What Starter Goes With Meatballs? BEST Choices!
Making meatballs for dinner, but not sure what would work as a starter?
I’ve got you covered! Here, we’re going to take a look at the most delicious starters that pair perfectly with any meatball and spaghetti main course that you might have planned.
Whether you want something super quick and easy, something that’s worthy of a celebratory dinner party, or something that ticks both these boxes, you’re about to discover some choices that you and your guests will absolutely love!
What starter goes with meatballs?
The best starters to serve before meatballs are light but full of flavour, tempting the tastebuds and leaving plenty of room for the main course. Some of the best choices include garlic and rosemary focaccia, tricolour salad, tomato bruschetta, melon and prosciutto, courgette fries with spicy chilli mayonnaise, and Caprese skewers.
Let’s dive into the best recipes for you to try, plus more inspiration to help you create a memorable Italian inspired meal…
1. Garlic and rosemary focaccia bread
Garlic bread is a simple yet delicious starter for Italian food, and for a slightly more sophisticated twist, I recommend trying this garlic and rosemary focaccia bread.
It’s crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and it’s achievable to make at home even if you’re a complete novice baker!
The secret ingredient here is the extra virgin olive oil, which gives the bread such a beautiful flavour and texture.
You don’t have to spend a fortune, but is worth using the best oil that you have in your cupboard.
My top tip is to make sure that you make enough focaccia and meatballs to enjoy as a sandwich the next day. Add a little cheese and some rocket, and you’ll have a beautiful lunch that’s worthy of being served in an Italian restaurant.
You can also take a browse through some more ideas for what to serve with focaccia.
2. Tricolour salad
Tricolour salad is made with fresh and ripe tomatoes, soft avocado, and creamy mozzarella cheese.
You’ll slice up these ingredients before drizzling over a dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, and then garnish with fresh basil leaves. Super easy!
It’s proof that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create some of the best dishes imaginable, and sometimes it’s a case of showcasing the finest quality ingredients and letting them shine.
This is a fuss-free starter, so you can quickly prepare it whilst your meatballs bubble away on the stove. It’s best to cut your avocado just before you’re ready to serve, to prevent browning.
3. Classic tomato bruschetta
Bruschetta is a wonderfully traditional and authentic Italian starter, and it’s delicious when served before a meatball and spaghetti main course. With flavours of tomato, basil, and fresh garlic, it’s always popular with a crowd and you can even create a bruschetta station at the dining table so everyone can build their own!
My top tip here is to resist the temptation to make too much bruschetta. It might be addictive, but you don’t want to give your guests too many carbs and fill them up before you even have your meatballs on the table! Just one or two pieces is sufficient for a light appetiser.
4. Melon and prosciutto
Melon and prosciutto ham is a beautifully light starter that cleanses and refreshes the palate before a hearty main course like meatballs and pasta. It also has a lovely retro appeal, and is super easy to prepare!
Just take your slice of melon, wrap in ham, and you’re good to go! If you like, you can thread them on to skewers and add a ball of mozzarella cheese or some torn fresh basil leaves.
Depending on the season and the availability of fresh fruit in your area, you may want to substitute the melon for something else. Figs, pears, and apples can all work well too.
5. Courgette fries with spicy chilli mayonnaise
Everyone loves a portion of fries, right?
I love to serve potato chips with so many different meals, but they’re a little too heavy to be enjoyed alongside a hearty and filling meal like meatballs and pasta.
That’s where these courgette fries with spicy chilli mayonnaise come in!
There are a few tips you should follow here to create the best results. These are:
- Make sure your oil is heated to 180 degrees for frying – a digital thermometer is a handy tool to have!
- Don’t skip adding sparkling water to the batter. It creates air pockets that will expand when exposed to heat, creating a lighter result
- Plan to make these just before serving, so they’re hot and crispy. You don’t want them to go soggy!
6. Italian stuffed courgette boats
Piled with delicious spicy sausage, juicy tomatoes, and mushrooms, these Italian stuffed courgette boats are a brilliant way to bring extra veggies to your meal.
They smell fantastic when they’re roasting in the oven, and they’re a real celebration of vibrant Mediterranean ingredients and flavours.
They’re a fabulous starter for meatballs, though they also make a great quick dinner in their own right when served with garlic bread and a spinach salad.
It’s a recipe that you’ll definitely be making again once you’ve tried it!
7. Rocket, pear, and blue cheese salad
A fresh and vibrant salad is the perfect starter for meatballs, but sometimes you want something more interesting and exciting than the usual lettuce and tomato combo.
This rocket, pear, and blue cheese salad fits the bill.
It includes delightfully sweet pears, toasty walnuts, and a moreish honey and mustard dressing.
Ideally, you’ll make this starter just before you’re ready to serve it, but if you can’t, you can drizzle some lemon juice over the pears to keep them from turning brown.
8. Caprese skewers
I make these Caprese skewers as an appetiser for such a variety of different meals!
They require no cooking and just a handful of simple ingredients, and yet they look so sophisticated and enticing.
They’re perfect enjoyed with a glass of fizz whilst you’re cooking your meatballs.
When you’re making something simple like this, the quality of ingredients really is key.
If you can, get the best mozzarella and tomatoes that you can find. It’s worth spending a little extra for special occasions.
If you have any pesto in your fridge, or you happen to have everything at hand to make a batch of homemade, use this as a drizzle before serving.
Alternatively, a drizzle of balsamic glaze works well too.
The best starters for meatballs and spaghetti
A light, Italian inspired starter is the perfect choice when you’re serving meatballs for your main course. Whether it’s a midweek meal for your family, or you’re entertaining guests for a special celebration, here are some of your best options:
- Garlic and rosemary focaccia bread
- Classic bruschetta
- Melon and prosciutto
- Courgette fries with spicy chilli mayo
- Caprese skewers
For more meal planning inspiration for your next Italian inspired dinner, be sure to check out my guide to what desserts to serve with spaghetti, and what to serve with meatballs instead of pasta!
