appetizers
Meals' opening act
Appetizers are small dishes served before a main course to stimulate the appetite.
They range from simple fare like cheese and crackers to elaborate preparations: We ordered appetizers while we waited for our entrees.
At parties, appetizers may constitute the entire spread.
The British equivalent is starters.
Figuratively, an appetizer is anything that whets interest in what follows: The trailer was an appetizer for the film.
Small topped appetizer bases
- nibblesTakes small bites
- tapasSpanish appetizer assortment
- mezeMiddle Eastern appetizer spread
- bruschettaGrilled bread with toppings
crostini · dumplings · sushi · morsels · vol-au-vent · blinis · tartlets · skewers
Complimentary chef's tasting bite
- caviarCured fish eggs
- tartareRaw minced meat dish
- escargotEdible land snails
- carpaccioShaved raw meat dish
oysters · ceviche · charcuterie · prosciutto · caprese · brie · pâté · terrine
Edible plants, not fruits
- carrotsEdible orange taproots
- celeryEdible ribbed stalks
- radishesSpicy root vegetables
- cucumbersCrisp elongated gourds
broccoli · cauliflower · endive · jicama · asparagus · olives · pickles · cornichons
canapes
Small topped appetizer bases
bruschetta · crostini · dumplings · sushi · morsels · vol-au-vent · blinis · tartlets · skewers · pinwheels
amuse-bouche
Complimentary chef's tasting bite
carpaccio · oysters · ceviche · charcuterie · prosciutto · caprese · brie · pâté · terrine · gravlax
vegetables
Edible plants, not fruits
cucumbers · broccoli · cauliflower · endive · jicama · asparagus · olives · pickles · cornichons · pepperoncini
umami
Fifth taste sensation
- marinatedSoaked in flavored liquid
- herbedFlavored with aromatic plants
- saltedTreated with sodium chloride
nachos · quesadilla · falafel · pakora · samosa · tempura · empanada · spanakopita · gyoza · pierogi
hummus
Mashed chickpea spread
- guacamoleSeasoned avocado spread
- salsaSpicy tomato condiment
- tzatzikiYogurt-cucumber sauce from Greece
queso · tapenade · aioli · ranch · raita · romesco · chimichurri · fondue · labneh
- cuisinelocal cuisine, regional cuisine, indigenous cuisine, ethnic food, traditional recipes
- food culturefood customs, table manners, food traditions, culinary traditions, dining etiquette
- American diningdiners, free refills, doggy bag, tipping, hamburgers
- banquet foodprime rib, beef tenderloin, filet mignon, roast beef, rack of lamb
- buffet foodspizza station, dessert bar, sandwich station, pasta bar, fruit display
- Food & Abundancefeast, banquet, buffet, harvest, cornucopia
appetizersdessert
Sweet course after dinner
desserts · digestifs · petit fours · dessert course · afters
appetizersmain course
Primary dish served
entrée · entrées · main dish · main dishes · mains
- fried appetizer
- appetizer plateDish for pre-meal bites
- appetizer platterShared first-course selection
- free appetizerUnpaid opening dish
- appetizer trayDish for small starters
- appetizer samplerVariety of small pre-meal dishes