From Italian classics to pub food favorites, from seafood appetizers to fritto misto, here are the top 75 appetizers for pizza night! From fancy to casual, light to hearty and everything in between. There are easy, gluten-free, pescatarian and vegan options too. Tuck in and find the perfect pizza appetizers for your party!
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Perfect Pizza Dough
Looking for the perfect pizza dough? Try my favorite Ooni Pizza Dough Recipe. It's a high hydration pizza dough that rises quickly and gives a great, bubbly crust with a nice chew. It works in a hot oven, grill and of course an Ooni pizza oven or any other wood fired pizza oven. The perfect crust for your favorite pizza toppings!
Classic Antipasti
When it doubt, go Italian! These classic Italian appetizers (antipasti) have flavors that pair perfectly with pizza pie. From light melon with prosciutto, warm marinated olives, and eggplant caponata to richer fava bean dip, meatballs and more, these will satisfy any crowd. (For more snack ideas, check out 100 Best Snack Plates.)
Don't forget simple antipasti too. Little nibbles like crumbled chunks of parmesan cheese, mixed olives, or raw veggies with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate a Friday night pizza night. Most of these make great side dishes too.
Appetizers With Prosciutto + Cured Meats
Prosciutto and Melon
Prosciutto and melon is a classic antipasto. The combination of savory and salty cured Italian ham together with a sweet cantaloupe is a match made in heaven.
Prosciutto and Melon 
Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates
These simple and delicious Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates are a perfect snack or appetizer for any gathering.
Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates 
Melon and Prosciutto Skewers
This summer snack or appetizer is made of fresh cantaloupe, prosciutto, basil, and bocconcini, drizzled with balsamic glaze. It is refreshing and delicious.
Melon and Prosciutto Skewers 
Antipasto Salad
This Italian antipasto salad recipe is packed with veggies, cured meats and cheese. It’s great as an appetizer or side dish. Serve some little toasts alongside for an Italian bruschetta bar!
Antipasto Salad 
Prosciutto Peach Bites
Prosciutto Peach Bites: Prosciutto wrapped peaches with basil and mozzarella - the perfect appetizer!
Prosciutto Peach Bites 
Marinated Olives + Vegetable Appetizers
Warm Marinated Olives
Warm marinated olives are a fast, Italian favourite, an easy appetizer or snack with aperitifs. Fragrant with herbs, spices and citrus.
Warm Marinated Olives 
Roman-Style Artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana)
This easy and impressive artichoke appetizer will WOW your guests. The simplicity of the ingredients and how they dance together in perfect tune in your palate makes you realize that yes! Less is more!
Roman-Style Artichokes 
Tomato Garlic Confit with Marinated Feta
Loaded with tangy flavors and super creamy at the same time- this tomato garlic confit with marinated feta is a total winner!
Tomato Garlic Confit 
Rolled + Skewered Appetizers
Air Fried Eggplant Rollatini
Delicious air fried eggplant rollatini that you can make in your air fryer! These eggplant rolls are stuffed with cheese.
Eggplant Rollatini 
Caprese Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are an easy no-bake appetizer. Caprese skewers with tortellini make the best party appetizers.
Tortellini Skewers 
Baked Figs with Honey and Pistachios
Baked figs with honey is an easy and impressive appetizer. The baked figs are topped with blue cheese, pistachios and drizzled with honey.
Figs with Honey and Pistachios 
Italian Platters, Caponata + Fava Beans
Mediterranean platter (with 7 easy recipes)
A Mediterranean platter with Italian dips & spreads—from sweet to spicy to hearty to umami-flavored. This Italian platter comes together quickly and includes a crostini recipe.
Mediterranean platter 
Eggplant Caponata
Authentic eggplant caponata straight out of Sicily! Make this delicious eggplant caponata for a traditional appetizer or a tasty side.
Eggplant Caponata 
Pure di Fave e Cicorie - Fava Bean Puree
This authentic recipe for Purè di Fave e Cicorie - Fava Bean Puree with Chicory - is a traditional, soul-satisfying dish from Salento, Puglia, Italy.
