Mom’s Italian Bread
I think Mom used to bake at least four of these tender loaves at once, and they never lasted long. She served the bread with every Italian meal. I love it toasted, too. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
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Roasted Eggplant SpreadBlack pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Beef SpiediniAn Italian favorite, spiedini are great for holidays and other special occasions. The hearty skewers hold marinated steak pinwheels stuffed with a marinara-and-crumb filling.
Sweet Pea PestoI made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Focaccia BareseThis focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Italian MeatballsWhat I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an
easy holiday appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. —Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato AppetizersInspired by a dish I had at a restaurant, this simply sensational combination should marinate for at least three hours—the longer the better. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York.
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Green Bean SaladThis cold green bean salad makes the perfect side dish, starring green beans, a simple vinaigrette and feta cheese.
Italian Meatball BunsThese soft little rolls come with a pleasant surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. The apps are wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, which makes them fun for my grandkids—and adults too. I love how easy they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina
Antipasto PlatterA bold and effortless mix of savory meats, tangy cheese and crisp vegetables, this antipasto platter is the ultimate go-to for an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Chicken Florentine PizzaOn pizza night, we like to switch things up with this version featuring chicken, spinach and ricotta cheese. One taste and you won't miss traditional sauce one bit. —Phil Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
Calamari SaladThis is one of the seven fish dishes we serve at Christmas time. It is easy to make and quite delicious! I enjoy it served both warm and cold. Either way, it has become one of our traditional dishes each year. The recipe has been passed down to me through my grandparents, who were excellent cooks. —Paul Rinaldi, Easton, Pennsylvania
Tomato-Goat Cheese SpreadA good friend shared this recipe with me. It is super easy and so delicious. Guests will love it! It's best served with crackers that aren't strongly seasoned. —Linda Alexander, Madison, Wisconsin
Tuscan TrufflesFor holiday potlucks, I make an appetizer truffle out of prosciutto, figs and toasted pine nuts. Mascarpone and goat cheese make them melt-in-your-mouth creamy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Arugula PizzaThis arugula pizza is great served as an appetizer for get-togethers with family or friends. My girlfriends and I love it because it has that sophisticated gourmet touch, and it's healthy, too! This also serves four as a main course. —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois
Garden Bounty Panzanella SaladMy sister gave me fresh tomatoes and basil, so I made a bread salad known as Panzanella. The longer it sits, the more the bread soaks up the seasonings. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Turkey Bolognese Polenta NestsThis delicious appetizer combines two of my favorite foods, polenta and bolognese meat sauce, uniting them into one incredibly tasty bite! —Lidia Haddadian, Pasadena, California. If you like this recipe, then learn how to make
Emily Blunt's turkey bolognese.
Pesto Pull-Apart BreadI combined some of my favorite flavors in an easy bread to complement our Italian meals. I make the pesto, oven-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, but store-bought versions work too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Field Editor),
Slow-Cooker Pizza DipI created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
Tomato FrittersI got the basic recipe for these fritters from a friend, then I tweaked it for my family's tastes. It's one of our very favorite things in the summer. We love them right after they've been fried, when they're still hot and crispy. —Pam Halter, Bridgeton, New Jersey
Appetizer Tomato Cheese BreadI found this recipe a few years ago in a dairy cookbook, and it has become a family favorite. My husband, Wayne, and our two children are mostly meat-and-potato eaters, but I don't hear any complaints when I make this bread! —Penney Kester, Springville, New York
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Grape AppetizerImagine an appetizer that's both sweet and salty, looks like a cheese ball and is small enough to enjoy in one bite. Our grape appetizer is just that: a seedless grape surrounded by creamy cheese and coated in toasted almonds.
Pizza FondueIt's time to rethink the way your family does pizza night. I heard about this recipe on a talk show and then personalized it by using home-canned sauce. —Susan Carlson, Perry, New York
Stromboli SandwichI've made this Stromboli sandwich many times for parties, and it gets great reviews. You can add ingredients and spices to suit your taste. The recipe is so good I just had to share it with you! —Leigh Lauer, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Appetizer SaladThink of this appetizer salad as an upgraded Caprese salad, with way more flavor!
Best Deviled EggsHerbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Italian Cheese LoafHere's a deliciously different sandwich. It's yummy warm from the oven or off the grill at a cookout. The cheesy filling is complemented by a mix of garden-fresh ingredients and crusty bread. I usually serve it with a salad and onion rings. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pizza DipYou can assemble this easy appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
Grilled BruschettaThis is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use a Tuscan herb- or basil-infused olive oil for this. But, it's great with just plain olive oil, too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Cheesy Sausage StromboliI've had a hundred requests for this recipe over the years. Perfect for brunch or as an evening snack, this sausage-filled bread is not tricky to make—and I never have to worry about storing leftovers! —Vada McRoberts, Silver Lake, Kansas
Artichoke Caprese PlatterI dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Pesto PinwheelsIt's not a party without a basket of pesto pinwheels. The delectable hand-held appetizer is filled with basil, Parmesan and a sprinkle of sweet peppers.
Antipasto SkewersAntipasto skewers—the finger-friendly Italian kabobs with marinated vegetables, cheeses and tortellini— are precisely what you need for your next gathering. Mix and match your favorite ingredients for a unique and varied spread.
Olives and CheeseThis elegant marinated olives and cheese platter is a perfect appetizer for any occasion, especially one with an Italian-inspired menu. The arrangement is visually appealing and temptingly delicious, and it can be made entirely ahead of time.
