Appetizers are a perfect way to whet your appetite and keep you satisfied while waiting for the main course. But beyond being just a prelude to the meal, many starters are so tasty and satisfying that they can stand alone as a snack or light meal. Here’s a collection of appetizers that are delightful enough to enjoy any time.
Samosas
These crispy fried turnovers come filled with savory mashed potatoes and peas, blended with spices and fragrant herbs. The combination of crisp shell and soft, spiced filling is delicious whenever you feel like a snack or light meal. Although popular in Indian food restaurants, samosas come from modern-day Iran, in the Middle East.
Chicken Wings
Whether you prefer these wings buffalo-style, dry-rubbed, or smothered in your favorite sauce, they’re a beloved food in the UK. Their small size makes them excellent finger food, as does their crispy skin and juicy meat. Interestingly, they were historically seen as a throwaway part until the 1960s, when restaurants in Buffalo, New York, U.S., began serving them deep-fried.
Onion Rings
Although not a replacement for a balanced meal, these deep-fried or baked appetizers are a satisfyingly crunchy snack or side dish, even at home. The sweetness of the onions pairs perfectly with the savory, fried coating and dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or aioli.
Calamari
Similar in appearance to onion rings, these lightly fried or grilled squid rings or tentacles are a popular appetizer in Mediterranean cuisine. The crispy, light batter pairs well with the chewy, mild squid, and they are often enjoyed with various dipping sauces. It’s a food many seafood lovers would happily eat every day, particularly in coastal areas with fresh squid available.
Caprese Salad
This simple, colorful Italian salad features sliced fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It has a refreshing and flavorful taste that makes the most of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Caprese salad is named after the island it was invented on: Capri, Italy.
Potato Skins
Baked potato skins loaded with cheese, bacon bits, and chives are hearty, comforting, and indulgent. While they’re not recommended for calorie counting, the combination of crispy potato skin, melted cheese, and savory toppings is one that many of us would happily enjoy daily. They originated in the U.S. in the 1960s as a way to use up leftover baked potatoes.
Spring Rolls
Vietnamese rice paper rolls come filled with various ingredients like vegetables, shrimp, or pork, and are known as ‘chả giò’ in their native Vietnam. Typically served with dipping sauces like soy sauce, peanut satay, and sweet chili, they are a relatively light and crispy appetizer that many fans of Asian cuisine enjoy daily.
Garlic Bread
For anyone who loves garlic (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), this bread is the most delicious expression of a beloved ingredient. The crusty bread topped with melted butter, herbs, and garlic is a filling, simple, and tasty start to any meal. It is believed to have originated in ancient Rome, where bread was rubbed with garlic cloves for added flavor.
Chicken Satay
These are marinated chicken skewers, grilled or pan-fried, and served with a peanut-based dipping sauce. They are popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Indonesia and Thailand. The combination of tender chicken, savory marinade, and creamy peanut sauce is a flavor combination many diners adore.
Mini Quiches
Quiche is delicious—buttery, crispy pastry filled with a cheese and egg mixture supplemented with any number of meats, vegetables, or herbs. Bite-sized versions of this classic bake make perfect finger foods and are often offered as appetizers, particularly at parties and events. Mini quiches are not only easier to serve but also quicker to bake.
Deviled Eggs
Surprisingly, a variation of deviled eggs was first reported in ancient Rome, although the recipe and preparation methods have evolved since then. Today, hard-boiled eggs are topped with creamy mustard and mayonnaise and seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. They are a quick, simple, and versatile appetizer that many people prepare for guests or special occasions.
Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips are loaded with cheese, beans, salsa, and sometimes spicy chili and then baked in the oven. The dish is then topped with cold extras like guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños. This Tex-Mex dish originated in northern Mexico and is offered in many restaurants serving Mexican, American, or international cuisines.
Cauliflower Bites
These healthier, vegetarian alternatives to chicken wings involve roasting or frying cauliflower florets coated in a spicy sauce. They are crispy, flavorful, and often have a satisfyingly spicy kick. This fairly modern appetizer has gained popularity in recent years as a delicious, plant-based option that is lower in calories than meat-based dishes.
Arancini
Another delicious Italian treat, these fried Sicilian rice balls come filled with savory ingredients like ragù, mozzarella cheese, and peas. The combination of the fried, crispy coating with a creamy, richly flavorful center is delicious and satisfying. Arancini come from Sicily, Italy, and were traditionally made with leftover risotto rice.
Sliders
Burgers are so popular that miniature, bitesize versions of hamburgers or other sandwiches are now offered as appetizers. They are perfect for anyone who fancies a bite of a burger but wishes to order an alternative main course or count calories. Fun, delicious, and perfect for sharing, they pack a lot of flavor into a relatively small package!
Hummus and Pita Bread
Hailing from the Middle East, this creamy blend of chickpeas and savory tahini, with warm pita bread drizzled in warm olive oil, is a quick and delicious treat—perfect for dipping or spreading. Budget Bytes says it makes a satisfying, low-cost meal, particularly when loaded with extra toppings like cut salad vegetables, olives, and cheese.
Edamame
These steamed or boiled soybeans are a simple and tasty appetizer offered in many Japanese restaurants and sushi joints. Healthline says they also come with an array of health benefits, and are packed with protein and fiber. Edamame is harvested when the pods are still green and the peas immature, offering the best flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
Bruschetta
This Italian appetizer consists of toasted slices of crusty white bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It is a light and flavorful starter that is perfect in warmer weather. It is an excellent way to use up stale bread at home and is easily adapted to whatever vegetables or protein leftovers you have available.
Guacamole
This mashed avocado dip is quick and easy to make and loaded with nutrients. Often prepared with fresh avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, garlic, and onion, it has a creamy texture and a signature green color. You can team it with almost anything—from pita bread and tortilla chips to crudites.