Italian Fava Bean Dip 
Bruschetta + Crostini
Bruschetta and crostini (cute tiny toasts) are the best appetizers and a great way to serve your favorite flavors. Caprese with basil aioli, a meat, olive and mozza combo, sweet figs and blue cheese or rich roasted cherry tomatoes are all fantastic starters for a pizza party.
Antipasti Crostini
Antipasti Crostini is a fun Italian appetizer recipe made with salami, mozzarella cheese, olives, and more! A fun twist on the classic.
Antipasti Crostini 
Caprese Pesto Crostini
Caprese pesto crostini is easy and beautiful party finger food. Pop crostini on a baking sheet to toast, then top with basil pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese for a spectacular presentation.
Caprese Pesto Crostini 
Warm Blue Cheese + Fig Bruschetta
This creamy blue cheese and fig bruschetta is a scrumptious appetizer at a dinner party, a picnic or as a simple light meal all on its own.
Blue Cheese + Fig Bruschetta 
Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
When tomatoes are at their peak, roasted tomato bruschetta is on the menu! Served over crostini, fresh basil and fruity olive oil.
Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta 
Garlic Bread
This easy garlic bread recipe is a family favorite! Top with mozzarella for garlic cheese bread and serve with marinara sauce or pizza sauce.
Garlic Bread 
Air Fryer Garlic Bread - 4 Ways!
Enjoy buttery, garlicky bread with crisp edges in no time with my air fryer garlic bread recipe. Make with fresh garlic or garlic powder!
Air Fryer Garlic Bread 
Seafood Antipasti
Light and flavorful, these Italian seafood antipasti add a luxurious element to pizza night. Tasty, bite sized nibbles with briny and bright flavors add elegance and good taste. These are elegant appetizers for pizza parties.
Shrimp + Prawn Appetizers
Spicy Calabrian Shrimp
Spicy Calabrian shrimp are flavorful and easy to make. The shrimp get cooked in a decadent, spicy Calabrian sauce making for the perfect appetizer or main dish. Serve the shrimp over pasta, with bread, or simply as is.
Spicy Calabrian Shrimp 
Italian Marinated Shrimp
Cooked shrimp marinated in your favorite Italian dressing is a quick and elegant salad or appetizer. Four ingredients, 1 hour, and step-by-step instructions are included in this easy recipe.
Italian Marinated Shrimp 
Easy Grilled Prawns With Garlic And Parsley Butter
Delicious and easy, these large size shrimp are perfect to toss on the grill, basting a few times with garlic butter and herbs, then served on a platter with lots of napkins for your guests to eat, shelling them as they go.
Grilled Garlic Prawns 
Calamari Fritti
Calamari Fritti - Fried Calamari Rings
Calamari Fritti (or Fried Calamari) is a Mediterranean seafood dish that is usually served as an appetiser in restaurants.
Calamari Fritti 
Antipasti Con Salmone
Salmon Crudo
Salmon crudo with lemon, orange and herb dressing, garnished with pickled shallots. Elegant, quick and easy, with big, bold flavor.
Salmon Crudo 
Salmon Carpaccio
This is the most flavor packed salmon carpaccio you'll find! Tangy, piquant aioli style dressing tops fresh salmon that is finished with arugula and capers. Enjoy
Salmon Carpaccio 
Scallops, Oysters + Sardine Starters
Scallops Vongole Style
Scallops, garlic, wine, herbs make these Italian scallops Vongole. An easy and impressive dish done in under 30 minutes! (GF and DF)
Scallops Vongole 
Crispy Pan Fried Oysters With Lemon Caper Aioli
This will serve 4 as a main course or more if served as an appetizer. I like to serve mine with some greens for freshness and some pickled red onions for extra acid and crunch. Alternatively, pop these crispy oysters into a soft squishy bun, add the aioli and garnish with shredded lettuce or cabbage as a po'boy sandwich.
Crispy Fried Oysters 
Quick Sardine Pate
Sardine pate is quick and easy to make with just 4 ingredients. Sardine pate is good for you, a healthy appetizer or simple lunch.
Sardine Pate 
Fritto Misto
Fritto misto is a general term for lightly deep fried bites. It can be made from vegetables, meat or seafood and is characterized by a soft, flavorful interior and a shatteringly crisp coating.
