When it comes to cooking, few things are as versatile or as delicious as a good spedini recipe. For those who may not be familiar with this popular Italian dish, spedini refers to small skewers of food, typically grilled or roasted to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal solution or a show-stopping main course for your next dinner party, spedini recipes have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 mouthwatering spedini recipes that are sure to satisfy any craving. From classic Italian beef and garlic butter shrimp, to spicy pork and grilled vegetable options, there’s something for everyone on our list. So grab your skewers and let’s get cooking!
Classic Italian Beef Spedini
Classic Italian Beef Spedini: A flavorful and tender beef skewer dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add beef cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Thread 4-5 beef cubes onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until beef reaches desired level of doneness.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Spedini
Elevate your appetizer game with this decadent Garlic Butter Shrimp Spedini, perfect for a quick and impressive start to any meal. Succulent shrimp are wrapped in crispy prosciutto and served with a rich garlic butter sauce that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of prosciutto
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of prosciutto, securing with toothpick if needed.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Place shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with garlic butter sauce.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Herb Chicken Spedini
These bite-sized chicken skewers are infused with the citrusy goodness of lemon and the freshness of herbs, making them perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Pork Spedini with Chimichurri
Spicy Pork Skewers with Chimichurri: A flavorful and colorful twist on traditional skewers, this recipe combines the bold flavors of spicy pork with the bright, herby notes of chimichurri.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add pork cubes and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Thread pork onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill or broil for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine parsley, oregano, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl. Stir to combine.
6. Serve pork skewers with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Vegetable Spedini with Balsamic Glaze
A flavorful and colorful summer side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe brings together the sweetness of grilled vegetables, the tanginess of balsamic glaze, and the crispy texture of bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch slices
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush bread slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill bread for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy.
4. In a separate area of the grill, brush vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender.
5. To assemble, place grilled vegetables on top of toasted bread and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella Spedini
Impress your guests with this easy-to-make, flavorful appetizer that combines the sweetness of mozzarella cheese with the salty, savory flavor of prosciutto.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 oz fresh mozzarella balls
– 6 slices of prosciutto
– Fresh basil leaves
– Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the prosciutto into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide.
3. Wrap each mozzarella ball with a strip of prosciutto, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the wrapped mozzarella on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Mediterranean Lamb Spedini
A classic Italian appetizer, Mediterranean Lamb Spedini are skewers of tender lamb, infused with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. With a blend of herbs and spices, these bite-sized morsels will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed hills of Italy.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add lamb cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread marinated lamb onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill or broil skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until lamb reaches desired level of doneness.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Teriyaki Salmon Spedini
A sweet and savory twist on traditional Italian-style skewers, this Teriyaki Salmon Spedini combines the flavors of the Pacific with the ease of Mediterranean-style cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Teriyaki sauce, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
3. Thread salmon pieces onto bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the Teriyaki mixture evenly over the salmon.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Spedini
Elevate your backyard barbecue with these flavorful skewers combining juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup mixed pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken, pineapple, and BBQ sauce mixture onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caprese Spedini with Fresh Basil
A classic Italian appetizer gets a speed boost with this simplified recipe, perfect for busy gatherings and impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp salt
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
– Wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Arrange mozzarella slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the cheese, sprinkling salt to taste.
4. Place cherry tomatoes alongside the cheese, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is slightly melted and tomatoes are tender.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
7. Spear a mozzarella slice, tomato half, and basil leaf onto each skewer or toothpick.
8. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Tomato Spedini
This recipe combines the rich flavors of pesto, chicken, and fresh tomatoes to create a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, pesto sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread chicken mixture onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the skewers and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve warm with diced tomatoes on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Spedini
Elevate your snack game with these flavorful and spicy sausage and pepper skewers, perfect for a quick and easy meal or party appetizer. This recipe combines juicy sausage, crunchy peppers, and a kick of heat for a deliciously addictive treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. Thread sausage, peppers, onion, and garlic onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot with optional jalapeños or hot sauce for an added kick.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Greek-Style Halloumi Spedini
A classic Cypriot appetizer, these crispy fried cheese skewers are a flavorful and addictive start to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Dip each halloumi cube into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
3. Dip the floured cheese cubes into the beaten egg, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Fry the cheese skewers in hot oil (about 350°F) for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Honey Mustard Pork Spedini
Elevate your pork game with this sweet and tangy Honey Mustard Pork Spedini recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin, sliced into 1-inch thick strips
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and garlic powder.
3. Place the pork strips in a shallow dish and brush with olive oil.
4. Pour the honey-mustard mixture over the pork, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Spedini
Elevate your appetizer game with this indulgent recipe that combines the richness of bacon, the sweetness of scallops, and the savory flavors of Italy. This Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Spedini is perfect for a special occasion or as a treat for a dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut in half
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with the olive oil mixture.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tandoori Chicken Spedini
Experience the bold flavors of India with this unique twist on traditional Tandoori Chicken, served as skewers (Spedini) perfect for a party or gathering. This recipe combines yogurt, spices, and tender chicken to create an aromatic and delicious appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush the skewers with vegetable oil and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
4. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed Mushroom and Onion Spedini
Herbed Mushroom and Onion Spedini Recipe
This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms and onions with fresh herbs, perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12-16 spedini (or small skewers)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, toss mushrooms, onions, garlic, olive oil, thyme, and parsley until well combined.
3. Thread 2-3 pieces of the mushroom mixture onto each spedini.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill spedini for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until mushrooms are tender and lightly charred.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Spedini
This vibrant appetizer combines the brightness of citrus with the succulence of shrimp, perfect for any gathering or celebration. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Garnish with parsley or thyme leaves, if desired. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cheesy Potato and Chorizo Spedini
A twist on the classic Spanish tapas dish, this recipe combines creamy potatoes with spicy chorizo for a flavorful and satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup chorizo, sliced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange potato slices in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile, cook chorizo in a pan over medium heat, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks, until crispy.
6. Remove potatoes from oven and top each slice with a piece of cooked chorizo, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and some parsley.
7. Return to oven for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Serve warm and enjoy!
Thai Peanut Chicken Spedini
This recipe combines the flavors of Thailand with the convenience of a bite-sized appetizer or snack. Crispy chicken, creamy peanut sauce, and crunchy vegetables come together in a delicious and easy-to-make spedini.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and green onions)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Dip chicken pieces into the peanut mixture, then roll in chopped peanuts and shredded coconut.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve with mixed vegetables and additional peanut sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these 20 delicious Spedini recipes! From classic Italian beef to spicy pork and Mediterranean lamb, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple appetizer or a show-stopping main course, this collection of recipes has got you covered. With flavors ranging from garlic butter shrimp to teriyaki salmon and citrus-marinated shrimp, there’s no shortage of inspiration here. Plus, with options like prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella and cheesy potato and chorizo, even the pickiest eaters will find something they love.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
