Russian Food

27 Appetizers That Buy You Time Before Dinner

27 Appetizers That Buy You Time Before Dinner

The moments before a meal often set the tone for the entire evening. Appetizers hold that space, easing anticipation and slowing things down without calling attention to themselves. These 27 recipes are built for that exact purpose. They buy you time while the table settles into place.

27 Appetizers That Buy You Time Before Dinner
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Quick Pickled Eggplant

A bowl of pickled eggplant slices with garlic and spices.
Quick Pickled Eggplant. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Quick Pickled Eggplant is a chilled appetizer made with roasted eggplant, vinegar, garlic, and sugar. It takes about 40 minutes including cooling time. The eggplant absorbs the pickling liquid while staying tender. The taste is tangy, lightly sweet, and savory.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Eggplant

Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula

Cranberry and pistachio crostini on a plate.
Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula is a layered appetizer using toasted bread, goat cheese, cranberries, herbs, and garlic. It takes about 30 minutes to assemble. The textures stay varied with crisp bread and creamy topping. The flavor is tangy, savory, and bright.
Get the Recipe: Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula

Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio

Slices of raw fish topped with diced avocado are arranged on a blue plate, with slices of lime and whole passion fruits visible in the background.
Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio is a fresh appetizer made with raw tuna, ripe avocado, passion fruit, and lime. It takes about 25 minutes to assemble. The ingredients stay clean and vibrant. The flavor is buttery, bright, and lightly acidic.
Get the Recipe: Avocado and Passion Fruit Tuna Carpaccio

Pomegranate Pistachio Whipped Feta

Toasted bread slices topped with creamy cheese, pomegranate seeds, and chopped pistachios.
Pomegranate Pistachio Whipped Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pomegranate Pistachio Whipped Feta is a spreadable appetizer made with feta, yogurt, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and lemon. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The texture stays creamy with bursts of crunch. The flavor is tangy, salty, and lightly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Pistachio Whipped Feta

Sheet Pan Latkes

Squares of crispbread topped with vegetables, cheese, and herbs on parchment, with lemon wedges and a honey dipper.
Sheet Pan Latkes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Latkes is a baked appetizer made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and oil. It takes about 45 minutes to cook. The latkes crisp on the edges while staying soft inside. The taste is savory, mild, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Latkes

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

A person is dipping a piece of bread into a bowl of peach and pecan dip.
Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey is a warm appetizer made with soft brie, ripe peaches, chopped pecans, honey, and herbs. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and bake. The cheese melts into a smooth center while the toppings add contrast. The flavor is creamy, lightly sweet, and nutty.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds

Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds is a hot appetizer made with cheese curds and light breading. It takes about 20 minutes in the air fryer. The outside crisps while the center stays melted. The taste is salty, rich, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Air Fried Cheese Curds

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Baba ganoush on a plate with pomegranate seeds, parsley.
Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe is a classic dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon. It takes about 50 minutes including roasting time. The texture is smooth with slight smokiness. The taste is savory, nutty, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Colombian Cheese Arepas

Cheese arepa on a plate with toppings.
Colombian Cheese Arepas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Cheese Arepas is a handheld appetizer made with corn flour, cheese, and water. It takes about 40 minutes to mix and cook. The outside develops a light crust while the inside stays tender. The flavor is mildly salty, cheesy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts

Baked feta in blue casserole dish.
Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts is a shareable appetizer built from feta cheese, honey, chopped dates, and toasted hazelnuts. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and bake. The feta softens while staying structured. The taste is salty, sweet, and gently crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Dip Recipe With Honey, Dates And Hazelnuts

Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Golden-brown triangular samosas on a white plate.
Easy Gluten Free Samosas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy Gluten Free Samosas is a baked appetizer filled with chickpeas, spices, onions, and herbs in a gluten-free wrapper. It takes about 60 minutes to prepare and bake. The filling stays hearty and well-seasoned. The taste is savory with gentle heat and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Baked plantains with cheese and guava wth tablecloth.
Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese is a comforting appetizer made with ripe plantains, guava paste, and mild cheese. It takes about 45 minutes to bake. The plantains soften while the cheese melts into the fruit. The flavor is sweet, savory, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Easy Salmon Wreath With Avocado Spread

Green avocado dip surrounded by cucumber, radish, smoked salmon, capers, herbs, and cream cheese.
Easy Salmon Wreath With Avocado Spread. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy Salmon Wreath With Avocado Spread is a no-cook appetizer featuring smoked salmon, ripe avocado, lemon, and fresh vegetables. It takes about 25 minutes to assemble. The salmon stays silky against the creamy spread. The flavor is clean, rich, and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Wreath With Avocado Spread

