While lasagna is undoubtedly a beloved Italian meal, it’s often wise to balance its richness with some complementary bites. A few carefully chosen appetizers can cut through the savory flavors, add some freshness, and even provide a delightful contrast. So, what makes lasagna so special? The answer lies in the harmonious union of flat pasta sheets, rich red ragu sauce, and an assortment of cheeses.
This classic dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and assemble, making it a go-to choice for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations at home. However, the key to crafting truly exceptional lasagna lies not only in its layers but also in the complexity of its sauces. The bechamel sauce, with its silky, creamy texture, plays a crucial role in balancing out the bold flavors of the ragu and pasta.
This white sauce is a mixture of roux and milk, often enhanced by subtle notes of spices like nutmeg, bay leaves, and pepper. The result is a rich, buttery flavor that complements the dish beautifully. When you combine this with the robust tomato sauce, infused with the deep flavors of ground beef, you’re left with a truly irresistible lasagna that’s hard to stop at just one serving.
But to ensure an enjoyable experience, it’s always wise to serve this iconic Italian dish with something that cuts through its intense flavors. That’s why we’ve curated 21 appetizers for lasagna, each designed to provide a delightful contrast and elevate your dining experience.
Caprese Foccacia
Transforming the classic Caprese salad into a Caprese focaccia appetizer is a brilliant move. This Italian flat bread, baked to perfection with a crispy exterior and chewy interior, is infused with aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, and finished with a generous drizzle of olive oil. The addition of mozzarella, sweet basil, and juicy tomatoes creates a harmonious union that will delight your taste buds. And did you know?
The Caprese salad boasts all the colors of the Italian flag – red from the tomatoes, white from the cheese, and green from the fresh basil. This appetizer is a true celebration of Italian flavors.
Simple Italian Salad
When it comes to pairing a satisfying Italian dish like lasagna, there’s no better match than a classic Italian Salad. This recipe takes inspiration from the popular Olive Garden restaurant, which seamlessly blends Italian and American cuisine. The result is a flavorful medley that perfectly balances the crunch of fresh greens with the savory notes of olives, pepperoncinis, and parmesan cheese.
Whether served as an appetizer or enjoyed throughout the week, this salad’s harmonious blend of textures and tastes is sure to leave you craving more.
Chopped Salad
For those seeking a sweet and tangy twist on traditional salads, this recipe offers a delightful alternative. Unlike our previous offering, which focused on greens and veggies, this creation combines the rich flavors of cured meats – including ham, salami, and pepperoncini – with the creamy zip of chickpeas. To bring it all together, we’re using a zesty dressing infused with Dijon mustard and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, perfect for balancing out the savory elements.
Cucumber Onion Salad
Looking for a break from the usual green lettuce salad? Try our Cucumber Onion Salad instead! To give your taste buds a thrill, simply slice up some crisp onions and combine them with fresh dill and sweet onion. The pungency of the onions will beautifully balance out the mild flavor of the cucumbers, while the herbs add an extra layer of depth and refreshment to this delectable salad.
Antipasto Skewers
Imagine savoring the rich flavors of Italy in a whole new way – on a skewer! Antipasto kebabs take the traditional Italian dish to the next level by transforming it into bite-sized, easy-to-eat snacks. Typically, antipasto consists of a medley of briny olives, cured meats, and other ingredients, but this recipe puts a fresh spin on things by serving up Antipasto Skewers instead of a platter.
The result is a delightful combination of savory flavors from the tortellini and salami, perfectly balanced with the bright, zesty taste of Italian dressing.
Sweet Pea Pesto Crostini
Imagine elevating your lasagna game by pairing it with a herby and indulgent pesto sauce, served on a crispy crostini. A classic Italian appetizer, crostini is a toasted bread base topped with an array of flavors, from creamy cheeses to savory condiments and vibrant vegetables. Take the Sweet Pea Pesto Crostini for instance, where fresh sweet peas and fragrant basil come together in perfect harmony to create a rich, garlicky delight.
This delectable combination is sure to please even the most discerning palate, and is just one of many Italian recipes you’ll love exploring.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Say goodbye to lackluster lasagna appetizers once you experience the unbridled flavor of Cheesy Garlic Bread. The unmistakable pungency of garlic creates a sensory experience that will leave you craving more. Meanwhile, the velvety smoothness and subtle tanginess of mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese steal the show. When combined with exquisitely toasted bread, this mouthwatering combination is sure to whet your appetite for the main course.
Broccoli Salad
To complement your lasagna, here’s a light and revitalizing salad that will surely delight your taste buds. The earthy and herbaceous notes of broccoli are sure to excite, especially if you’re a fan of this versatile veggie. Each bite offers a pleasant grassy flavor followed by a satisfying bitterness, making it a perfect contrast to the rich flavors in your lasagna. Additionally, the tamari adds a depth of umami flavor that will elevate the dish as a whole.
Bruschetta
For the ultimate Bruschetta experience, start by selecting the freshest ingredients. The harmony of flavors in this recipe is what sets it apart from others. A medley of sweet and tangy tomatoes atop a crunchy base of toasted French bread or artisanal bread is a match made in heaven – as long as you avoid making it soggy!
Minestrone Soup
Begin your lasagna dinner with a hearty Italian classic: Minestrone Soup! This satisfying blend of vegetables, stock, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and other savory elements yields a rich, thick tomato-based soup that perfectly primes the palate for what’s to come. The complex flavors will leave you eager for the main event – your lasagna dinner.
