Whether you’re hosting a larger soirée or a more intimate gathering – a smattering of starters is always the need of the evening, to get your dinner party started! To help you set your menu, gathered here is a collection of our best appetiser recipes which are as delicious as they are quick and easy.
From hot and cheesy dips to a startlingly-light vegan take on ceviche; Mediterannean mezze to Italian small plates (arancini anyone?); and everything in between (including all our Asian-inspired classics) – this colourful curation of recipes offers a globe-trotting parade of dishes to quite literally whet your guests’ appetites.
Bon Apetit.
Quick Dips
Korean-Style Corn Cheese
A creamy yet spicy Korean-inspired combination of cheese and corn, cooked in a skillet until the cheese has melted! Serve it as a comforting side dish on a rainy day.
This hot corn dip is speckled with the creamy yet subtle spicy flavours of everyone’s favourite jalapeño poppers! It's the perfect appetiser for the next time you’re hosting friends and family, or for when you need something cosy to sink your teeth into.
If you love baked feta, you are sure to love this baked feta dip that also stars roasted olives and charred cherry tomatoes. Serve it with crackers or sourdough for an easy yet impressive appetiser!
A colourful melange of mezze is sometimes all you need to carry through the evening with timeless Middle Eastern dishes from hummus and creamy labaneh to falafels, served with lashings of tahini.
The Creamiest Hummus & Pita Bread
Salaciously-smooth, this creamy hummus is best served prettily swirled on your favourite plate, speckled with spices and a gallimaufry of garnishes. Don't forget to bake pillowy pockets of warm pita to serve alongside!
Made with hung yogurt and seasoned with spices, labaneh is a versatile spread that can be used to elevate salads, sandwiches, pastas or quite simply as a dip with Zaatar, good olive oil and bread!
The only recipe you need for falafel that are crispy on the outside but so soft and fluffy on the inside! Pair this with pita or just dip it in tahini for an easy appetiser.
There are no rules in the game of appetisers and we often balance hot and indulgent cheesy dips with the lighter, umami-rich flavours intrinsic of these easy Asian recipes.
Korean Vegetable Pancakes (Yachaejeon)
Crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside and packed with veggies – these savoury Korean pancakes are perfect as an appetiser or side dish, paired with a light dipping sauce.
A classic restaurant-style Indo-Chinese dish, recreated at home! We love the crisp and golden-edged texture, foiled by the soft and creamy corn curd filling.
From traditional dishes hailing from Abruzzo, to a contemporary take on pizza sliders – no one can resist the moreish decadence of Italian flavours.
Palotte Cacio E Ova (Bread And Cheese Balls)
A classic dish from Abruzzo, Italy, these "bread and cheese balls" repurpose stale bread (either white, brown or sourdough) and leftover cheese for a delicious snack to serve at aperitivo hour!
Masterchef Finalist & Head Chef of the Italian Embassy in London, Danilo Cortellini shares an easy vegetarian recipe for classic Italian arancini – crunchy, flavoursome rice balls stuffed with spinach and mozzarella.
This focaccia is as quick to bake as it is bursting with rustic flavour. Fresh basil, oregano and flaky sea salt add much character, while cherry tomatoes and mozzarella crown this Italian flat bread with beautiful simplicity. Serve it as an appetiser with a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip in!
Layered with pizza sauce, your favourite toppings and lots of mozzarella, these pull-apart pizza sliders are set to become the a show-stopping snack at your next shindig!
Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like a round of hearty soup to set a steadying start to the evening!
Paprika-Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Roasted pumpkin lends a cosy touch of warmth to this nourishing soup spiced with paprika. Serve it alongside rustic bread or a grilled cheese toastie for a wholesome dinner.
These pillowy cheddar scones are best enjoyed still warm from-the-oven, as an accompaniment to your pot of afternoon tea or dunked into a hearty soup for supper!
We’d love to hear from you! Do let us know if you try this recipe – you can leave a comment below and/ or tag us in your delicious creations on Instagram @the_foodiediaries.
A curated collection of recipes & recommendations across food and travel.
You’ll find plenty of Kitchen Inspiration here including pantry picks, tips and tricks. Explore new destinations through our detailed travel guides; and discover a treasure trove of resources for navigating pregnancy and motherhood.
Leave a Reply