appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Krokiety (Polish Crêpe Croquettes)
Crispy, golden-fried crêpes filled with a savory mushroom and cabbage mixture, then coated in breadcrumbs. A beloved Polish comfort food, often served as a side to clear borscht.
Kryddsill (Swedish Spiced Herring)
A classic Swedish appetizer featuring tender herring fillets delicately pickled in a fragrant brine with allspice and bay leaves. This dish is a staple of the traditional Swedish smörgåsbord and is best enjoyed after allowing the flavors to meld for at least 24 hours.
Leberknödel (German Liver Dumplings)
A classic Bavarian dish of tender liver dumplings gently simmered in a rich beef broth. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a light main course.
Manitaria Scharas (Greek Grilled Mushrooms)
A simple yet flavorful Greek mezze featuring large mushrooms grilled to perfection with a zesty olive oil, garlic, and herb marinade. Ideal as an appetizer or side dish.
Matjeshering (Young Herring with Onions and Cream)
A classic Northern German dish featuring tender young herring fillets, thinly sliced onions, and a creamy apple sauce, traditionally served with boiled potatoes. This recipe is a celebration of spring and the fresh catch from the sea.
Mejillones Tigre (Spicy Stuffed Mussels)
A classic Spanish tapas dish featuring mussels stuffed with a rich, savory béchamel filling, breaded, and deep-fried to a golden crisp. These 'tiger mussels' are a delightful explosion of flavor and texture.
Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)
A classic Greek appetizer, Melitzanosalata is a smoky and flavorful roasted eggplant dip, distinct from Baba Ghanoush due to its simpler preparation and fewer ingredients. It's typically made with roasted eggplant, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, offering a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes.
Moules Farcies (Stuffed Mussels)
Elegant French stuffed mussels, where plump mussels are filled with a fragrant garlic-herb butter and breadcrumb mixture, then baked until golden and bubbling. A sophisticated appetizer reminiscent of escargots.
Navajas a la Plancha (Grilled Razor Clams)
A classic Galician delicacy, these razor clams are quickly seared on a very hot griddle (plancha) with garlic and parsley, resulting in a tender, flavorful seafood dish. The key is high heat and minimal cooking time to preserve their delicate texture.
Ntakos (Dakos)
A classic Cretan meze, Ntakos features crunchy barley rusks (paximadia) topped with juicy grated tomatoes, creamy feta or mizithra cheese, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and fragrant oregano. It's a refreshing and simple dish perfect for a light meal or appetizer, especially during the summer months.
Obatzda
A classic Bavarian cheese spread, perfect for beer gardens and gatherings. It's a delicious, creamy, and slightly spicy blend of ripe Camembert, butter, and cream cheese, seasoned with paprika and often topped with fresh onions.
Oreja a la Plancha (Grilled Pig's Ear)
A classic Spanish bar snack, this dish features tender, simmered pig's ears grilled to a delightful crisp, seasoned with paprika and garlic. The combination of chewy cartilage and crispy rendered fat offers a unique textural experience, perfect for sharing with a cold drink.
Pa amb Tomàquet (Catalan Tomato Bread)
Pa amb Tomàquet, meaning 'bread with tomato,' is a quintessential Catalan tapa. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish where crusty bread is rubbed with ripe tomato, garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with salt. It's the perfect base for other toppings or enjoyed on its own.
Panzerotti Pugliesi (Fried Calzones)
Authentic Pugliese panzerotti are delightful, small, fried calzones filled with a simple yet flavorful mixture of tomato and mozzarella. They are a popular street food, perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Pataniscas de Bacalhau
Pataniscas de Bacalhau are traditional Portuguese cod fritters, featuring flaky salt cod encased in a light, airy batter. They are a popular appetizer or light meal, often served with rice and salad.
Patatas Bravas
Classic Spanish Patatas Bravas – crispy fried potatoes served with a smoky, spicy bravas sauce and a creamy garlic aioli. A quintessential tapas bar appetizer.
Pâté Chaud (Vietnamese-French Pork and Liver Pastry)
Individual savory pâtés filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, chicken liver, and aromatic spices, all encased in flaky puff pastry. Traditionally served warm, this dish is a beloved fusion found in French-Vietnamese bakeries.
Percebes (Portuguese Gooseneck Barnacles)
Percebes, or gooseneck barnacles, are a highly prized and unique delicacy from the Portuguese coast. Their intense, briny flavor and tender texture are best enjoyed with minimal preparation. This recipe focuses on highlighting their natural taste.
Pica-Pau
Pica-Pau is a classic Portuguese petisco (tapas or bar snack) featuring tender, bite-sized pieces of beef stir-fried with garlic, chili, and a splash of beer, often served with pickles. It's a flavorful and quick dish perfect for sharing.
Pierogi (Polish Dumplings)
Classic Polish dumplings with a tender dough, filled with a savory mixture of mashed potatoes and farmer's cheese, then pan-fried in butter until golden brown. This recipe focuses on the traditional 'Ruskie' filling.
Pimientos Asados (Roasted Red Peppers)
Fire-roasted red bell peppers, peeled and marinated in a simple dressing of garlic, olive oil, and sherry vinegar. This classic Spanish tapa is best served at room temperature and is even better the next day.
Pimientos de Padrón (Blistered Padrón Peppers)
A classic Galician tapa, these small green peppers are blistered in hot olive oil until tender and slightly charred, then generously seasoned with flaky sea salt. Enjoy the thrill of the 'Russian roulette' – some peppers are mild, while others pack a surprising spicy punch!
Pimientos Rellenos (Spanish Stuffed Peppers)
A classic Basque specialty, these piquillo peppers are gently stuffed with a rich, flaked salt cod filling, then simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce. The sweetness of the piquillo peppers perfectly complements the savory cod.
Pincho de Tortilla (Spanish Potato Omelette Pintxo)
A classic Spanish pintxo featuring a thick slice of potato and onion omelette (tortilla española) served on a piece of crusty bread, secured with a toothpick. This is a quintessential bite found in Basque bars.