Looking for a fun appetizer for Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered with easy, make-ahead dips, spreads, salsas, and bites that are perfect starters for a date night at home. Don’t forget a fun beverage, too!
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Choosing an appetizer for Valentine’s Day is like choosing a favorite child. How could you choose just one?
There’s so many options in the world of appetizers and starters, that you could probably have a different one every year and never do a repeat. Except that these Valentine’s Day appetizers are so good you’re going to want them on repeat all year long!
Why Serve an Appetizer for Valentine’s Day?
It shows you care. Serving an appetizer takes a meal to the next level. Serving one on Valentine’s Day implies that this date night, even if it’s at home, is special.
It buys you some time. Whether you’r cooking for two or serving a large party, planning an appetizer for Valentine’s Day buys you some time to prep the rest of the food without starving your guests.
It’s fun. Why do it if it’s not fun? A special appetizer for Valentine’s Day, even if it’s a simple bread and cheese board with a touch of English pickle can make for a fun way to start the evening. They don’t call them amuse-bouche for nothing.
Types of Appetizer for Valentine’s Day
There are so may types of appetizer, from the very easy roasted red peppers in olive oil served on toast to the more elaborate bacon stuffed mushrooms. So many recipes, so little time.
Here are the types you can choose from:
salsas – typically served with tortilla chips, salsa can range from mild to spicy and feature your standard tomato and/or chiles as well as other fruits like peaches, mango, pineapple, and strawberries.
While salsa are typically seasoned in a Mexican or South American flavor profile, I’m going to throw Italian bruschetta in this category since it favors chopped tomatoes and fresh herbs like a traditional pico de gallo.
dips – There are hot dips and cold dips, dairy-based like sour cream and onion dip and bean-based like hummus. Dips can be served with tortilla, potato, or pita chips, but you can also mix things up with bagel chips and crackers, too. Don’t forget that crudites on a veggie tray make a nice dipper with added nutrition.
spreads – Spreads like English pickle or baked goat cheese are nice for an array of baguette, whole grain breads, and crackers.
bites – Bites are finger foods that are eaten in just a few bites. They can be meat-based like our Buffalo Chicken Bites or egg based, like our Quinoa Egg Bites. They can also be pastry-wrapped like a potsticker with dipping sauce or a Samosa Cup. A homemade cracker like these Cheddar Coins would also count as bites.
How to Serve an Appetizer for Valentine’s Day
Often times an appetizer is served on a counter or table, buffet style, but for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, you may want a more formal, plated presentation.
Serve salsas, dips, and spreads in single servings dished in ramekins on a salad plate with a serving of dippers. Bites can be plated as well and served at the table, often with a small dish of salad or sauce.
Don’t forget a fancy drink.
A fancy drink is a perfect pairing for your appetizer for Valentine’s Day. It can be a mocktail or pair your starters with something stronger.
Below we’ve got some great appetizer and drink recipes for your special date night at home.
Be sure to check out our tips for planning a Valentine Dinner for Family.
Found a favorite appetizer for Valentine’s Day? I hope you’ll come back and leave a starred review after you’ve tried it out.
What do you think?
Let’s chat in the comments!
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