Ricotta PuffsRoasted red peppers and ricotta cheese give these pastry puffs delicious flavor, while parsley and oregano add a little spark. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Garlic Tomato BruschettaI drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
Cocktail MeatballsSweet, juicy meatballs on toothpicks send a strong signal that it’s time to party. This easy cocktail meatballs recipe is ready in an hour and packs some satisfyingly beefy flavors
Pizza PinwheelsStuff these pizza pinwheels with all your favorite toppings. And don't forget the dipping sauce!
Artichoke DipCrackers make great dippers for this artichoke dip recipe. Chips and breadsticks work well, too. It's become the traditional introduction to our family's Christmas Eve dinner. —Mrs. William Garner, Austin, Texas
Quick Focaccia BreadGreen olives complement this quick focaccia recipe for an easy pizza-like bread. With very few ingredients, it’s still packed with flavor. Serve the focaccia as an appetizer or alongside pasta, soup or salad for a mouthwatering meal.—Ivy J Laffoon, Ceres, California
Marinated MozzarellaMarinated mozzarella is the ultimate light-touch appetizer, as you really only need to combine the ingredients, then let the marinade do the work. It’s perfect for parties or a snack to enjoy with a glass of wine.
Stuffed Asiago-Basil MushroomsEven if you don't like mushrooms, you will have to try them again with these pretty appetizers, which taste divine. For a main dish, double the filling and use large portobellos. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Crowd-Pleasing Ravioli NachosLightly breaded and deep-fried, ravioli goes to a new level in this nacho-like appetizer. Kids and grown-ups can’t get enough of the crispy, cheesy, flavorful crowd pleasers.—Robert Doornbos, Jenison, Michigan
Polenta Parmigiana“This warm, Italian-flavored appetizer also makes a quick, filling lunch. I prefer this veggie version, but my kids like to add pepperoni or sausage to create mini pizzas.” —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California
Party ShrimpThe marinade for this dish makes the shrimp so flavorful, you won't even need a dipping sauce. Even those who claim they don’t like shellfish really dig this appetizer. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Polenta Mushroom AppetizersSimple ingredients—in fact you probably have most if not all in your kitchen— are used to create a fantastic, but different appetizer.—Meta West, Abilene, Kansas
Caprese SkewersLight, satisfying and healthful in one impossibly easy-to-make dish? Yes, please! Enjoy these Caprese skewers as an app, side dish—truly perfect paired with grilled meat or poultry—or a convenient snack. Every bite is a little taste of summer.
Garlic-Cheese FlatbreadUnless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled PlumsMake a bold statement with this simple yet elegant treat. Ripe plums are grilled and then dressed with a balsamic reduction and tangy goat cheese. —Ariana Abelow, Holliston, Massachusetts
Breadstick PizzaNot only do refrigerated breadsticks lend a fun twist to pizza, but they make this dish a weeknight staple at my house. Feeding kids? Slice pieces into small strips and let the kids dip each strip into marinara sauce. They’ll love it! —Mary Hankins, Kansas City, Missouri
Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate FigsHere’s a special appetizer that won’t last long! Fruit, caramel and rich dark chocolate add a sweet touch to this grown-up dipped fruit. —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime GlazeRequested every year by my family during the holidays are these shrimp appetizers. We're all familiar with bacon-wrapped shrimp bites, but our version uses pancetta and a honey-lime cilantro glaze. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Herb-Roasted Olives & TomatoesEat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Tuscan Sausage & Bean DipThis is a spinoff of a Mexican dip I had once. The original was wicked good, but since I was going through an "I’m-so-over-Mexican-dip" phase, I decided to switch it up. Take it to a party—I'll bet you no one else will bring anything like it! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Lasagna DipDo you love dips but are itching to try something new? This cheesy, spicy lasagna dip is a surprising twist, mixing classic Italian ingredients for major flavor.
Zucchini & Cheese RouladesMy husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Muffuletta CheesecakeWhen I needed a
party appetizer and couldn’t find a recipe I liked, I created my own. This savory spread boasts the flavors of a classic Italian muffuletta sandwich. —Helen Flamm, Dayton, Ohio
Roasted Grape CrostiniA trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Antipasto CupsTurn salami slices into appetizer shells to fill with the veggies and cheese of your choice. —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Marinated Almond-Stuffed OlivesMarinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Red Pepper TapenadeThis roasted red pepper tapenade combines sweet red peppers, almonds and basil into a delicious spread that's perfect for entertaining or everyday snacking. Serve with toasted baguette slices or water crackers.
Asiago Beef TartI love simple recipes that are fancy enough for guests. To get a velvety texture in this tart, I use creme fraiche, but sour cream works too. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Tomato GaletteI found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and the crust is beyond buttery. —Jessica Chang, Playa Vista, California
Pumpkin PinwheelsCream cheese, mozzarella and roasted red peppers make these pumpkin-shaped pinwheels devilishly delicious. They were a hit at my last Halloween party. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Antipasto BakeStuffed with savory meats and cheeses, these hearty antipasto squares would satisfy an entire offensive line! The dish comes together quickly and bakes in under an hour, making it the perfect potluck bring-along. Introducing the all-stars in this ooey gooey appetizer: salami, Swiss, pepperoni, Colby-Monterey Jack, prosciutto and provolone. A crisp topping finishes it off. —Brea Barclay, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Pancetta, Pear & Pecan PuffsI was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois