appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Tapenade
A classic Provençal spread made from finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic. Perfect as an appetizer served with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Taramosalata (Greek Fish Roe Dip)
A classic Greek meze, Taramosalata is a creamy and briny dip made from cured fish roe, bread, lemon juice, and olive oil. Its distinctive pale pink hue and rich flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crusty bread.
Taramosalata (Greek Fish Roe Dip)
A classic Greek dip made from cured fish roe (tarama), blended with bread, olive oil, lemon juice, and onion. It's a smooth, pale pink spread, often enjoyed as a meze or appetizer, especially during Lent.
Tigres (Spicy Stuffed Mussels)
A popular Spanish tapa, 'Tigres' are mussels stuffed with a rich, spicy béchamel sauce infused with chorizo, then breaded and fried to a golden crisp. The name 'Tigres' (tigers) refers to their spicy kick.
Tirokroketes (Greek Cheese Croquettes)
Tirokroketes are delightful Greek cheese croquettes, featuring a crispy fried exterior and a warm, savory cheese filling, perfectly complemented by a drizzle of sweet honey. They make an excellent appetizer or mezze.
Toast Skagen
An elegant and classic Swedish appetizer featuring creamy shrimp salad piled high on toasted bread, often garnished with roe and fresh dill.
Txangurro (Basque Stuffed Spider Crab)
A classic Basque Country delicacy, Txangurro features succulent spider crab meat mixed with aromatic vegetables, flamed with brandy, and baked in its own shell until golden and bubbling. This dish is a true celebration of the sea.
Tzatziki
A classic Greek yogurt and cucumber dip, essential for any meze platter. This thick, refreshing dip is packed with fresh cucumber, pungent garlic, and fragrant dill, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of lemon.
Uszka (Polish Mushroom Dumplings)
Uszka, meaning 'little ears' in Polish, are traditional tiny dumplings often filled with a savory mushroom and onion mixture. They are a quintessential part of Polish Christmas Eve supper (Wigilia), typically served floating in clear borscht (barszcz).
Västerbottenpaj
A savory tart featuring Sweden's most prized and intensely flavored Västerbotten cheese, baked in a crisp shortcrust pastry. This classic Swedish dish is perfect for celebrations or as an elegant appetizer.
Vol-au-Vent
Vol-au-vent are delicate, hollow puff pastry cases, traditionally filled with a rich and creamy mixture. This recipe features tender chicken and earthy mushrooms in a velvety sauce, making for an elegant appetizer or light main course perfect for special occasions.
Welsh Rarebit
An elevated British cheese toast featuring a rich, sharp cheddar sauce infused with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ale, grilled until perfectly bubbling and golden brown.
Sigara Böreği
Turkish cigarette pastry - thin rolled böreks with cheese. Crispy appetizer.
Kibbeh
Lebanon's national dish - torpedo-shaped bulgur shells filled with spiced lamb and pine nuts, deep-fried to perfection.
Kashk-e Bademjan
Persian eggplant with kashk - mashed eggplant with fermented whey. Bold appetizer.
Zeytoon Parvardeh
Persian marinated olives - olives with pomegranate and walnuts. Northern appetizer.
Kashk-e Bademjan
Persian eggplant dip - smoky eggplant with kashk. Appetizer classic.
Acılı Ezme (Spicy Turkish Tomato and Pepper Dip)
Acılı Ezme is a vibrant and intensely flavorful Turkish meze (appetizer) or side dish. It's a finely chopped salad made from ripe tomatoes, crisp peppers, and pungent onion, bound together with spicy pepper paste and aromatic herbs. Traditionally served with grilled meats (kebabs) and warm bread, it offers a refreshing yet zesty contrast.
Agedashi Tofu
Crispy, deep-fried tofu served in a warm, savory dashi-based broth. A classic and comforting izakaya (Japanese pub) appetizer.
Aloo Tikki
Spiced potato patties - crispy pan-fried potato cakes, a popular Indian street food and a versatile base for chaat.
Arnabeet Mekli (Lebanese Fried Cauliflower with Tahini)
A classic Lebanese mezze dish featuring crispy, golden-brown fried cauliflower florets drizzled with a tangy tahini-lemon sauce. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
Baba Ganoush
A classic smoky Lebanese eggplant dip, fire-charred for an irresistible depth of flavor, then blended with creamy tahini, pungent garlic, and bright lemon juice. It's a smoother, more refined cousin to mutabbal.
Baghali Sabz (Persian Steamed Fava Beans)
A simple and refreshing Persian spring snack featuring tender fava beans steamed in their pods and seasoned with salt. Traditionally enjoyed by squeezing the beans out of the pod and dipping them in vinegar.
Bánh Tráng Trộn (Vietnamese Mixed Rice Paper Salad)
A popular and vibrant Saigon street snack, Bánh Tráng Trộn features shredded rice paper mixed with a flavorful sauce, quail eggs, dried beef, and fresh mango, offering a delightful combination of textures and tangy, spicy flavors. Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crunch.