Green Gazpacho Appetizer Drink
Gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup, boasts a unique texture achieved by blending an assortment of vegetables. The velvety smoothness is largely attributed to the harmonious balance between olive oil and liquid components. This delightful concoction is certainly worth exploring, as evidenced by the Green Gazpacho Appetizer Drink’s simplicity and appeal. When combined with fresh tarragon and mild butter lettuce, the flavors meld together in a truly sublime experience.
Italian Meatball Buns
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with these mouthwatering Italian Meatball Buns. The tender, soft bread dough dinner rolls provide a perfect contrast to the rich and savory Italian meatballs, creating a match that’s simply divine. But what truly elevates this dish is the addition of that creamy, velvety marinara sauce, which adds an extra layer of depth and complexity. Experience the ultimate comfort food combination that will leave you craving for more.
Roasted Garlic Soup
Kick-start your week on a positive note by transforming your weekday dinner or weekend brunch into a comforting culinary experience with this effortless Roasted Garlic Soup recipe. The rich, velvety soup is infused with the unmistakable warmth and depth of roasted garlic, making it a true showstopper. Treat yourself to a cozy bowl that’s sure to leave you feeling wrapped in a warm hug.
Italian Pickled Vegetables
Giardiniera, an Italian staple, is a mouthwatering blend of pickled vegetables steeped in a rich brine comprising oil and vinegar, along with a medley of spices including chili peppers, bell peppers, and celery. While its greasy nature might not appeal to everyone, this flavorful appetizer can be perfectly balanced when paired with crispy bread, offering a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.
Polenta Bites
For a quick and easy treat, try whipping up these Polenta Bites using just six ingredients. A staple in many cuisines, polenta is a cornmeal-based dough that’s boiled and then baked or fried to perfection. You can use store-bought polenta for this recipe or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. The end result will be a flavor profile reminiscent of grits, with its comforting, slightly sweet taste complemented by the earthy undertones of portabella mushrooms.
Crispy Italian Breadsticks
What sets these delectable Crispy Italian Breadsticks apart is their trifecta of appeal: ease of preparation, versatility, and undeniable deliciousness. Whether you’re serving them alongside a classic lasagna, pairing them with grilled chicken, using them to scoop up pasta or soup, the crispy breadstick’s adaptability ensures it will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Tomato Fritters
Indulge in the most scrumptious fritters you’ve ever savored – Tomato Fritters, to be precise! These mouthwatering treats are ideal for both breakfast and as an appetizer option. The key to their unbeatable flavor lies in utilizing summer tomatoes at the peak of their freshness, boasting an unparalleled taste compared to out-of-season varieties. Furthermore, it’s essential to select cheeses that don’t melt excessively during frying, ensuring the perfect texture and preventing any mishaps.
Sourdough Bread With Olives & Goat Cheese
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of tangy and rich flavors with this delectable sourdough bread topped with olives and goat cheese! The subtle pucker from the sourdough starter, comprising yeast and flour, provides a delightful contrast to the sharp, earthy undertones of the goat cheese. As you savor each bite, the brininess of the olives adds a savory depth to this satisfying appetizer, making it impossible to tire of its unique blend.
Pistachio Grape Cheese Appetizers
Looking for a quick, effortless appetizer to complement your lasagna without heating up the kitchen? Look no further than this delightful Pistachio Grape Cheese combination! With just three ingredients and a simple pat-dry step using a paper towel, you’ll have a tasty treat ready in no time. To create this mouthwatering fusion, start by coating plump grapes with a rich and savory cheese spread like Boursin. Then, add a satisfying crunch by dipping them into chopped pistachios.
This easy and impressive appetizer is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Italian Deviled Eggs
When it comes to party fare, deviled eggs are a reliable crowd-pleaser. However, why settle for plain when you can elevate them with an Italian twist? The rich, buttery egg yolk perfectly complements the savory salami and tangy Dijon mustard, creating a flavorful combination that’s sure to delight. And if you’re as big a fan of Italian cuisine as we are, you’ll love this unique take on a classic snack.
Grilled Eggplant
Looking for a light and refreshing starter for your meal? Look no further than our simple Grilled Eggplant recipe that’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect grill is to season the eggplant after cooking, rather than before, as this prevents it from burning. By adding a sprinkle of Italian parsley, garlic, salt, and olive oil, you’ll be rewarded with a vegetable dish that literally melts in your mouth.
Goat-Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Whenever I come across a recipe, this delightful appetizer is always at the top of my list. Renee’ shared her experience with me recently, revealing that she initially found it challenging to scoop out the mixture, but the end result was well worth the effort. The combination of tangy goat cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes is nothing short of perfection, while the fragrant basil adds a harmonious touch. The best part?
These bite-sized morsels are incredibly easy to pop into your mouth, offering a refreshing flavor profile that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
The bottom line
When it comes to pairing an Italian feast with a rich and satisfying main course like lasagna, a well-crafted appetizer can make all the difference. Consider these sweet, savory, tangy, tart, creamy, buttery, or mild options to tantalize your taste buds and set the stage for a memorable meal. The perfect starter not only cuts the richness of the lasagna but also adds a touch of freshness and depth to the overall dining experience. For more ideas on what to serve with lasagna, look no further!
