hit at any gathering!
Homemade Bruschetta Courtesy of The Starving Chef
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Bruschetta Ai Funghi Courtesy of The Spaghetti Sisterhood
Bruschetta ai funghi might not be your traditional bruschetta, but who are we to stop you from enjoying one of our favourite versions of the best dish straight from Italy? And if we don’t convince you by the end of this post, then we will definitely be sad.
Easy Italian Hoagie Dip Courtesy of Dancing Through the Rain
This Easy Italian Hoagie Dip recipe turns your favorite sandwich into a dip! A delicious appetizer suitable for game day or any time of year!
Whether you call it Italian hoagie dip, Italian hero dip, Italian grinder dip, or Italian sub dip, the result is the same. The names simply indicate that we are all from different parts of the United States, not that it tastes any differently!
Heirloom Italian Burrata Caprese Salad Courtesy of xoxoBella
This heirloom Italian burrata caprese salad is delicious as both a side dish and an appetizer. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the flavors it provides in every bite. This authentic Italian caprese dish features heirloom tomatoes and burrata cheese. This impressive yet simple burrata recipe is elevated by the addition of balsamic vinegar and truffle salt.
Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Courtesy of By Kelsey Smith
This simple Instant Pot frozen meatballs recipe cooks frozen meatballs in pasta sauce in 20 minutes, allowing you to serve dinner quickly.
Instant Pot meatballs make a delicious appetizer, a tasty pasta topping, or the ideal juicy meatballs for meatball sandwiches.
Made-from-scratch meatballs are fantastic, but sometimes you just need an easy dinner for the entire family that you can serve quickly. Frozen meatballs are faster (and less messy!) to prepare.
Italian Baked Stuffed Clams Oreganata Courtesy of Coley Cooks
Enjoy the rich flavors of our Clams Oreganata recipe, the ideal appetizer for seafood dinners and family gatherings!
This recipe for Italian baked stuffed clams, also known as clams oreganata, combines fresh littleneck clams with crispy panko breadcrumbs and a burst of flavor from pecorino romano, parsley, white wine, and lemon juice. This simple and delicious appetizer is ideal for kicking off any seafood dinner and will transport your taste buds directly to the charming Italian coasts.
Clams Oreganata is a traditional Italian appetizer with light and bright flavors, making it ideal for warm summer evenings when you want something fresh and flavorful to accompany a crisp glass of white wine.
Italian Fried Dough Crispelle 2 Courtesy of Your Guardian Chef
Crispelle, savory Italian fried doughs, are a classic appetizer we serve with aperitifs, particularly at Christmas and New Year’s.
Most people are familiar with the sweet Italian fried dough known as Zeppole di Carnevale or Struffoli; however, this recipe is for a savory fried dough that is served with aperitifs, particularly during Christmas and New Year.
The dough is simply made from flour, water, and yeast. It’s very similar to pizza dough, but the dough is more fluid.
Italian Marinated Tomatoes Courtesy of The Short Order Cook
Italian marinated tomatoes are an easy summer appetizer, salad, or side dish. Fresh tomatoes have never tasted better, thanks to their garlic and oregano-infused flavor.
Making marinated tomatoes requires only a few simple ingredients. This recipe combines fresh tomatoes and other classic Italian ingredients.
Italian Pinwheels Courtesy of On My Kids Plate
Easy Italian pinwheels appetizers include a flavorful cream cheese spread, crisp lettuce, provolone cheese, and your favorite Italian meats!
Italian pinwheels are the ideal savory quick and easy appetizer for a party, lunch, or snack. Layered with a creamy, flavorful cream cheese spread, crisp lettuce, buttery provolone cheese, and all of your favorite Italian meats—ham, salami, and pepperoni!
Italian Quesadillas Courtesy of I Hacked Diabetes
Everyone loves these delicious Low Carb Italian Quesadillas, which are made with low carb tortillas and stuffed with pesto, mozzarella, and salami.
We smother it with pesto to make these finger-licking quesadillas irresistible. We’ve made them keto and diabetic-friendly by using a low-carb tortilla, so everyone can enjoy this delicious appetizer.
Italian Rice Balls Arancini Courtesy of Cooking Gorgeous
Arancini (or Arancine – Arancino) are delicious Italian rice balls that are stuffed, breaded, and fried until golden and crispy.
They are inexpensive, simple to prepare, and an excellent way to repurpose leftover risotto dishes.
Just like Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms, you can serve these small rice balls as an appetizer/starter or as finger food/canapés at your next dinner party to impress your guests!
Italian Sliders Courtesy of Fantabulosity
These Italian sliders are made with Italian meats, cheese, and optional banana peppers, and baked on seasoned buttered Hawaiian rolls.
Not only are these delicious as an easy meal, but they also make an excellent snack or appetizer for football games, holidays, or any other type of gathering!
Italian Stuffed Mini Peppers Courtesy of Cooking Up Memories
You will not be able to resist these Italian stuffed mini peppers. This two-bite appetizer is a crowd favorite!
You’ll love this little two-bite appetizer with its vibrant colors and Italian flavors, which include Italian sausage, cream cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Italian Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe Stuffed With Meatballs Courtesy of This Silly Girls Kitchen
I love meatballs and mushrooms, so combine the two. These Italian Stuffed Mushrooms are one of our absolute favorite appetizers!
Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Courtesy of Cooking Gorgeous
Impress your family and guests with this simple, delicious, and garlicky homemade Little Caesars Italian cheese bread.
Whether you’re having a cozy night in, hosting a party, or looking for a quick and delicious snack, Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread is the answer.
This foolproof recipe calls for only a few common ingredients, takes only 10 minutes to prepare, and makes an excellent side dish or appetizer.
Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs Recipe Courtesy of CincyShopper
If you’re looking for an incredible and tasty meatball that’s perfect for pasta dishes, appetizers, or sandwiches, this Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Recipe will
These slow cooker Italian meatballs can be used to make meatball sandwiches, served as a side dish with pasta, or eaten on their own with fresh vegetables!
Smoked Italian Meatballs Courtesy of The Cookin Chicks
Smoked Italian Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and smoked instead of baked! Enjoy with your spaghetti dinner or as an appetizer.
Smoked Italian Sausage Courtesy of Out Grilling
Smoked Italian Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and smoked instead of baked! Enjoy with your spaghetti dinner or as an appetizer.
