Italian bar recipes: 11 quick and easy savory ideas like those of aperitivo at the bar

Saturday 28 February 2026 10:00 - Daniele Mainieri
Italian bar recipes: 11 quick and easy savory ideas like those of aperitivo at the bar

Italian bar recipes are part of our daily routine: pizzas on the counter, fluffy sandwiches, puff pastry and all those savory aperitivo appetizers that disappear in minutes. Simple flavors, quick preparations and that casual atmosphere that makes the aperitif one of the most beloved moments of the day.

In this article we have collected 11 savory ideas inspired by the real Italian bar, easy, quick and inexpensive recipes to prepare at home, perfect for recreating the Italian aperitivo without going out. From the great timeless classics to the most versatile finger foods, you'll find many practical solutions for a home aperitivo, a party with friends or an informal buffet, with all the authentic taste of the bars of yesteryear.




1. Italian-style sandwiches: a great bar classic

The Italian-style sandwich is a regular presence in bars: simple, balanced and always satisfying. Made with mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, pesto and toasted bread, it is ideal for a bracing aperitif, a savory snack or a quick break that is easy to customize and perfect for sharing.

Italian club sandwichRecipe Italian club sandwich

For dinner time, and when you're out of ideas, we bring you a triple sandwich that is easy, light, and complete :) Add a touch of pesto and you'll have all the flavors of Italy in one bite!

2. Puff pastry rustics: versatile and always a winner

Golden, fragrant and super customizable, puff pastry rustici are a mainstay of the Italian aperitivo. They can be prepared in no time and are suitable for any occasion, from a home buffet to an impromptu aperitivo with friends.

Quick and easy puff pastry bites for a successful aperitif!Recipe Quick and easy puff pastry bites for a successful aperitif!

For an impromptu aperitif or a homemade touch to your buffets, these puff pastry bites are just perfect! :) Easy to prepare, they combine the sweetness of cream cheese , the acidity of sun-dried tomatoes, the flavor of pesto and the crunch of...

3. Crostini with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes: Mediterranean flavor

Crostini with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes add a fragrant and flavorful touch to the appetizer. Crispy and intense, they are ideal to serve as finger food alongside other great bar classics.

Toasts with pesto, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoesRecipe Toasts with pesto, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes

It's appetizer time, but what should we eat to accompany our cocktail? At Ptitchef, we are tired of all kinds of snack biscuits and peanuts. Let's replace them with toasts! Quick and easy to make, some won't even require cooking. This is the case with...

4. Puff pastry swirls: savory Italian bar snack

Crispy and fragrant, puff pastry turnovers are one of those snacks that always finish first. Easy to prepare and serve, they are ideal to enhance any homemade appetizer.

Puff pastry rolls in air fryer: quick and easy recipeRecipe Puff pastry rolls in air fryer: quick and easy recipe

Looking for a quick, tasty snack that's super easy to make? Air fryer puff pastry rolls are the perfect answer: ready in minutes, with an irresistible crispness on the outside and a stringy cheese heart that wins you over at the first bite. Our...

5. Bruschetta with cream cheese, pesto and cherry tomatoes

A simple but always winning mix: crusty bread, fresh cheese, pesto and cherry tomatoes. These bruschetta are reminiscent of the traditional aperitif and perfect for those who like fresh, colorful appetizers.

Fresh cheese, pesto, and cherry tomato toastsRecipe Fresh cheese, pesto, and cherry tomato toasts

Not too hungry in this heat? We offer you a quick, fresh, and tasty recipe to soothe your stomach: toasts! Here, the combination of fresh cheese, pesto sauce, and cherry tomatoes will be perfect to snack on as is or to accompany with a mixed salad. Enjoy!

6. Rosemary focaccia: the comfort food of the appetizer

Rosemary focaccia is a must-have that never disappoints. Soft, fragrant, and golden brown, it is ideal to serve in squares or slices to accompany cured meats, cheeses, and other bar snacks.

Focaccia, the italian bread with rosemaryRecipe Focaccia, the italian bread with rosemary

Travel to Italy with this easy and sunny focaccia recipe. Perfect for snacking during appetizers or serving as a side throughout the meal. Soft and fluffy, you won't be able to resist its flavors of olive oil and rosemary. Follow the step-by-step...

7. Puff pastry pizzas: the easy and tasty appetizer

Puff pastry pizzas are among the most iconic bar snacks: small, mouthwatering and irresistible. It only takes a few ingredients to bring to the table a classic perfect for appetizers, casual parties, and savory breaks.

Simple mini pizzas - video recipe !Recipe Simple mini pizzas - video recipe !

A really simple appetizer recipe, perfect to use tomato sauce or grated cheese leftovers ! An unannounced gathering with friends ? This will be the perfect treat for your guests !

8. Pesto and parmesan breadsticks: scent of Italian bar

Pesto and Parmesan breadsticks combine two great flavors of Italian cuisine into a crisp, irresistible appetizer, perfect to pair with drinks and other savory finger foods.

Pesto & parmesan breadsticks - video recipe !Recipe Pesto & parmesan breadsticks - video recipe !

Everyone loves breadsticks ! And it's so easy to bake that it would be a shame not to offer some to your guests at a dinner party !

9. Savory parmesan and rosemary crisps: Italian bar crunch

Parmesan and rosemary savory crisps bring a crunchy note to the appetizer. Fragrant and flavorful, they are ideal to serve as an alternative to classic bar snacks.

Parmesan crisps, with spices and herbs - video recipe !Recipe Parmesan crisps, with spices and herbs - video recipe !

When you are fed up with potato crisps, you can move things around a little bit, and have those delicious and simple parmesan crisps. Then, add whatever spice or herb you like, and those will be the best appetizer ever !

10. Stringy mozzarellas: a great timeless classic

Stringy mozzarellas are one of the most beloved Italian aperitivo snacks. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they always win everyone over and pair perfectly with other appetizers.

Breaded mozzarella balls in airfryerRecipe Breaded mozzarella balls in airfryer

A very easy and tasty recipe . Just follow some small steps to make mozzarella balls in air fryer that are crispy on the outside and stringy on the inside . Thanks to cooking in an air fryer, very little oil is used to prepare this recipe:...

11. Rustici with ham and cheese: a great bar classic

Rustici con prosciutto e formaggio are one of the most beloved Italian aperitivo appetizers: golden pastry, stringy filling and simple taste that immediately recalls the bar counter. Easy to prepare and always appreciated, they are perfect to complete a home aperitivo, a buffet among friends or a timeless savory break.

Pizza-style boat rolls stuffed with tomato sauce, ham and mozzarellaRecipe Pizza-style boat rolls stuffed with tomato sauce, ham and mozzarella

For an original idea for an aperitif or starter presentation, try our little pizza-style boats ! After the flaky croissants , we tried the pizza dough version, for an even crispier result :-) A superb idea to make with the children, since these...

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day I immerse myself in the world of cooking, looking for new recipes and flavors to share: from grandma's dish to the latest food trends. I have been working in food communication for over 10 years!

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