Smoked salmon cucumber bites are laid out on a platter waiting to be eaten.

Appetizer Recipe Ideas

An appetizer is a simple and small dish to start the meal before the main course comes, to appetize the pallet. It is also known as a starter or hors d’oeuvres in some locations.

In a formal sit down meal, fancy picnic or outdoor celebration the starter may be a salad, soup, or a small portion size dish. In a more casual atmosphere and at barbecues, it often finger-food.

Great appetizer options for the outdoors include dips, bite-sized grilled items like poppers, meatballs, chicken wings, and shrimp. Options also often include small bacon-wrapped items and bite-sized smoked items like burnt ends and pork belly bites.

Our Best Appetizer Recipes

Newest Appetizer Recipes

Grilled Shrimp Boats

A quick and easy appetizer, grilled shrimp are dusted with rub and served in Belgian endive leaves with a bit…

by Harry Soo

Homemade Beef Satay

Flavorful and tender flank steak is marinated in a homemade curry sauce and then grilled on skewers for this easy…

by Harry Soo

Grilled Lobster

Lobsters can easily be cooked over charcoal on a grill to create a tender and flavorsome main to an outdoor…

by Harry Soo