Easy Appetizers for a Dinner Party with Italian Food

Here are a few things that would are very easy and yummy.

You can get Bruschetta in the freezer section at the grocery store. I've tried 2 or 3 different brands and they are all very good. Just put them in the oven for a few minutes and they're done.

Favorite pesto served on crustini.

Purchase some ricotta cheese and add toasted crushed pine nuts, fresh chopped basil and diced red pepper. Serve on crustini or italian bread.

Very easy: pour extra virgin olive oil in a dipping bowl and add dry italian seasoning or freshly cracked pepper from a pepper mill (or both). Serve with warm italian bread for dipping. I sometimes add a tiny splash of balsamic.

My dad used to make a simple salad that was really good. You just slice tomato and cucumber and soak them in italian dressing overnight. It is so easy but delicious and you can arrange them by alternating tomato and cucumber slices for a nice presentation. Or you can cut them into small cubes and serve in a nice martini glass or something.

Good Luck!

Oooh! I LOVE to make appetizers. Here's one inspired by Fine Living:

Insalata Caprese Kabobs

cherry tomatoes
mozarella cheese (cubed)
fresh basil

Skewer one of each on a lare tootpick or party pick. Spritz with olive oil and sprinkle with some kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange them on a plate or in a martini glass.

The first thing that pops into my mind is the petit quiches. You can get them 40 (I think) to a box at Sams. You might be able to get them other places, but I know Sams has a whole assortments of finger type foods. We used them for our wedding. We used the quiches, the little sandwiches you can buy in little rolls and things like that. They don't require much preparation at all. I craved the little quiches when I was pregnant and loved them because it only took a few minutes in the oven or microwave if you wanted to do it that way. That is all I can think of. I hope your party works out great!

Italian? Appetizer? Why, an Antipasto Platter, of course!!

Check out http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/cat/1557/ for all sorts of ideas ranging from quick, out of the package onto the platter options all the way to cook step-by-step, days in advance - it's up to you (& your husband)!

mini pizzas ... stuffed mushrooms ...veggie platter

How about 'When in Rome... Italian Tomato & Garlic Cheese Ball' ? or Balsamic & Basil Dipping oil served with our Bountiful Beer Bread Made with a little Dried Tomato & Pesto Seasoning in the dough.

And believe it or not these are VERY EASY. The beer bread only requires a can of beer & our mix stirred about 20 seconds & pour into a loaf pan & that's it!!

I actually have these in stock if you need them this weekend. Usually I have to order them you but caught me at a good time.

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Best of luck to you. One year old parties are so fun. My grandaughter is 18 months & growing way to fast!

Wal-mart has a little appetizer section with toasted raviolis (like from Olive Garden) and cheese sticks and stuff. Pretty easy and fast to prepare I think.