This Italian version of tempura and is always a popular appetizer with pizza. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkling of sea salt, aioli or marinara sauce. Fritto misto is a special appetizer the entire family will love.
Cheese Filled Fritto
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers Filled with Cheese (Italian Style)
Stuffed zucchini flowers with cheese are so incredibly delicious you’ll wish it was zucchini season all year long. Add anchovies if you like. I'll tell you right up front, if you serve these to me, I will be your best friend forever.
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers 
Baked Goat Cheese Fritters with Herbs Recipe
A delicious baked goat cheese appetizer! These herbed goat cheese fritters are baked in the oven (dare I say healthy?) with a buttery, crispy panko coating.
Goat Cheese Fritters 
Mozzarella Sticks
Make these homemade mozzarella sticks for the ultimate appetizer with gooey, melted cheese coated with crispy, fried breadcrumbs!
Mozzarella Sticks 
Seafood
Crispy Corn And Crab Fritters With Spicy Mayo
Light batter filled with crab and corn gets quickly fried into crispy, delicious corn and crab fritters. Done in under 30 minutes!
Crispy Corn And Crab Fritters 
Popcorn Shrimp Recipe: a Last-Minute Seafood Appetizer Idea
Our popcorn shrimp takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, and the result is a delicious dish with juicy shrimp coated in a crunchy crust.
Popcorn Shrimp 
Crispy Fried Veggie Bites
Greek Fried Zucchini Fries
Greek fried zucchini are crunchy chips made with thin sliced zucchini dipped in batter and fried until crispy. An excellent appetizer!
Zucchini Fries 
Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Crispy Zucchini / Courgette Fritters are small vegetable pancakes that contain courgettes, eggs, flour, spring onion, and fresh herbs.
Crispy Zucchini Fritters 
Crispy crumbed mushrooms
These crumbed mushrooms, otherwise known as breaded mushrooms, are crispy, crunchy, and downright addictive.
Crispy crumbed mushrooms 
EASY Beer-Battered Onion Rings (w/ Red Pepper Aioli)
These EASY Beer Battered Onion Rings are a classic appetizer! The beer batter makes the exterior SUPER crispy and light at the same time!
Beer-Battered Onion Rings 
Cauliflower Nuggets
This 30-minute cauliflower nuggets recipe is an easy guide to toasty, well-seasoned finger food that’s crunchy in every bite without extra cholesterol.
Cauliflower Nuggets 
Italian Potato Croquettes with Cheese
This recipe for Italian potato croquettes with mozzarella inside and a crunchy golden shell shows you a little-known secret that results in cheese croquettes bursting with flavors. These little Italian bites area great appetizer.
Italian Potato Croquettes 
Veggies + Dips
Fresh veggies and dip are always a crowd favorite. A great way to get in your fresh vegetables, these are also great for picky eaters and kids. While you could make the ubiquitous spinach artichoke dip why not make one of these awesome dips for a perfect pizza appetizer.
Basil Aioli + Garden Veggies
Easy basil aioli recipe with garlic, lemon, herbs and anchovies. Basil garlic aioli is a quick dip or sauce for raw or cooked veggies.
Basil Aioli + Garden Veggies Whipped Feta Dip
Our Whipped Feta Dip is a delicious Greek inspired cheese dip, made with all natural ingredients and served with a delicious selection of fruit and vegetables.
Whipped Feta Dip 
Mutabal-Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip
This yummy mutabal is creamy, garlicky, slightly smoky and sooo tasty. A quick and easy dip for an appetizer or side. (Gf, and vegatarian)
Eggplant Dip 
Green Goddess Hummus Recipe (gluten free, nut free, vegan)
This gluten free green goddess hummus recipe made with white beans is so delicious you won’t be buying fancy store bought hummus anymore!
Green Goddess Hummus 
Baba Ganoush Without Tahini (Roasted Eggplant Dip)
Baba ganoush without tahini is and easy roasted eggplant dip. Easily make this with just a few ingredients including garlic and olive oil.
Baba Ganoush 
Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Dip
Addicting dip with delicious, caramelized Spanish sweet onions and blue cheese with a sour cream base. The onions naturally sweeten this and the sour cream mellows the blue cheese. Makes 2 cupsTry dipping hot Buffalo wings into this dip!