Easy Gravlax Salmon with Dill

Thin slices of cured salmon with herbs are arranged on a white plate, with a fork holding a piece in the foreground.
Easy Gravlax Salmon with Dill. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy Gravlax Salmon with Dill is a cured appetizer using fresh salmon, salt, sugar, and dill. It takes about 36 hours to cure fully. The texture becomes smooth and sliceable. The taste is clean, lightly salty, and herb-forward.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gravlax Salmon with Dill

Asparagus And Ricotta Tart

Baked asparagus and ricotta tart.
Asparagus And Ricotta Tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Asparagus And Ricotta Tart is a baked appetizer made with tender asparagus, creamy ricotta, eggs, and a flaky crust. It takes about 60 minutes from prep to serving. The ricotta adds richness while the asparagus keeps it fresh. Each slice tastes savory, mild, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus And Ricotta Tart

Cheese Bourekas

A close-up of golden, sesame-topped pastry triangles on a tray, served with fresh tomato halves and a sliced boiled egg.
Cheese Bourekas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cheese Bourekas is a baked pastry appetizer filled with creamy cheese and wrapped in flaky dough. It takes about 50 minutes to bake. The pastry crisps while the filling stays soft. The taste is rich, savory, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Bourekas

4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers

Middle Eastern apple appetizers with cooked chicken and fresh apple chunks skewered on small wooden forks.
4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers is a small-bite starter built around fresh apples, warm spices, herbs, and pantry staples. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and assemble. The apples stay crisp while absorbing savory and lightly sweet flavors. The overall taste is balanced, aromatic, and gently spiced.
Get the Recipe: 4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers

Beetroot Cured Salmon

A white plate with a gold rim holds several slices and a block of raw, bright pink tuna. A sprig of rosemary lies on the left side of the plate, which rests on a pale yellow cloth.
Beetroot Cured Salmon. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Beetroot Cured Salmon is a cold appetizer made with salmon, beets, salt, and herbs. It takes about 24 hours including curing time. The salmon firms up with a silky texture. The flavor is gently earthy and savory.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Cured Salmon

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Lumpia is a crisp appetizer made with ground meat, vegetables, and wrappers. It takes about 35 minutes to cook. The wrappers crisp evenly without excess oil. The flavor is savory, mild, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Sweet potato bites topped with guacamole and bacon.
Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites is a baked appetizer made with sweet potatoes, avocado, bacon, and lime. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare. The potatoes soften while the bacon adds texture. The taste is savory, creamy, and slightly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings is a baked appetizer combining sliced onions and bacon. It takes about 40 minutes to cook. The bacon renders while the onion softens. The flavor is smoky, sweet, and savory.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Turkey Roll Ups

A plate of turkey wraps with tomatoes and lettuce.
Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Turkey Roll Ups is a cold appetizer made with sliced turkey, cheese, and spreads. It takes about 15 minutes to assemble. The rolls stay firm and easy to grab. The flavor is mild, savory, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

27 Appetizers That Buy You Time Before Dinner
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a cooked appetizer made with shrimp, breading, and a creamy chili sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The shrimp stay crisp on the outside. The flavor is lightly spicy, savory, and rich.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

closeup shot of deviled eggs without mustard topped with snipped chives and paprika on a white plate.
Deviled Eggs Without Mustard. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Deviled Eggs Without Mustard is a classic appetizer made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and vinegar. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The filling stays smooth and creamy. The flavor is tangy, mild, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs Without Mustard

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

A hand holding a zucchini parmesan chip.
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps is a baked appetizer made with sliced zucchini and grated Parmesan cheese. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. The zucchini dries slightly while the cheese crisps. The flavor is savory, mild, and clean.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Pretzel Bites

Image shows a bowl filled with homemade Pretzel Bites.
Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pretzel Bites is a baked appetizer made with yeast dough, flour, salt, and butter. It takes about 60 minutes from start to finish. The exterior browns lightly while the inside stays soft. The taste is salty, chewy, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites

Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

A white oval plate showcases several tostones topped with guacamole, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and cilantro, garnished with lime wedges. At the center of this family-style presentation is a small bowl of red salsa. An orange napkin lies underneath, begging for culinary attention and shared recipes.
Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Traditional Colombian Patacones is a crisp appetizer made from green plantains and oil. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and cook. The plantains fry into firm rounds with soft centers. The flavor is starchy, savory, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Colombian Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

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