appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Empadinha
Empadinhas are beloved Brazilian mini pies, featuring a delicate, buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a savory shredded chicken and hearts of palm mixture.
Empanada de Carne Venezolana
Crispy, golden-fried corn masa pockets filled with a savory ground beef and vegetable mixture. A beloved Venezuelan street food classic.
Empanada de Cazón
Traditional Venezuelan empanadas filled with a flavorful shredded shark (cazón) and vegetable mixture, encased in a crispy corn dough. A beloved coastal specialty, particularly from Margarita Island.
Empanada de Pipián (Colombian Potato and Peanut Empanadas)
Authentic Cauca-style empanadas featuring a savory filling of mashed potatoes and a rich, spiced peanut sauce, encased in a crispy corn masa shell. A beloved Colombian street food.
Empanada de Pollo (Venezuelan Chicken Empanadas)
Crispy, golden-fried empanadas filled with a savory shredded chicken and vegetable mixture. A beloved Venezuelan street food and appetizer.
Empanada de Queso Venezolana
Crispy fried empanadas filled with a generous amount of melty white Venezuelan cheese. A beloved breakfast and snack.
Empanadas Colombianas
Authentic Colombian empanadas featuring a crispy corn masa shell filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a flavorful hogao (Colombian sofrito). Perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Empanadas Venezolanas
Authentic Venezuelan empanadas, featuring a crispy fried corn dough shell filled with savory black beans and cheese. These are typically larger than their Colombian counterparts and are a beloved street food.
Escabeche de Pescado
A classic Peruvian dish featuring pan-fried white fish bathed in a vibrant, tangy escabeche sauce of pickled onions and ají amarillo. This dish showcases the influence of colonial heritage on Peruvian cuisine.
Escabeche de Pollo (Peruvian Pickled Chicken)
A classic Peruvian dish featuring tender, fried chicken pieces bathed in a vibrant, tangy escabeche sauce made with pickled onions, ají amarillo, and vinegar. This dish, with its colonial heritage, is delicious served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or as a refreshing main course.
Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)
A beloved Mexican street food, esquites features tender corn kernels sautéed with aromatics and butter, then tossed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, savory cotija cheese, and a kick of chile powder. Served warm in cups, it's a delightful and easy-to-eat alternative to elote.
Flautas (Crispy Rolled Taquitos)
Authentic Mexican flautas, also known as taquitos, are made by tightly rolling corn tortillas around a savory filling, then deep-frying them until perfectly golden and crispy. Traditionally filled with shredded chicken or beef, these are a delightful appetizer or main course, best served with cool crema, vibrant salsa, crisp lettuce, and crumbled queso fresco.
Frango à Passarinho (Brazilian Crispy Garlic Chicken)
Frango à Passarinho, meaning 'little bird style' chicken, is a popular Brazilian bar snack featuring incredibly crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken deeply infused with garlic and lime, then fried to golden perfection. It's a simple yet addictive dish perfect for sharing.
Gorditas
Gorditas are delightful Mexican stuffed corn cakes, essentially thick masa pockets that are fried or griddled and then filled with a variety of savory stews and toppings. A beloved street food originating from Central Mexico.
Guacamole Colombiano
A vibrant and chunky Colombian-style guacamole, bursting with fresh flavors and a zesty lime finish. Perfect as a side or dip.
Hormigas Culonas (Big-Bottomed Ants)
A traditional and crunchy delicacy from the Santander region of Colombia, these large ants are toasted to perfection and seasoned with salt. They offer a unique, nutty flavor and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Jalea (Peruvian Fried Seafood Platter)
A vibrant and crispy Peruvian fried seafood platter, featuring an assortment of lightly battered and fried seafood, served with tender boiled yuca and a zesty salsa criolla. Perfect for sharing.
Kansas City Style Brisket Burnt Ends
The ultimate BBQ indulgence! Cubed brisket point, re-smoked until tender, then tossed in a sweet and savory glaze and caramelized to perfection. These are the 'burnt ends' that define Kansas City BBQ.
Leche de Tigre (Peruvian Tiger's Milk)
Leche de Tigre, or 'Tiger's Milk,' is the vibrant, citrusy marinade used to cure fish in Peruvian ceviche, famously served as a potent shot. It's renowned for its invigorating flavor and is often considered a delicious hangover remedy.
Loaded Tater Tots
Crispy potato tots loaded with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and a dollop of cool sour cream, finished with fresh green onions. The ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or bar food.
Marranitas (Fried Plantain and Chicharrón Balls)
Savory and addictive fried balls made from mashed green plantains and crispy chicharrón (pork cracklings), often seasoned with hogao. A popular street food and appetizer from the Valle del Cauca region.
Matambre Arrollado (Argentine Rolled Beef)
A classic Argentine dish, Matambre Arrollado is a flavorful rolled flank steak stuffed with a colorful mixture of hard-boiled eggs, vegetables, and spinach. It's typically braised or poached until tender, then chilled and sliced thin to be served cold as an elegant appetizer or cold cut.
Molleja (Argentine Grilled Sweetbreads)
Molleja, or sweetbreads (thymus gland), are a prized delicacy in Argentine asado. This recipe focuses on grilling them to a perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior, served simply with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Mollejas (Argentine Sweetbreads)
Mollejas, or sweetbreads (thymus glands), are a highly prized delicacy in Argentina, especially during an asado (barbecue). This recipe focuses on achieving a perfectly grilled exterior with a creamy, tender interior.