45 Worst Rated Italian Appetizers

Often referred to as nervetti in insalata, this classic northern Italian dish consists of meat, cartilage, and tendons from beef shank that are cooked on the bone. When tender, all of the elements are removed from the bones and left to set, allowing the gelatinous properties to create a firm, jelly-like treat. Though it is often prepared plain, various ingredients such as olives, onions, or peppers are occasionally added to the mixture. Nervetti is always served well-chilled, thinly sliced, and is mainly combined with various vegetables. The whole combination is seasoned and served in the form of a salad that is usually enjoyed as a cold appetizer.Expand

Fettunta is a traditional appetizer originating from Tuscany. In local dialect, the name of the dish is a compound of fetta, meaning slice, and unta, meaning oily, making fettunta an oily slice, or to be more precise, an oily slice of roasted local saltless bread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Many people like to rub a garlic clove and add a pinch of salt over the bread before the olive oil is poured on top. But to call this delicate appetizer garlic bread would be an insult to all Italians – after all, fettunta is thought to be the predecessor of the famous bruschetta and can be traced back to the ancient Romans or even the Etruscans. Nowadays, it's a classic way to celebrate the new olive oil in November. It's recommended to pair fettunta with a glass of Chianti Classico.Expand

Friggione (also known as frizòn) is an onion and tomato dip, a traditional peasant dish originating from the farming villages around Bologna. It is prepared by macerating thinly sliced white onions in salt and sugar and then slowly cooking them in lard with the addition of chopped fresh tomatoes. Nowadays, the lard in recipes is often replaced with extra-virgin olive oil, but the onions remain an undisputed star of this dish: not any sort will do, and as the onions need to be sweet and delicate, the perfect choice is a famous local onion variety called medicina. Friggione shows how humble ingredients can create a tasty dish – for a full gastronomic experience, pair it with homemade bread or polenta crostini, boiled meats, or sausages. Expand

Peperoni al forno is a traditional dish consisting of roasted peppers with parsley and garlic. The peppers are roasted until they collapse and start to blacken. The skins are then peeled off, the stems and seeds removed, and the peppers are torn into smaller strips. They are sprinkled with garlic, salt, and parsley, then drizzled with olive oil before serving. This dish is typically served as an appetizer in most restaurants.Expand

Frittata al formaggio or cheese frittata is a traditional dish and probably the most commonly made type of frittata in the country. It's often made with a combination of eggs, butter, salt, pepper, and cheese such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Emmentaler. The eggs are whisked, seasoned with salt and pepper, then beaten with the addition of grated cheese. Once the butter in the pan has started to foam, the egg mixture is poured into the pan and cooked over low heat until the eggs set and the top is still runny. The frittata is then placed under the grill and cooked until it's set, but still tender. This cheese frittata is served hot, warm, or at room temperature and makes for a great appetizer or a light main course.Expand

Frittata di cipolle is a traditional frittata dish prepared with onions. The dish is made with a combination of beaten eggs, olive oil, onions, salt, and pepper. The onions are cut into thin slices and cooked in olive oil over low heat until soft and golden. The eggs are beaten, seasoned with salt and pepper, then poured over the onions. The dish is cooked until it becomes golden brown and set on one side. It's then turned on the other side and the process is repeated until the frittata is done and ready to be enjoyed.Expand

Pinzimonio is one of the simplest Italian dishes ever created, consisting of fresh seasonal vegetables served with a dip made with olive oil, salt, pepper, vinegar, and lemon juice. The vegetables might include carrots, celery, tomatoes, artichokes, fennel, or any other vegetables that can be eaten raw. Pinzimonio is served either as an appetizer or as a simple side dish.Expand

Swordfish rolls are one of the traditional Italian dishes that are mainly associated with Sicily. The dish employs thin swordfish fillets that are stuffed with different combinations of breadcrumbs, lemon zest, capers, garlic, fresh herbs, pine nuts, currants, and occasionally raisins or cheese. The rolls can be grilled or pan-fried and are often paired with a squeeze of lemon juice or the lemon and olive oil-based salmoriglio sauce.Expand

Acciughe al verde is a traditional dish originating from Piedmont. The dish consists of anchovies in green sauce, or bagnet verde. In order to prepare it, salt-preserved anchovies are first washed and filleted, then topped with a sauce consisting of garlic, parsley, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and sometimes a pinch of hot pepper flakes. In the past, this dish was a part of merenda si noira, a meal eaten by farmers late in the afternoon. Nowadays, acciughe al verde are served as an appetizer with bread and butter in most restaurants, or as an accompaniment to a glass of wine in old taverns.Expand

Prosciutto e fichi is an Italian appetizer consisting of only two ingredients – figs and prosciutto crudo. The dish is especially popular in August in the region of Veneto. Good figs should be supple, jammy, and a little bit squishy, oozing their nectar from the base. One of the best varieties for this appetizer is called settembrini – green, small, soft, and extremely sweet figs that are in season in late August and early September. The figs are divided into quarters and then a few slices of prosciutto crudo are rolled and placed onto each fig. This appetizer is often served with crusty bread on the side.Expand