889 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Delicate grape leaves meticulously rolled around a fragrant rice and herb filling, then gently simmered. A quintessential cold mezze, perfect for sharing.
A fiery and intensely flavorful Nigerian delicacy, Asun features tender, smoky grilled goat meat coated in a rich, spicy pepper sauce. It's an addictive party snack and a staple at Nigerian celebrations.
A classic Italian mixed fried seafood dish, featuring a light and crispy coating on shrimp, squid, and small fish, perfect as an appetizer or light main course. Served with fresh lemon wedges.
A vibrant and refreshing Thai glass noodle salad featuring tender shrimp, savory ground pork, and a zesty, spicy dressing. Perfect as a light main course or a flavorful appetizer.
Crispy, bite-sized Filipino spring rolls filled with seasoned ground pork and finely minced vegetables. These are a popular appetizer or party food, traditionally served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Flaky, savory pastries filled with a creamy mixture of mashed potatoes, salty feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. A popular snack and appetizer.
Kokoda is a refreshing and vibrant raw fish salad, similar to ceviche, native to Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Fresh white fish is 'cooked' in citrus juice, then mixed with creamy coconut milk, diced vegetables, and herbs for a delightful appetizer or light meal.
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.
A rustic and flavorful dip made from mashed broad beans, garlic, and a blend of spices, often served with crusty bread or crackers. It's a staple appetizer in Maltese cuisine.
Crispy and savory vegetable fritters made with a gram flour (besan) batter, perfect as a tea-time snack, especially during the monsoon season.
Crispy, bite-sized pieces of fried chicken, marinated in citrus and spices, offering a delightful crunch and savory flavor. It's a popular appetizer and party food.
Ossenworst is a traditional smoked beef sausage from Amsterdam, known for its deep, rich flavor and slightly coarse texture. It's typically served cold as a starter or snack.
Iconic Maltese savory pastries with a flaky, multi-layered crust, typically filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. They are a popular snack enjoyed at any time of day.
A refreshing and cooling Turkish yogurt and cucumber side dish, perfect for hot summer days or as an accompaniment to rich meals like kebabs. It's a delightful blend of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumber, pungent garlic, and aromatic mint.
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.
Pacaya Rellena features tender pacaya flowers stuffed with cheese, coated in a light batter, and fried until golden brown. Often served with a simple tomato sauce, it's a unique and flavorful appetizer or side dish.
A vibrant and refreshing Egyptian appetizer featuring briny green olives, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as part of a mezze spread.
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.
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.
A classic Russian layered salad featuring savory herring beneath a 'fur coat' of colorful, grated vegetables, bound together with creamy mayonnaise. This visually striking dish is a traditional centerpiece for celebrations, especially New Year's Eve.
Authentic Puebla-style chalupas, featuring small, thick, boat-shaped masa tortillas that are fried until golden and crispy, then generously topped with shredded meat, vibrant salsas, and fresh onion. These are a beloved Mexican antojito (snack or appetizer).
Crispy, twice-fried green plantain slices, a beloved Costa Rican snack or side dish. They are golden brown on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping.
A beloved Mumbai street food, Vada Pav features a spicy, deep-fried potato fritter (vada) sandwiched inside a soft bread bun (pav), typically served with an assortment of flavorful chutneys.
Authentic Colombian Chicharrón features skin-on pork belly, slow-cooked until tender, then fried to achieve a shatteringly crispy, puffed skin. It's a quintessential element of the iconic Bandeja Paisa and a beloved snack on its own.