appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Ajo Blanco (Spanish White Gazpacho)
A refreshing and elegant cold soup from Andalusia, Spain, featuring blanched almonds, garlic, and stale bread. Perfect for a light summer starter or appetizer.
Albóndigas en Salsa (Spanish Meatballs in Almond-Saffron Sauce)
Tender, flavorful Spanish meatballs simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce made with ground almonds and a hint of saffron. A classic tapas dish perfect for sharing.
Almejas a la Marinera (Spanish Clams in White Wine)
A classic Spanish tapa, these clams are quickly steamed in a fragrant broth of garlic, olive oil, white wine, and fresh parsley. The resulting briny, garlicky sauce is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, or Portuguese garlic clams, is a classic and incredibly simple appetizer featuring fresh clams simmered in a fragrant broth of olive oil, garlic, white wine, and cilantro. It's named after the 19th-century Portuguese poet Raimundo António de Bulhão Pato and is best enjoyed immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Blini
Traditional Russian yeasted buckwheat pancakes, known for their delicate texture and slightly nutty flavor. Perfect for festive occasions and best served with classic accompaniments like caviar, smoked salmon, or sour cream.
Blini with Caviar
Authentic Russian buckwheat pancakes – small, yeasted, and slightly spongy, perfect for special occasions. Traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream and a generous spoonful of caviar.
Bouchée à la Reine
A classic French vol-au-vent, meaning 'windblown' or 'puff', this elegant appetizer features delicate puff pastry cases filled with a rich, creamy mixture of chicken, mushrooms, and a hint of white wine. Traditionally served as a sophisticated first course.
Brandade de Morue
A classic Provençal purée made from salt cod, olive oil, and garlic, creating a rich and creamy emulsion. Traditionally served as a spread on crusty bread or baked until golden and bubbly.
Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Grilled bread with tomatoes - toasted bread rubbed with garlic, topped with tomatoes.
Buzhenina (Russian Roast Pork)
A classic Russian cold cut, Buzhenina is a flavorful roast pork loin studded with garlic and herbs, perfect for slicing and serving cold, especially during holidays. The long marination ensures deep flavor penetration.
Calamares a la Romana (Spanish Fried Squid Rings)
Crispy, golden-fried squid rings, a quintessential Spanish tapa and a beloved filling for bocadillos (sandwiches). This recipe delivers perfectly tender squid encased in a light, crunchy batter.
Calamari Fritti
Crispy, golden fried squid rings, lightly coated in semolina flour and served with fresh lemon wedges. A classic Italian appetizer that's surprisingly simple to make.
Caracóis à Portuguesa (Portuguese Snails)
A beloved Portuguese summer tradition, these tender snails are simmered in a fragrant broth of garlic, olive oil, and herbs, perfect for dipping crusty bread into.
Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-Style Fried Artichokes)
A classic Roman Jewish specialty, these artichokes are deep-fried whole until their outer leaves are delightfully crispy and the hearts are tender and flavorful. The unique preparation involves opening the leaves to resemble a blooming flower before frying.
Carciofi alla Romana (Roman Braised Artichokes)
A classic Roman dish featuring tender artichokes braised with garlic, mint, white wine, and olive oil. The key is to cook them until they are meltingly soft.
Chebureki (Crispy Fried Meat Pies)
Chebureki are delicious, crispy, deep-fried turnovers filled with seasoned ground meat and onions. A popular street food, these pies are known for their blistered, golden-brown crust and juicy, flavorful filling.
Chistorra a la Sidra (Basque Sausage in Cider)
A classic Basque pintxo featuring thin, flavorful chistorra sausage simmered and then pan-fried in hard cider until caramelized and slightly crisp. The cider's subtle sweetness and acidity beautifully complement the rich, savory sausage.
Cicchetti
Venetian small plates - bite-sized snacks, akin to tapas, traditionally served at bàcari (wine bars) with a small glass of wine (ombra).
Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue
Switzerland's iconic communal dish - a pot of melted Gruyère, Emmentaler, and Appenzeller cheeses in white wine, perfect for dipping crusty bread. A delightful and interactive meal.
Coca de Recapte
A traditional Catalan vegetable flatbread, often referred to as a 'harvest bread' due to its seasonal vegetable toppings. This recipe features a flavorful escalivada of roasted eggplant and peppers, sweet caramelized onions, and savory anchovies on a rustic dough base.
Coquilles Saint-Jacques
Elegant French scallops served in their shells with a rich, creamy mushroom and shallot sauce, topped with Gruyère cheese and breadcrumbs, then gratinated to golden perfection. A classic and impressive starter.
Cozze Gratinate
Gratinated mussels - baked mussels with breadcrumb topping. Pugliese specialty.
Croquetas de Jamón
Authentic Spanish ham croquettes featuring a rich, creamy béchamel sauce infused with finely diced Jamón Serrano, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried to a perfect golden brown. A quintessential Spanish tapa.
Dolmades (Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Tender grape leaves delicately wrapped around a flavorful mixture of herbed rice, toasted pine nuts, and sweet currants, all gently simmered and served with a bright lemon finish. A classic Mediterranean appetizer.