Learn about heavy appetizers and side dishes to serve at your next party
Heavy appetizers are perfect to serve at a cocktail hour, as a main course or during cocktails
This article will teach you about what is considered a heavy appetizer and delicious food, as well as recipe ideas!
Plus, you’ll learn how to plan the right serving sizes for a party
Have you ever attended a party that promised heavy appetizers, but ended up leaving hungry?
Today, I want to help you make sure this never happens at a party or event you’re planning!
We’re talking about how to plan the types of appetizers you want to serve
Plus, I’ll give you tips on suggested serving sizes!
Heavy appetizers are the food that will fill people up!
A heavy appetizer is usually served before dinner to hold people over before eating the main course
Or, multiple heavy appetizers can be served as the main course
This could be something like shrimp cocktail, chicken wings or smoked salmon canapés Appetizers have some substance or mass in them
Think of appetizers as mini-sliders or pastry bites
Often these appetizers have multiple ingredients that make them substantial to eat Combine a variety of appetizers together to make a mini meal
This can be a mix of hot or cold appetizers, as well as bread, cheese bites, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and various proteins
The small size of the dishes that can traditionally be served as part of the meal
What is the difference between Hors D’Oeuvres and Appetizers?
The term ‘hors d’oeuvres’, which is a French word, translates to ‘outside the dish’ This came from the restaurant industry, when service staff prepared small meals for guests, while kitchen staff prepared the full, hot meal
Typically, hors d’oeuvres are defined by the following:
They are small, bite size (like finger foods) They are visually pleasing to look at Taste good but nothing outstanding The flavors should complement whatever food will follow for the main course
While appetizers have many of the same principles and characteristics, the main difference is that appetizers are served as a first course (an entree to a meal)
Hors d’oeuvres are served to whet the appetite and prepare for the meal
Appetizers and appetizers usually fall into two categories:
Cold appetizers/Hot appetizers/Hot appetizers
Heavy Appetizers and Hors D’Oeuvre Recipes
There are many popular flavors that you can serve at a party
Here are some of my favorite appetizer recipe ideas:
The beef skewers are then grilled and served with a peanut dipping sauce Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs: Mini meatballs served on a toothpick are perfect for a party
Smoked Salmon Canapes: These Cucumber Smoked Salmon Canapes are the perfect bite-sized entree
They are a super elegant taste! Sushi: Sushi is raw or cooked fish/beef wrapped in seasoned rice
Any of these would make wonderful appetizers! Shrimp Cocktail: This can be expensive if you serve it in large quantities
There are many beautiful presentation ideas for shrimp cocktail, including in mini shooters or on a buffet tray Fig and Goat Cheese Cups: You only need three ingredients to make a quick, easy, and great-tasting appetizer
This is a great vegetarian-friendly option Blue Cheese Bacon Wrapped Pears: Cocktail slices make a beautifully presented appetizer
This is a great snack packed with protein Antipasto Skewers: Antipasto Skewers are filled with delicious flavors like mozzarella, salami, olives, tomatoes and basil
They are a great option for a party
This idea can be used for many different soup flavors! Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip: Dips of many kinds make great appetizers
Serve with crusty bread and fresh vegetables to enhance the appetizer
They are a great option if you need a kid-friendly snack Grilled Peach and Lemon Ricotta Crostini: The grill lends just the right amount of smokiness to this dish
It’s an ideal dish for entertaining because it comes together so quickly and effortlessly! Roast Beef Sliders: These hearty sandwiches are delicious and easy to make in bulk
Hot roast beef and Swiss cheese melt together on a slippery bun
Baby bacon roses are dressed with the classic deviled egg to make them a beautiful, crowd-pleasing appetizer Feta and Spinach Pastry Bites: These delicious bites are super filling and packed with delicious flavors of garlic, green onions, artichokes and a delicious cheese blend
Suggested serving sizes of appetizers
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, wedding happy hour, or just having friends over for a game night, you may be wondering about the right portion size for heavy meals and appetizers
If you’re serving appetizers before dinner, plan on about 6 small meals per person
All you have to do is multiply the number of people on your guest list by the number of suggested servings listed above
You can get my free printable food quantity guide to help you plan the best estimates of how much food to serve at your next party!
How to serve appetizers
There are two common ways to serve appetizers or appetizers at a party
For a fancy cocktail party or wedding, try delicious
These can be appetizers on paper cocktail napkins or on small plates
For parties or more casual events, try the delicious buffet-style flavors
Think about the different colors and service equipment you should use on the buffet tables before finalizing a layout
Think about what will work best for your specific event or party
Be sure to consider fun plates, baskets, and trays that you can use to serve appetizers
That’s part of the fun of appetizers and tasty treats!