hors-d'oeuvre
Pre-meal morsel
A hors-d'oeuvre is a small portion of food served before or outside the main meal—a bite-sized appetizer passed on trays or set out at parties.
The French literally means "outside the work," suggesting something apart from the main culinary effort.
The plural may be hors-d'oeuvres or hors-d'oeuvre: The hors-d'oeuvres included shrimp and stuffed mushrooms.
Topped bite-sized appetizer
- antipastoItalian appetizer course
- mezzeMiddle Eastern small dishes
- tapasSpanish appetizer assortment
- cruditésRaw vegetable appetizer
bruschetta · amuse-bouche · crostini · charcuterie · dolma · blini · dim sum · samosa
Savory olive-caper spread
- terrineMolded savory loaf
- capreseItalian tomato-mozzarella preparation
- quicheCustard pie, often cheesy
- tempuraJapanese battered fried food
pakora · ceviche · cheese puffs · meatballs · shrimp cocktail · bruschetta · stuffed peppers · pinwheels
Cured fish eggs
- foie grasFattened waterfowl liver
- smoked salmonCured, preserved fish fillet
- oystersEdible marine mollusks
- tartareRaw minced meat dish
vol-au-vent · pâté · escargot · beef carpaccio · truffle · mousse · quenelle · gravlax
Large flat serving dish
- garnishDecorative food topping
- toothpickPointed stick for teeth
- skewerPointed cooking rod
- buffetSelf-service meal display
arrangement · bite-sized · miniature · portion · display · tiered stand · cocktail napkin · serving board
canapé
Topped bite-sized appetizer
crudités · bruschetta · amuse-bouche · crostini · charcuterie · dolma · blini · dim sum · samosa · spring roll
tapenade
Savory olive-caper spread
- terrineMolded savory loaf
- capreseItalian tomato-mozzarella preparation
- quicheCustard pie, often cheesy
tempura · pakora · ceviche · cheese puffs · meatballs · shrimp cocktail · bruschetta · stuffed peppers · pinwheels · hummus
caviar
Cured fish eggs
- foie grasFattened waterfowl liver
- smoked salmonCured, preserved fish fillet
- oystersEdible marine mollusks
tartare · vol-au-vent · pâté · escargot · beef carpaccio · truffle · mousse · quenelle · gravlax · sashimi
platter
Large flat serving dish
buffet · arrangement · bite-sized · miniature · portion · display · tiered stand · cocktail napkin · serving board · garnished
hors-d'oeuvremain course
Primary dish served
entrée · main dish · dessert · pièce de résistance · second course
hors-d'oeuvremain course
Primary dish served
feast · hearty meal · square meal · plated dinner · full portion