appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Pirozhki (Russian Stuffed Buns)
Pirozhki are classic Russian stuffed buns, traditionally filled with savory or sweet ingredients and then baked or fried. This recipe focuses on a delicious meat and egg filling, encased in a soft, enriched yeasted dough. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Placki Ziemniaczane (Polish Potato Pancakes)
Authentic Polish potato pancakes, known as Placki Ziemniaczane, are a beloved comfort food. These pancakes are pan-fried until wonderfully crispy and golden brown on the outside, with a tender interior. They are a versatile dish, perfect as a simple snack or a hearty side.
Prasopita (Greek Leek Pie)
A savory and comforting Greek leek pie featuring tender leeks and salty feta cheese encased in layers of crisp phyllo dough. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, and delicious served at room temperature.
Prosciutto e Melone
Prosciutto with melon - sweet cantaloupe with salty cured ham. Summer starter.
Queijo Serra da Estrela
Queijo Serra da Estrela is a renowned Portuguese mountain cheese made from raw sheep's milk, known for its exceptionally creamy and runny interior when ripe. It is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese, meaning its production is strictly regulated to ensure authenticity and quality.
Reibekuchen (German Potato Pancakes)
Authentic German Reibekuchen are crispy, golden-brown shredded potato pancakes, a beloved street food often enjoyed during festive occasions like Christmas markets. They are simple to make but require careful preparation for the best texture.
Rollmops (Pickled Herring Rolls)
Rollmops are a traditional German appetizer or snack consisting of pickled herring fillets rolled around a pickle spear, often with onion and spices. They are particularly popular as a 'hangover cure' due to the savory and tangy flavors.
Saganaki
A classic Greek appetizer, Saganaki features a thick slice of cheese pan-fried to a delightful golden-brown crisp on the outside, while remaining wonderfully gooey and melty within. Served with a bright squeeze of lemon, it's a simple yet impressive dish. Opa!
Salat Mimosa (Layered Fish Salad)
A classic Russian layered salad, often served during celebrations, featuring flaky fish, tender vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise, all topped with a vibrant egg yolk "mimosa" garnish.
Salmorejo
A thick, creamy, and vibrant cold tomato soup from Córdoba, Spain. It's a richer, more substantial cousin to gazpacho, traditionally garnished with finely diced jamón serrano and hard-boiled egg.
Santola Recheada (Portuguese Stuffed Spider Crab)
A luxurious Portuguese delicacy, Santola Recheada features tender spider crab meat mixed with aromatic seasonings, stuffed back into its shell, and gratinated to a golden-brown perfection. Traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season, this dish is a true celebration of fresh seafood.
Scotch Egg
A classic British picnic item, this Scotch Egg features a perfectly cooked egg encased in seasoned sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to a golden crisp.
Seledka Pod Shuboy (Herring Under a Fur Coat)
A classic Russian layered salad featuring savory herring beneath a 'coat' of colorful, grated root vegetables and creamy mayonnaise. It's a festive and iconic dish, especially popular for New Year's celebrations.
Selyodka pod Shuboy (Herring Under a Fur Coat)
A festive and iconic Russian layered salad, often called 'Herring Under a Fur Coat.' This dish features tender, marinated herring beneath a vibrant 'coat' of grated root vegetables and creamy mayonnaise. It's a traditional centerpiece for New Year's Eve and other celebrations.
Sillsallad (Swedish Herring Salad)
A classic Swedish Sillsallad, a vibrant and flavorful salad featuring pickled herring, tender beets, boiled potatoes, crisp apple, and a creamy dressing. Perfect as a starter or part of a festive smörgåsbord.
Skordalia
A classic Greek garlic and potato purée, Skordalia is known for its potent garlic flavor and creamy texture. It's a versatile accompaniment, often served with fried fish, boiled or fried vegetables like beets, or as a dip.
Śledź w Śmietanie (Herring in Sour Cream)
A classic Polish Christmas Eve (Wigilia) appetizer featuring tender salt herring fillets marinated in a creamy sour cream sauce with fresh onions and crisp apples. This dish is a staple for a reason – it's simple, refreshing, and utterly delicious.
Śledzie w Śmietanie (Herring in Sour Cream)
A classic Polish appetizer, Śledzie w Śmietanie features salt herring fillets marinated in a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce with onions and apples. It's a traditional and beloved dish, especially for Christmas Eve (Wigilia) and other celebrations.
Smørrebrød (Danish Open-Faced Sandwiches)
Smørrebrød are a beloved Danish classic, featuring thick slices of dense rye bread generously buttered and elaborately topped with a variety of ingredients. These open-faced sandwiches are not just a meal but a work of art, typically enjoyed with a knife and fork.
Soufflé au Fromage
A classic French cheese soufflé, renowned for its impossibly light and airy texture. This recipe is a true test of technique, resulting in a majestically rising cloud of cheesy delight.
Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
A classic Greek savory pie featuring layers of crisp, golden phyllo dough encasing a flavorful and herbaceous filling of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs.
Spanakopitakia (Greek Spinach Triangles)
Delicate, crispy phyllo pastry triangles filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta cheese, fresh dill, and green onions. These bite-sized pies are a classic Greek appetizer, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Steak Tartare
A classic French bistro dish featuring finely hand-chopped raw beef, seasoned with capers, onions, and served with a rich egg yolk. This recipe emphasizes freshness and quality ingredients for an authentic experience.
Supplì al Telefono
Supplì al Telefono are classic Roman street food: golden fried rice croquettes with a molten, stretchy mozzarella center, reminiscent of a telephone cord when pulled apart. This recipe assumes you have pre-made, chilled tomato risotto.