The next time you're out at a restaurant, why not try something a bit different? While we all have our go-to classic appetizers that never disappoint, what about giving something new a go? Here are the 10 most popular appetizer dishes that everyone always orders, 10 underrated ones worth trying.
1. Nachos
Is there an appetizer in America more popular than the classic nacho? Loaded with melted cheese, jalapenos, ground beef, guacamole, and sour cream, this is the perfect dish to share in a large group. Commonly found at any sports bar or casual restaurant, it's on every menu for a reason.
2. Buffalo Wings
Even if you're not a big fan of spicy foods, you can't deny that buffalo wings are a crowd favourite that always satisfy. Whether you're at a pub, a gathering, or a Super Bowl watch party, buffalo wings always hit the spot. These saucy, spicy, and tangy wings are served best next to a side of ranch dressing that helps cool your tongue down.
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3. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Creamy, hearty, and unbelievably cheesy, spinach and artichoke were a match made in heaven that no one knew about until this appetizer came out. Often baked until the cheese forms a crust on top, this dip served with tortilla chips or bread is a chef's kiss.
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4. Onion Rings
Whether you buy them at a fast food chain, frozen from the grocery store, or fried fresh at a restaurant, no one will ever complain about a good onion ring. Crispy, crunchy, and tender on the inside, these go great with any dipping sauce of your choice.
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5. Mozzarella Sticks
Everyone loves cheese, so who wouldn't love an appetizer made more or less entirely of that? Great with a side of marinara dipping sauce, these mozzarella sticks are breaded in a delicious breadcrumb coating before being deep-fried to golden perfection. The real test is how good that cheese pull is!
Image by Erika Tanith from Pixabay
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
Who knew little mushrooms could be the perfect vehicles for fillings? With ingredients like cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, or even sausage all stuffed into the little crevices of these mushrooms, how could you resist? It's savory, cheesy, and packed with so much flavour in every bite.
7. Shrimp Cocktail
Turns out cold shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce is all you need for a delicious appetizer. This classic snack is incredibly simple, but still delicious in every way. Despite its simplicity, it's often served at more formal gatherings, perhaps a testament to the notion that simple is best.
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8. Deviled Eggs
An interesting concoction of halved hard-boiled eggs that have been refilled with a unique yolk filling, deviled eggs are a popular pot luck dish often brought to gatherings. Who thought of taking out the egg yolk, mixing it with mayo, mustard, and spices, before stuffing it back in? A genius that's who.
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9. Potato Skins
Every part of the potato is delicious and potato skins are a great example to prove that. Completely hollowed out, these crispy boats hold tasty toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions. Once fried or baked, they turn out extra crispy, providing a delightful added texture to each mouthful.
10. Jalapeño Poppers
Don't worry, these aren't as spicy as you might think! Jalapeno poppers are a unique and popular appetizer that combines cream cheese or cheddar stuffed into a hollowed out jalapeno pepper before being breaded and deep-fried. The little bit of spice you get is completely mellowed out by the creaminess of the cheese, creating a well-balanced flavour profile that hits the spot every time.
Jon Sullivan on Wikimedia Commons
1. Baba Ganoush
Baba what? If you've never heard of it before, this is an amazing Middle Eastern dip that's made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The resulting mix is an incredibly tasty dip that's got a creamy texture and rich and smoky flavour. It's healthier than most dips and will never disappoint when paired with some bread, pita, or vegetables.
2. Fried Green Tomatoes
Down in the South, they serve up some wild appetizers, including their fried green tomatoes. They just love frying stuff! Crunchy on the outside while soft in the middle with a tangy flavour, these little fried goodies sure pack a punch. Whether it's served with a sauce or on it's own, you'll be amazed by how good they are.
ninjapoodles on Wikimedia Commons
3. Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Watermelon...in a salad? Hold your horses, before you start scrolling to the next point, just know that this refreshing salad tastes a lot better than it sounds. Combining sweet, juicy watermelon with the salty feta cheese, you end up with a flavour combo that'll cool you down on any hot summer day.
Cajsa Lilliehook from Portland on Wikimedia Commons
4. Plantain Chips with Avocado Dip
Instead of opting for your usual potato chip, consider fried or baked plantain chips that will offer you a completely different taste experience. Providing you with all the crunch you desire, these chips paired with a creamy avocado dip will open your eyes to everything a good appetizer can be.
Scott Ehardt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
5. Smoked Trout Dip
While smoked salmon dip is a much more common menu item, smoked trout dip is underrated and deserves some love too. It's everything you want from a hearty and rich dip - it's creamy, savory, and pairs beautifully with some crackers or cucumbers.
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6. Zucchini Fritters
Whether you love zucchini or need to get rid of some leftovers in the fridge, zucchini fritters should always be your go-to recipe. They're light and crispy, perfect as a little snack right before the main meal. If you want to be extra fancy, have it with some sour cream for an extra touch of creaminess.
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7. Charred Octopus
While octopus might be a more adventurous appetizer for most Americans, don't knock it till you try it. When it's charred on the grill and seasoned perfectly, you'll fall in love with how tender and flavourful it is!
Photo by Jesse Hanley on Unsplash
8. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Everyone loves elote but it's often an appetizer forgotten about! Simply corn on the cob that's loaded with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime, this Mexican street corn dish takes this vegetable to a new level. It's pretty messy to eat, so make sure you've got some napkins ready if you're about to dig in.
Photo by Aleisha Kalina on Unsplash
9. Blistered Shishito Peppers
Simple yet tasty, sometimes, all you need are some blistered peppers to make a tasty appetizer dish. And in this case, shisito peppers that are served with sprinkle of salt can be so addictive. It's not heavy, provides a nice bit of heat, and will definitely have you going back for more.
orchidgalore on Wikimedia Commons
10. Stuffed Dates
Dates on their own might be considered more of a sweet treat, but when you stuff them with cheese or nuts and maybe even wrap it in some bacon, you've suddenly got a sweet and salty appetizer worth eating. There are so many different textures and flavours all packed into this one-biter!
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