Blue Cheese Dip 
Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey and Herbs
This whipped ricotta dip with honey and herbs is a lovely light appetizer or dish for BBQs and celebrations. Vegetarian and gluten free recipe.
Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey 
Tuscan Cheese Dip
Tuscan Cheese Dip is a perfect appetizer recipe! Italian sundried tomatoes, spinach, and basil with three cheeses. A melty cheesy dip for game day and a party. Fast and easy, gluten free vegetarian.
Tuscan Cheese Dip 
Layered Greek Dip
Layered Greek dip is a healthy, delicious, and flavorful dip. This easy to assemble Mediterranean dip is a light, colorful, and fresh appetizer for your pizza party.
Layered Greek Dip 
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Gluten-Free)
Tangy shrimp cocktail is fresh and crunchy, sweet, savoury and picante. Serve with traditional saltine crackers, tortilla chips, or in cucumber cups. Or to make it a plated dish, top tostadas for tostadas de camaron! This will serve 6-8 people depending on the amount of other food served.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail 
Spicy + Creative
These pub style favorites and tasty noshes may not be traditional pizza appetizers but they sure are good. If you want a spicy bite with a pre dinner drink or you're serving up an epic game day feast, these are sure to please. Try Jalapeno poppers, eggplant mini pizza bites, Italian flavored nachos or cheese stuffed meat balls for some unexpected fun.
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers are stuffed with seasoned cream cheese, then wrapped in bacon and smoked for exceptional flavor! Perfect for Game Day!
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers 
Easy Mini Eggplant Pizzas (Gluten Free)
Here's a fun, pizza-themed appetizer! Eggplant serves as a flavorful and delicious gluten-free crust for these mini pizzas. It's topped with marinara sauce, basil, and Irish cheddar cheese as toppings. A great pizza appetizer!
Mini Eggplant Pizzas 
Spicy Jalapeno Pickled Eggs
Spicy jalapeno pickled eggs are quick and delicious. Slice them to top salads, chop them into egg salad sandwiches or just eat them plain. A great choice for a healthy and high protein snack you'll love! Makes 2 1-quart jars
Jalapeno Pickled Eggs 
Italian Nachos
Make Italian nachos with homemade chips, creamy Alfredo sauce, all of your favorite Italian-inspired toppings, and plenty of shredded cheese.
Italian Nachos 
Crockpot Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a delicious and unique twist on traditional meatballs and this recipe makes them super easy by using the crockpot!
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs 
Corn On The Cob Coins With Mediterranean Dip
These tasty corn on the cob are chopped into coins and spiced with mediterranean seasonings. Dip these corn coins with the mediterranean dip made with labne for the perfect pairing. It’s the best finger food for parties!
Corn Coins With Dip 
Easy Wonton Mozzarella Sticks
Simple and easy homemade fried cheese sticks. These mozzarella sticks are made with wonton wrappers for tasty and fast pizza party appetizers.
Mozzarella Sticks 
Vegan Appetizers
Vegans love pizza too! Vegan cheese has come a long way and that means that no one has to miss out on a great pizza night. Pick from a creamy dip, stuffed mushrooms and more. And don't forget to scan the rest of the list for a few more vegan appetizers that will appeal to everyone. These are great for anyone who wants a healthier option for their pizza appetizers.
Vegan Whipped Feta
This vegan whipped feta only has only 6 ingredients! This dip comes together in 5 minutes but looks and tastes totally gourmet. It has a creamy, yet tangy flavor that is addicting, and it is the perfect sharable appetizer for any party or gathering. Before I went vegan I was no joke ADDICTED to chee…
Vegan Whipped Feta 
Easy Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Vegan)
Looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer recipe to make for dinner tonight? Look no further than our stuffed Portobello mushroom recipe. This dish’s sure to please everyone at the table
Vegan Stuffed Portobellos 
Vegan Cucumber Bites
These crunchy and creamy Vegan Cucumber Bites are the ideal party appetizer made with fewer than 10 ingredients and no cooking!
Vegan Cucumber Bites 
Vegan 7 Layer Taco Dip (Healthy)
Easy & super healthy vegan 7 layer taco dip perfect for parties, game day, snacking or Cinco de Mayo! Done in just 10 minutes, this adds big flavor to pizza night at home.
