Craving the perfect appetizer to complement your pizza feast? Look no further, as we’ve compiled a delectable list of the best appetizers to pair with that cheesy slice of heaven. From mouthwatering garlic knots that will have you hooked from the first bite to tangy bruschetta that adds a burst of freshness to each mouthful, these appetizers are sure to elevate your pizza experience to a whole new level. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible and perfectly matched starters.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy garlic breadstick. These delectable appetizers are the perfect way to start off any meal or snack. With their crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior, they are sure to satisfy your craving for something savory and satisfying. Making your own cheesy garlic breadsticks at home is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pizza dough
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, and basil.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices.
- Place the slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Variations
- For a spicy twist, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before brushing it onto the dough.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of your favorites.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, to the cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor.
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a classic appetizer that never fails to please. These crispy, golden sticks of melted cheese are a crowd favorite and are guaranteed to disappear quickly at any party or gathering. Making mozzarella sticks at home is a fun and easy process, and the end result is a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 12 whole milk mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella sticks in half crosswise to create 24 shorter sticks.
- Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning into separate shallow bowls.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, coating it evenly.
- Shake off any excess flour and dip the stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the cheese.
- Repeat the process with all the mozzarella sticks, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep skillet to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining sticks.
- Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Dipping Sauces
- Marinara sauce: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the cheesy mozzarella sticks.
- Spicy ranch dressing: Mix some hot sauce or cayenne pepper into ranch dressing for a tangy, fiery kick.
- Garlic aioli: Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a creamy and flavorful dip.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a delightful and elegant appetizer that originated in Italy. With its vibrant combination of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder that bruschetta has become a beloved dish worldwide. Traditionally, bruschetta consists of grilled bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. However, there are endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to create a bruschetta that suits your taste perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the bread slices are crispy and golden.
- In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and gently mix everything together.
- Allow the tomato mixture to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Once the bread slices are baked and cooled slightly, top each slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture.
- Serve the bruschetta immediately and enjoy!
Toppings
- Balsamic glaze: Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the tomato mixture for a sweet and tangy kick.
- Mozzarella cheese: Place a slice of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomato mixture for a creamy addition.
- Prosciutto: Add a thin slice of prosciutto to each bruschetta for a salty and savory twist.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm and creamy spinach and artichoke dip. This classic appetizer is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to any gathering or game night. With its smooth and cheesy texture, combined with the earthiness of spinach and the tanginess of artichokes, this dip is a must-try for any appetizer lover.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup of canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add the thawed and drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture.
- Stir everything together until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the dip with freshly toasted baguette slices or tortilla chips for dipping.
- For a healthier option, cut up some fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, to serve alongside the dip.
- Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, on top of the dip before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are like little edible bowls just waiting to be filled with deliciousness. Stuffed mushrooms are a versatile appetizer that can be packed with various fillings and flavors. Whether you prefer a vegetarian option or something meaty, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Ingredients
- 24 medium-sized mushrooms, stems removed
- 1/2 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms by wiping them gently with a damp cloth.
- Remove the stems from the mushrooms and set them aside.
- In a bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with a tablespoon or two of the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently into the cavity.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Filling Options
- Bacon and cream cheese: Mix crumbled cooked bacon with softened cream cheese for a rich and savory filling.
- Spinach and feta: Sauté some chopped spinach and mix it with crumbled feta cheese for a vegetarian option bursting with flavor.
- Italian sausage and mozzarella: Cook some Italian sausage, crumble it, and combine it with shredded mozzarella cheese for a hearty and cheesy filling.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a refreshing and elegant appetizer that showcases the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. These bite-sized skewers are not only visually appealing but also bursting with freshness and flavor. The simplicity of this appetizer allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through and please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cherry or grape tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Drain any liquid from the mozzarella balls.
- Assemble the skewers by threading a tomato, followed by a folded basil leaf, and then a mozzarella ball onto each toothpick or skewer.
- Continue this pattern until all the ingredients are used.
- Arrange the caprese skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving.
- Serve at room temperature and enjoy the burst of flavors.
Presentation Tips
- Arrange the caprese skewers in a circular pattern on a round platter to mimic the appearance of a flower.
