Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a delicious meal with your family and friends, Italian appetizers are the perfect way to get started. From savory meats and cheeses to fresh vegetables and breads, these dishes are sure to whet your appetite.
Baked courgette
Zucchini is a type of summer squash that is usually green or yellow in color. It is a popular ingredient in many Italian dishes, and also in vegetarian cuisine. Zucchini is a low-calorie food that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy option for people of all ages. This delicious vegetable can be cooked in many different ways, but one of the most popular methods is baking.
Fried zucchini is a simple dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish of antipasti or as a main course, but also on a snack board! To make fried zucchini you will need:
-1 pound zucchini, cut into rounds or half moons
-1/2 cup bread crumbs
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1 teaspoon dried oregano
-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
-Salt and pepper, to taste
-1/4 cup olive oil
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add the zucchini rounds or half moons and stir.
Drizzle olive oil over the zucchini and stir to combine.
Spread the zucchini on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the zucchini is soft.
Serve immediately. Enjoy it!
bruschetta
There's nothing like a plate of freshly made bruschetta. Whether you're organizing a summer BBQ or just whipping up a quick Italian snack for yourself, this Italian classic is always a good idea. But what exactly is bruschetta? And how do you make it? We're here to answer all your questions and more. Read on for everything you need to know about making delicious bruschetta at home.
What is bruschetta?
Bruschetta (pronounced “brusketta”) is an Italian appetizer that usually consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. The bread is then topped with fresh tomatoes, herbs, salt and pepper. Depending on your preference, you can also add other toppings such as cheese, cured meat, or vegetables.
How do you make bruschetta?
Making bruschetta is actually very simple. Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium heat. While it heats up, cut a baguette into one-inch pieces. You should have about 12 slices in total. Rub each slice of bread with a clove of garlic and then drizzle generously with olive oil. Grill the bread for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nice and crispy.
Remove the bread from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. In the meantime, prepare your toppings. For classic bruschetta, dice some fresh tomatoes and mix them with some chopped basil, salt and pepper. Feel free to be creative with your toppings and add any other ingredients you like. Once you have prepared the toppings, spoon them onto the grilled bread slices and enjoy!
Garlic bread
Garlic bread is the perfect side dish or appetizer for any meal. It's quick and easy to make, and there are endless variations to choose from. Whether you're looking for a classic garlic bread recipe, or something more creative, we've got you covered. Read on for three delicious garlic bread recipes that are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
– 1 loaf of baguette
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
2. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, salt, basil, thyme, and pepper
3. Cut bread in half horizontally. Spread the garlic mixture over the cut surfaces of the bread
4. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and unwrap. Serve hot.
Mozarella sticks
Mozzarella cheese is a versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can bake it, grill it, fry it, or simply enjoy it as a snack. However you enjoy it, mozzarella cheese is sure to please.
Fried mozzarella cheese
Baked mozzarella cheese is a delicious way to enjoy this tasty food. Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees and place your mozzarella cheese on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Mozzarella cheese sticks
Mozzarella cheese sticks are perfect for snacking or as a starter. Simply bread and fry your mozzarella cheese sticks for a crispy, delicious treat. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Grilled mozzarella cheese
Grilled mozzarella cheese is the perfect addition to any sandwich or burger. Simply grill your cheese along with your other ingredients for a melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful meal. Add grilled onions and peppers for an extra flavor boost. Yum!
Fried mozzarella cheese
Baked mozzarella cheese is another delicious way to enjoy this food. Simply bread and deep-fry your mozzarella cheese for a crispy, delicious treat. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Calamari
Calamari is an Italian snack that is widely eaten in many parts of the world. It can be prepared in many different ways, including fried, grilled and stuffed. No matter how you prepare it, calamari is a delicious and healthy option for a meal, for antipasti and for a snack!
Calamari fritti: crispy, fried squid
One of the most popular ways to prepare calamari is by frying it. This results in a crispy outside and a tender inside. To fry calamari, the squid is first dipped in flour and then fried in hot oil until golden brown. Once cooked, it is usually served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce.
Calamari alla griglia: grilled squid with olive oil
Grilling calamari is a quick and easy way to prepare it. Simply brush the squid with olive oil and grill over high heat for about 2 minutes per side. Once cooked, it can be served with lemon juice and your favorite spices.
Calamari ripieni: stuffed calamari
Stuffed calamari is a more elaborate dish that is often reserved for special occasions. The squid is first cooked until done and then stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley and garlic. Once filled, the squid is fried in a tomato sauce until bubbly.
Insalata di calamari: a squid salad
Calamari can also be eaten in salad form. This dish consists of cooked calamari that has been cut into cubes and mixed with tomatoes, olives, onions and herbs. It is then dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. This salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
Antipasti platter or skewer
You may have seen antipasti on a menu and wondered what it is. Antipasti is a type of appetizer that originated in Italy. It usually consists of meats, cheeses, vegetables and olives served together. Antipasti can be served cold or hot, and it's a great way to start a meal.
Antipasti dates back to the 14th century. It was originally called antepasto, which means “before the meal” in Italian. Antipasti was originally served to whet the appetite before the main meal. In the 18th century, famous Italian chef Francesco Gonnella created the first known recipe for antipasto. This recipe consisted of boiled eggs, anchovies and celery drizzled with olive oil.
Today there are many different types of antipasto recipes that include a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables and olives. Antipasti can be served cold or warm. Some popular cold antipasti dishes are caprese salad and bruschetta. Popular hot antipasti dishes are calamari and grilled vegetables.
There are many different ways to serve antipasti. Here are three popular methods.
On a platter
One way to serve antipasto is to arrange all the ingredients on a large platter. This works well if you have a party or gathering because it makes it easy for your guests to grab what they want
On skewers
Another way to serve antipasto is to thread the ingredients onto skewers. This method works well if you want a more elegant presentation
As an assortment
You can also simply offer an assortment of different meats, cheeses, vegetables and olives as part of your starter spread. This method is ideal if you want to keep it simple, but still offer your guests a variety of options.
The next time you're looking for a snack, forget the junk food and try something new. Our delicious baked zucchini, bruschetta, garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, calamari or antipasto dish will leave you feeling full and satisfied without regretting it later. Curious about other Italian snacks? View our entire range!