Vegan Taco Dip 
Starter Salads
No heavy potato salad or pasta salad here (though we won't judge if that's what you like). We're serving up bold and bright, Italian and Mediterranean flavors. These are natural pairings that refresh the palate. Serve them as an appetizer salad at the beginning or serve as a side dish alongside the main pizza meal.
Rocket and Pear salad
Sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, rocket and pear salad will delight your taste buds. It has a ton of flavor and texture from Asian pear, blue cheese, walnuts and spicy rocket. This one is great for a large group and can be made ahead.
Rocket + Pear Salad 
Greek Salad
Greek Salad is a light, and flavorful salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, onion, bell peppers, feta cheese, and Greek dressing.
Greek Salad 
Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad
Fresh green parsley, mint and oregano, red wine vinegar and cauliflower come together into a hearty and flavorful Mediterranean salad. This salad can be made ahead and is both gluten-free and vegan.
Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad 
Burrata Caprese (Burrata Tomato Salad) | Maple + Mango
Burrata Caprese! A delicious twist on a classic caprese salad that you are going to want to eat on repeat all summer long!
Burrata Caprese 
Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Arugula Recipe
Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Arugula
Peach and Halloumi Salad with Arugula 
Caesar Salad with Homemade Caesar Dressing and Croutons
This Caesar salad is made with homemade garlic croutons and a Caesar dressing that everyone loves. Make this delicious classic salad today!
Caesar Salad 
Arugula, Fig + Prosciutto Salad
Delicious, healthy and quick to put together. Serve with toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
Fig + Prosciutto Salad 
White Bean Tuna Salad
This Tuscan white bean tuna salad recipe is delicious and easy to make. It is perfect for meal prep, stuffed in a tomato, or just straight out of the bowl!
White Bean Tuna Salad 
Zucchini Feta Salad With Hazelnuts (Courgette Salad)
A light and refreshing salad that looks and tastes like summer! Use a vegetable peeler to cut courgette (zucchini) into ribbons, thin slices or use a veggie spiralizer to make zoodles.
Zucchini Feta Salad 
Pesto Orzo Salad with Sundried Tomatoes (Dairy-Free)
This refreshing pesto orzo salad with sundried tomatoes is the perfect spring or summer dish that is ready in just 15 minutes. It is dairy free and perfect for those with dietary restriction.
Pesto Orzo Salad 
Arugula Caprese Salad
This arugula caprese salad recipe has cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil, and a balsamic reduction dressing. It’s a perfect summer salad!
Arugula Caprese Salad 
Lemon Orzo Salad
Quick Lemon Orzo Salad. It is loaded with vegetables, herbs, feta cheese, and a lemony dressing. Great for potlucks, meal prep, or as a side.
Lemon Orzo Salad 
Kale Caesar Salad Witt Crispy Chickpeas
Massaged dinosaur kale, crispy roasted chickpeas, the BEST Caesar salad and a hearty helping of shaved Parmesan cheese.
Kale Caesar Salad 
Italian Meatball Salad Recipe (Gluten-Free + Paleo)
Italian Meatball Salad Recipe -- Gluten-Free, Paleo Meatball Recipe, a delicious and simple meatball salad.
Italian Meatball Salad 
Related Recipes
I hope this awesome list of appetizers for pizza has helped you put together the best pizza night. Whether its a cozy night at home with family, a big birthday bash or Super Bowl Sunday, pizza parties are always easy, fun and tasty.
If you have any questions or comments, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. I try to answer any recipe related questions quickly as I know you might be in the middle of making it.
Also check out my FREE PRINTABLE meal planner to make menu planning and grocery shopping a breeze and my shopping guide. And if you like this recipe, I would love it if you give it a star rating in the recipe card.
Cheers and happy cooking, Friends! Sabrina
BERNADETTE
Sabrina, this is a wonderful post full of delicious Italian appetizer ideas.
Sabrina Currie
Thank you so much Bernadette 🙂 Cheers my Friend!
Varnamala
Really loved it. All the appetizers's were mouthwatering and looking awesome.
Sabrina Currie
Thanks Varnamala!