Appetizer ideas to go w/Italian food

brandywine24 · June 2011

This weekend my daughter is being baptized. I am ordering the main dishes from a local Italian restaurant. In addition to a fresh motz. salad and a regular salad, what are some appetizers I could make ahead so we have something to eat right after the ceremony? I appreciate your ideas. Dinner will be Chicken marsala, penne w/vodka sauce, tortelloni w/ alfredo sauce, and veggie primavera in a garlic white wine sauce.

Thanks!

kjvogelsang · June 2011

how about some bruschetta?

Or I have made these Tortellini Appetizers before and they have been a hit.

casmgn · June 2011

I would throw together an antipasti platter with meats, cheeses, marinated olives, marinated artichoke hearts, etc. If you have a nicer grocery store near you, they likely even have an antipasti bar that you can get most of the items from.

Wine Enthusiast · June 2011

casmgn:

I would throw together an antipasti platter with meats, cheeses, marinated olives, marinated artichoke hearts, etc. If you have a nicer grocery store near you, they likely even have an antipasti bar that you can get most of the items from.

I second this!

And maybe some sort of cracker or pita chips and red pepper dip? You are having such a great meal you wont need much for apps.

6fsn · June 2011

I agree on the antipasti platter. If things will be ready soon after getting home you won't need more. If things will be awhile then you'll need more- bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, fried ravioli.

katarczyna · June 2011

Stuffed artichokes, caprese skewers, calamari, or the aforementioned bruschetta.

lsgarver · June 2011

Antipasti platter is the absolute best Italian appetizer--it has something everyone likes and is no/minimal prep to put together.

SBS0628 · June 2011

I'm going to be the broken record, but an antipasta platter is a must. A few types of cheeses, some salami and/or proscutto, marinated peppers, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and a variety of olives.

I also like tomato slices with parmesean and pepper sprinkled on them.

vvwalker · June 2011

I would definitely go with the Antipasto Platter and some breadsticks.

mgfit1 · June 2011

I love an antipasti tray. I would get imported Genoa salami, imported Provalone, prusciutto, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini's, olives and some good Italian bread. You can also do some Italian breadsticks, grapes and a nice chunck of Asiago cheese. It never hurts to put out really good EVOO for dipping the bread in to.

I also have a good slow roasted tomato bruschetta recipe in my cooking blog if you want something other than regular bruschetta.