- Garnish the platter with fresh sprigs of basil and cherry tomatoes for added visual appeal.
- Serve the skewers alongside a small dish of extra balsamic glaze for additional dipping.
Mini Calzones
If you’re a fan of pizza but want something a little bit different, mini calzones are the way to go. These adorable little pockets of dough filled with delicious toppings are a hit with kids and adults alike. Feel free to get creative with the fillings—anything goes when it comes to making your own custom mini calzones.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pizza dough
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of pizza sauce
- Assorted toppings (such as cooked sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Divide the pizza dough into equal portions, depending on how many mini calzones you want to make.
- Roll out each portion of dough into a small circle or oval shape, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Place a spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each dough circle.
- Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings onto half of the dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to create a half-moon shape.
- Pinch and crimp the edges of the dough together to seal the calzone.
- Place the mini calzones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the calzones with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Filling Ideas
- Margherita: Use fresh basil leaves and slices of fresh tomatoes, along with mozzarella cheese, for a classic combination.
- BBQ chicken: Combine cooked and shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and diced onions for a tangy and savory filling.
- Vegetarian: Sauté a medley of vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, and mix them with shredded mozzarella cheese for a colorful and flavorful filling.
Antipasto Salad
When you’re looking for a light and refreshing appetizer that is also filling and satisfying, an antipasto salad is the perfect choice. This vibrant salad is a medley of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives, all tossed together with a tangy dressing. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to Italy.
Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens
- Sliced salami
- Sliced pepperoni
- Sliced provolone cheese
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Roasted red peppers
- Kalamata olives
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Italian dressing
Instructions
- Arrange the mixed salad greens on a large platter or individual plates.
- Layer the sliced salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese on top of the greens.
- Place the marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion on the platter, arranging them in a visually appealing way.
- Drizzle Italian dressing generously over the salad or serve it on the side for each person to dress their own portion.
- Serve the antipasto salad immediately, and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures.
Customization Options
- Cheese varieties: Feel free to swap the provolone cheese with other favorites, such as fresh mozzarella or Parmesan.
- Additional toppings: Add roasted garlic cloves, marinated mushrooms, or marinated sun-dried tomatoes for even more variety and depth of flavor.
- Croutons: If you prefer a little crunch, toss in some homemade or store-bought croutons just before serving.
Pizza Fries
Who said pizza has to be limited to a round pie? Pizza fries are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of classic pizza in a different form. Crispy oven-baked fries are loaded with melted cheese, zesty marinara sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, pizza fries are sure to satisfy any pizza craving.
Ingredients
- Frozen French fries
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Your favorite pizza toppings (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
- Dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the frozen French fries package.
- Bake the French fries until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the fries from the oven and layer them in a shallow baking dish.
- Spread the pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the fries.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Add your desired pizza toppings on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle some dried oregano over the toppings for extra flavor.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves on top.
- Serve the pizza fries hot and enjoy the cheesy, pizza-inspired goodness.
Optional Toppings
- Jalapeños: For those who like a little heat, add some sliced pickled jalapeños to give your pizza fries a spicy kick.
- Bacon: Crumble some cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the toppings for an indulgent and savory twist.
- Ranch dressing: Drizzle some ranch dressing on top of the pizza fries for a creamy and tangy finishing touch.
Garlic Knots
If you’re a fan of garlic bread, then you’re going to love garlic knots. These bite-sized delights are soft, buttery, and loaded with garlicky goodness. They are perfect as an appetizer, but also make a great side dish for pasta or pizza night. With their irresistible aroma and delicious flavor, you won’t be able to resist these delightful little knots.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pizza dough
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Divide the pizza dough into equal-sized portions, depending on how many garlic knots you want to make.
- Roll each portion of dough into a rope approximately 5 inches long.
- Tie each rope into a knot, tucking the ends under to secure the shape.
- Place the knots onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the knots are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and salt.
- Remove the knots from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture.
- Serve the garlic knots warm and enjoy their deliciously buttery and garlicky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Marinara dipping sauce: Serve the garlic knots with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the knots before baking for an added burst of flavor and a crispy topping.
- Garlic butter glaze: For an extra garlic punch, mix some minced garlic with melted butter and drizzle it over the knots just before serving.
