Italian appetizers, snacks and canapes
Italian canapes and appetizers are a popular choice for drinks receptions, office parties and walking dinners. The flavours are familiar and crowd-pleasing, the presentation is elegant, and the combination of cold bites and warm dishes makes for a naturally well-balanced selection.
Our Italian-inspired menu draws on classic ingredients like fresh basil, Parmigiano, Pecorino, truffle oil, sun-dried tomatoes, Prosciutto di Parma and aceto balsamico, interpreted as polished one-bite canapes and small dishes that work well in a standing or walking format.
This menu suits a wide range of guests: there are vegetarian options, dishes with chicken or beef, and several items that are naturally gluten-free or can be adapted on request. It works equally well as a standalone Italian-themed selection or as part of a mixed menu alongside our fish and meat canapes or vegetarian appetizers.
Planning an Italian-themed walking dinner? We also have a dedicated Italian walking dinner menu with more substantial courses.
Italy inspired canapes and appetizers
Small bites
Crostini con crema di basilico
Crostini with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and Parmigiano.
Green pea mousse on a gro-cracker
Creamy green pea mousse with coconut, Italian basil and mint on a gro-cracker. (vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free)
Marinated Taggiasca olives
Taggiasca olives marinated in wine vinegar, lemon and olive oil. (vegan, gluten-free)
Crostini with tomato and almond pesto
Crostini with diced tomatoes and pesto of almond, basil, parsley, garlic and Pecorino. (vegetarian)
Savory mini tartlet with caramelized red onion
Mini tartlet with caramelized red onion in aceto balsamico, half sun-dried tomato and sea salt. (vegetarian)
Savory tiramisu
Savory tiramisu with pesto, grissini, tomato coulis and mascarpone, served in an amuse glass. (cold, vegetarian)
Decomposed Caprese
Mini salad with diced tomatoes, mousse of mozzarella and home-made pesto. (cold, vegetarian)
Savory tartlet with chestnut mushrooms and truffle
Tartlet with chestnut mushrooms, Parmigiano, chopped chives and truffle oil. (warm, vegetarian)
Grilled chicken spiedini
Grilled chicken thighs marinated in parsley, oregano and thyme, served on a small plate with arugula and grilled red bell pepper. (warm, chicken)
Mini Italian beef burger
100% beef burger Italian style with crispy Prosciutto di Parma, caramelized balsamic onions on a soft brioche bun. (warm, meat)
Also, view our pages with menus for lunches, lunch bags and boxes, vegetarian and vegan appetizers and canapes, fish and meat canapes, local Amsterdam snacks, ‘old school’ snacks and bites, our selection of nibbles and our walking dinner menus, more walking dinner sample menus and drinks.
FAQ
Can I combine Italian canapes with dishes from your other menus?
Yes, absolutely. Many clients mix Italian bites with selections from our vegetarian, fish & meat or Amsterdam menus. We can help you put together a balanced combination that flows well across cold and warm dishes.
Is the Italian menu suitable for vegetarians?
A good portion of the Italian menu is vegetarian, including the crostini, green pea mousse, Caprese salad, savory tartlets and savory tiramisu. We can build a fully vegetarian Italian selection if needed.
Can the Italian appetizers also be served as a walking dinner?
Yes. The small dishes on this menu, such as the chicken spiedini and the Italian beef burger, work particularly well in a walking dinner format. We typically combine these with the small bites as a starter, so guests move from lighter one-bite canapes into the more substantial dishes. Take a look at our Italian walking dinner menu.
Are there gluten-free options in the Italian menu?
Several dishes are naturally gluten-free, including the marinated olives and the green pea mousse. Others can be adapted on request, for example we swap the crostini for a gluten-free cracker. Let us know your guests’ requirements and we will indicate which items work best.
How many Italian canapes should I plan per person?
For a drinks reception or borrel, we typically recommend 4 to 8 pieces per person, depending on the duration and whether food is the main focus or an accompaniment to drinks.
Planning an Italian event?
If you like what you see, we are happy to put together a tailored selection based on your guest count, event format and any dietary requirements. You can share your preferences and we will come back to you with a clear proposal.
Request a quote for this menu
Browse related menus: vegetarian appetizers, fish & meat canapes, Amsterdam bites, and nibbles & small bites.