Italian starter recipes

Crostini, breadsticks and arancini are just a few of the Italian starters that we love so much. Find them all in this stunning collection, or check out the rest of our Italian recipes to complete your meal.

 

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Grilled aubergine salad

Aubergine recipes

Grilled aubergine salad

It doesn’t get much easier than Angela Hartnett’s grilled aubergine salad, served with shavings of...

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Griddled octopus with potatoes and olives

Italian starter recipes

Griddled octopus with potatoes and olives

Serve up Angela Hartnett’s octopus and potato starter as part of a big summer spread....

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Peppers with roasted garlic, anchovies and basil

Italian starter recipes

Peppers with roasted garlic, anchovies and basil

A stunning Italian starter by Angela Hartnett featuring sweet roasted red peppers, salty anchovies, roasted...

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Vitello Tonnato (sliced veal antipasto)

Italian starter recipes

Vitello Tonnato (sliced veal antipasto)

Vitello tonnato – a dish of cold, sliced veal originating from Piedmont – makes an...

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Baked figs with blue cheese and balsamic

Fig recipes

Baked figs with blue cheese and balsamic

A simple starter consisting of sweet figs wrapped in salty parma ham, topped with blue...

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Baked ‘nduja and burrata dip with olive breadsticks

Italian starter recipes

Baked ‘nduja and burrata dip with olive breadsticks

Our ‘nduja and burrata dip is easy to make so, if you don’t have time...

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Gnudi with fried sage, hazelnuts and jerusalem artichoke crisps

Vegetarian starter recipes

Gnudi with fried sage, hazelnuts and jerusalem artichoke...

You’ve heard of gnocchi but have you ever tried gnudi? They are little dumplings made...

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Pancetta-wrapped halloumi fries with smoky chilli tomato relish

Italian starter recipes

Pancetta-wrapped halloumi fries with smoky chilli tomato relish

Possibly the ultimate crowd-pleasing nibble, these pancetta-wrapped halloumi fries are served with a smoky tomato...

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Pancetta, watercress and mozzarella arancini

Italian starter recipes

Pancetta, watercress and mozzarella arancini

Crispy arancini risotto balls with a soft and gooey mozzarella, pancetta and watercress centre. The...

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Bagna cauda (anchovy and garlic sauce)

Italian starter recipes

Bagna cauda (anchovy and garlic sauce)

Italian food blogger Carolina Stupino shares her recipe for this creamy dipping sauce that is...

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Tomato and burrata salad with basil oil

Vegetarian starter recipes

Tomato and burrata salad with basil oil

The beauty of Italian cooking lies in its simplicity and use of quality ingredients; this...

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Russell’s asparagus, gorgonzola, walnut and mint bruschetta

Asparagus recipes

Russell’s asparagus, gorgonzola, walnut and mint bruschetta

Food writer Russell Norman finds his inspiration in Italy’s beautiful cities and this bruschetta recipe,...

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Arancini cakes

Arancini cakes

It only takes 15 minutes to turn cold, leftover risotto into these easy Italian-style arancini...

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Stracciatella soup

Italian starter recipes

Stracciatella soup

Fresh parsley and lemon add extra zing to flavoursome chicken stock to produce a simple...

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Spinach gnudi

Spinach recipes

Spinach gnudi

Lucas Hollweg’s spinach and ricotta gnudi are light, incredibly moreish and should be enjoyed with...

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Grilled asparagus and parma ham on toast

Asparagus recipes

Grilled asparagus and parma ham on toast

For a quick, easy starter or a light summer lunch, top toasted ciabatta with crispy...

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Lemon, parsley and spinach clams on toast

Clam recipes

Lemon, parsley and spinach clams on toast

The juices from the clams cooked in white wine and soured cream are soaked up...

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Bagna cauda

Classic sauce recipes

Bagna cauda

A creamy dip made from garlic and anchovies that’s perfect scooped up with crudités or...

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Lemon ricotta bruschetta with Tenderstem and heirloom tomatoes

Lemon ricotta bruschetta with Tenderstem and heirloom tomatoes

Griddled sourdough bread topped with ricotta, tomatoes, capers, fresh mint and Tenderstem broccoli makes a...

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Spring onion, herby ricotta and ‘nduja toasts

Italian starter recipes

Spring onion, herby ricotta and ‘nduja toasts

Charred spring onions, creamy ricotta mixed with lemon, herbs and olives and spicy ‘nduja –...

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Vitello tonnato

Vitello tonnato

A classic Italian starter recipe made with veal and served chilled with a creamy tuna...

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Mushroom and mozzarella arancini

Italian starter recipes

Mushroom and mozzarella arancini

You can prepare these mushroom and mozzarella arancini balls ahead of your party – all...

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Mozzarella bruschetta with rocket drizzle

Italian starter recipes

Mozzarella bruschetta with rocket drizzle

Quick, easy and delicious. This makes a speedy starter but could equally do for a...

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Insalata di Napoli

Italian starter recipes

Insalata di Napoli

A quick and easy salad recipe – a version of panzanella made with mozzarella and...

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