Basil is a fragrant herb that can uplift any dish with its intense herbaceous flavor. This delicious and aromatic herb is commonly used in Italian and Asian cuisine, making it a versatile ingredient for any appetizer dish.
If you’re planning to impress your guests with your cooking skills, here are 35 easy appetizers with basil that you can make in a snap!
35 Easy Appetizers with Basil
1. Caprese Skewers
This colorful and refreshing appetizer is a crowd-pleaser. Just thread bite-sized tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves onto skewers drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
2. Basil Pesto Breadsticks
Whip up some basil pesto sauce, then brush it onto crispy breadsticks. Serve them solo or with marinara sauce as a dipping side.
3. Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, tomatoes, and basil. It’s a simple but flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
4. Basil Hummus
Basil hummus is a delightful variation of traditional hummus, infused with the fresh and aromatic flavor of basil. It offers a refreshing twist to the classic recipe, adding a fragrant and herbaceous note to the creamy chickpea dip.
5. Basil and Goat Cheese Crostini
Basil and goat cheese crostini are elegant and flavorful appetizers that combine the creaminess of goat cheese with the aromatic freshness of basil.
The vibrant basil leaves complement the tangy goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavors atop crispy, toasted baguette slices. These crostini are a perfect choice for entertaining or as a sophisticated snack.
6. Basil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuff portobello mushrooms with a mix of goat cheese, basil, and garlic, and bake them in the oven until golden brown.
7. Thai Basil Beef Rolls
Thai basil beef rolls are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender beef slices with aromatic Thai basil, creating a perfect balance of savory and herbal flavors. This dish is a wonderful addition to any Thai-inspired meal or gathering.
8. Basil Chicken Meatballs
Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped basil, and parmesan cheese. Roll them into meatballs, and bake them. Perfect for dipping with a homemade tomato sauce.
9. Basil and Mozzarella Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
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This tasty appetizer consists of cherry tomatoes that are hollowed out and stuffed with a blend of mozzarella cheese, basil, and garlic.
10. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Basil and Lemon
Burrata with tomatoes and pesto basil is a delightful dish featuring creamy burrata cheese paired with ripe, juicy tomatoes and a flavorful pesto made with fresh basil.
This dish is a wonderful appetizer or light meal option, especially during the summer months when tomatoes and basil are at their peak.
11. Zucchini and Basil Fritters
These crispy fritters are made with grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, and finely chopped basil. Fry them and serve with a side of marinara sauce.
12. Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp with Basil
Prosciutto wrapped shrimp with basil lemon marinade is a delectable dish that combines the savory richness of prosciutto with succulent shrimp, all enhanced by a zesty basil lemon marinade.
This elegant appetizer or main course is sure to impress with its delightful combination of flavors.
13. Mozzarella Tomato Basil Appetizer
Mozzarella tomato basil appetizer is a classic dish featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
This simple yet elegant appetizer showcases the perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors, making it a delightful addition to any gathering or meal.
14. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels
Sun-dried tomato and basil pinwheels are delightful appetizers that feature a flavorful combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy cheese rolled into a flaky pastry.
These savory pinwheels offer a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and herbaceous flavors, making them a popular choice for parties, gatherings, or as a delicious snack.
15. Basil Pesto Wontons
Basil Pesto Wontons are a fusion delight, marrying the traditional Chinese dumpling with the vibrant flavors of Italian basil pesto.
These pockets of goodness boast a savory filling of homemade pesto, encased in delicate wonton wrappers, creating a perfect balance of herbaceous and crunchy textures in every bite.
16. Tomato Basil Tartlets
These low-carb tartlets are perfect for any vegetarians in the room, combining a mixture of cheeses, tomato, and any herbs of your liking; basil included!
17. Strawberry Feta Skewers with Basil
This appetizer is like a flavor explosion, seriously. Perfect for any chill hangout or party – these skewers bring the good vibes and good flavors. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
18. Tomato Tartlets with Basil Goat Cheese
Make mini tart shells with puff pastry or phyllo dough. Fill with goat cheese, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Bake until golden brown.
19. Basil + Lemon Burrata with Ciabatta Toasts
Get ready for a flavor symphony with Basil + Lemon Burrata paired with Ciabatta Toasts. It’s a sophisticated yet simple culinary delight, bringing together a medley of fresh and vibrant tastes in every bite.
20. Basil Avocado Rolls
These delightful bites offer a perfect balance of richness and herbal freshness, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any gathering or snack time.
21. Tomato, Basil & Caramelized Onion Quiche
This delectable dish features a golden pastry crust cradling a velvety filling of sweet caramelized onions, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that elevate the classic quiche experience.
22. Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto
Toss cooked pasta with homemade basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pine nuts for a refreshing pasta salad.
23. Basil and Feta Stuffed Peppers
Halve mini bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is slightly melted.
24. Basil Guacamole
Enhance your guacamole by adding chopped basil for a fresh twist on this classic dip.
25. Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta
Top toasted bread with a mixture of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
26. Basil and Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms
Stuff delicate squash blossoms with a mixture of ricotta cheese and finely chopped basil, then lightly batter and fry until crispy.
27. Basil and Lemon Cream Cheese Spread
Blend cream cheese with chopped fresh basil and a hint of lemon zest for a zesty spread that’s perfect on crackers or baguette slices.
28. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Hollow out large portobello mushrooms and stuff them with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a hearty and flavorful appetizer.
29. Basil and Feta Phyllo Triangles
Create flaky phyllo pastry triangles filled with a combination of crumbled feta cheese and finely chopped basil. Bake until golden brown.
30. Basil and Sundried Tomato Pinwheels
Spread cream cheese mixed with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil on tortillas, roll them up, and slice into pinwheels.
31. Basil and Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Combine roasted red peppers with cream cheese and fresh basil for a creamy and tangy dip.
32. Basil and Corn Fritters
Make fritters by mixing corn kernels, flour, eggs, and finely chopped basil. Fry them until crispy and serve with a dipping sauce.
33. Basil and Lemon Butter Shrimp
Sauté shrimp in a buttery mixture infused with chopped basil and a squeeze of lemon juice for a quick and flavorful appetizer.
34. Basil and Mozzarella Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuff button mushrooms with a mixture of mozzarella cheese, garlic, and fresh basil, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
35. Basil Aioli with Crispy Potato Wedges
Serve crispy potato wedges with a side of basil-infused aioli for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
Final Thoughts,
Basil is a versatile herb that can transform any appetizer into a memorable and exciting dish.
Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or you want to indulge in some meaty goodness, these 35 appetizers with basil will impress your guests!
So, grab your apron, pick some fresh basil from your garden, and start cooking!
