It's no secret that Italian food is my favorite cuisine, but it's pretty much impossible to pick just one amazing Italian dish. So last night, I took inspiration from Spanish tapas and made Italian small plates.
My family tried out different Italian appetizers and these four were delicious! The recipes were too good not to share, so today I've compiled a short list of Italian appetizers that you've got to try. You can use just one as an appetizer or side dish or do what I did and make a full meal out of several of them.
I served up these four recipes along with delicious coca dolca, a Catalan flatbread with lemon zest and sugar which has quickly become a family favorite. I got the recipe for that from this Catalan cookbook. For dessert, I made raspberry bars from Pinch of Yum. Enjoy!
It's an Italian staple, and for good reason. This bruschetta consists of slices of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with a mouth-watering savory mix of basil, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar. A simple ingredient combination, but the flavors burst in your mouth. Serve on large slices of bread for a main dish or baguette slices for a side option, as I did in the photo above.
If you're not already familiar with polenta, it's an Italian comfort food that can be baked, fried, or grilled. I thought polenta was yummy just fried with spaghetti sauce, but this appetizer makes it amazing. Fried polenta with pesto and a tomato topping, this dish has all of the Italian flavors you've come to love, all in just in one or two bites.
If you haven't tried croquettes yet, you're definitely missing out! These croquettes are mashed potato-y balls of goodness, fried in a saucepan with a simple bread crumb coating. They get their Italian spin with fresh mozzarella and parsley, along with a scrumptious tomato dipping sauce that is not to be passed by.
My dad and I first tried these appetizers in Naples. We re-created the magic at home and let me tell you: they were still amazing. This is the easiest appetizer on the list with just slices of cantaloupe, prosciutto, basil, and fresh mozzarella. The sweet, mild melon pairs perfectly with salty prosciutto. Topped with fresh mozzarella and basil, this combination is refreshing and sunny. It may be simple but the way the flavor pairs will keep you coming back for more.
I hope you've enjoyed this post! What's your favorite Italian food? Mine is probably gnocchi. I'll see you again next Saturday and Wednesday for new posts. Ciao, Zoe.
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