Your guests’ experience and the type of event you’re putting on will be heavily influenced by what appetizers and dips you decide on. The many styles of starters are endless, providing you with every possible flavor to start the evening off right − delicious Italian classics, spicy Spanish tapas, bright Indian chaat, smoky Turkish mezze, zesty Mexican bites, refreshing Filipino appetizers, and more! Through the eyes of a Chef and Professional Content Writer, allow me to share 10 of the most creative and memorable appetizers and dips that will not only dazzle your guests, but take you on a culinary adventure around the world.
1. Italian Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian hors d’oeuvre that’s both easy and delightful to prepare. Rustic bread is toasted, then topped with a mix of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, resulting in a delectable combination of flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of freshly made rustic bread
- 2 diced ripe tomatoes
- 2 minced cloves garlic
- Fresh chopped basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process
- First of all, toast the bread slices until they get golden in color.
- Take a bowl, add tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar along with some salt, and pepper according to taste in it. Mix it all well!
- Now spoon this mixture onto the crispy toasted bread and serve it hot immediately.
Fun Fact About Bruchetta
Bruschetta is not Italian! It originated in Tuscany and it is traditionally made with stale bread to avoid food wastage.
2. Spanish Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas are a traditional Spanish tapa that are generally made with deep-fried potatoes. These are served smothered in a spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
Ingredients
- 4 large cubed potatoes
- Olive oil
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 tsp of smoked paprika for flavor
- 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 minced clove garlic
Process
- Take a pan and fry the potatoes in olive oil until they get crispy.
- To prepare the sauce, simmer some tomato sauce along with paprika and cayenne.
- To make aioli, mix mayonnaise with some minced garlic. Serve the potatoes hot with both sauces on the side.
Fun Fact About Patatas Bravas
The meaning of Patatas Bravas is “fierce potatoes,”. It refers to the spicy flavor of sauce.
3. Indian Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is an Indian appetizer consisting of grilled marinated cubes of paneer (a type of cottage cheese) along with grilled bell peppers and onions.
Ingredients
- 200g of cubed paneer
- 1 cubed bell pepper
- 1 cubed onion
- 2 tbsp of yogurt
- 1 tsp of garam masala
- 1 tsp of turmeric
- 1 tsp of chili powder
- Salt to taste
Process
- First of all start with marinating paneer, bell pepper, and onion in some yogurt and spices.
- After marination, let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Then skewer the marinated ingredients and grill them until they are charred. Finally serve them hot with some mint chutney.
Fun Fact About Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is a pure vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka. It is a staple appetizer at Indian parties, weddings and more.
4. Turkish Hummus
Hummus is a creamy Middle Eastern dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic and has become highly popular in Turkish cuisine as well.
Ingredients
- 1 can of drained chickpeas
- 1/4 cup of tahini
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- Fresh Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- Salt to taste
Process
- First of all, blend some chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt according to taste.
- Blend it all until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
- Now serve it hot with freshly made pita bread and vegetable sticks.
Fun Fact
Hummus is a good source of protein and fiber. It is one of the best healthy party dips.
5. Mexican Guacamole
A mainstay at Mexican get-togethers, guacamole is a zesty flavourful dip that is made with mashed avocados, tomatoes, onions, fresh lime juice, and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 2 mashed ripe avocados
- 1 diced tomato
- 1/2 diced onion,
- Fresh Juice of 1 lime
- Finely chopped fresh cilantro,
- Salt according to taste
Process
- Start with mixing mashed avocados with tomato, onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
- Then serve it with tortilla chips. Refreshing and flavorful!
Fun Fact About Guacamole
Avocados are a good source of healthy fats and potassium. Making this guacamole for parties is a nutritious choice.
6. Filipino Lumpia
Lumpia, also known as Filipino spring rolls that are specially filled with a flavourful mixture of vegetables and sometimes meat. Then it is fried until crispy.
Ingredients
- Lumpia wrappers
- 1 cup of shredded cabbage
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup of minced pork
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp of soy sauce
- Oil for frying
Process
- To start with, first of all saute some garlic, cabbage, carrots, and pork in a pan in a little oil.
- Season it with some soy sauce. Turn off the flame and mix it well.
- Place the filling on Lumpia wrappers.
- Then roll it tightly and fry until it gets golden.
- Serve it with some sweet chili sauce.
Fun Fact Lumpia
Lumpia is just like the Chinese spring rolls. But it also has a unique Filipino twist.
7. Italian Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers, a colorful and vibrating appetizer that features fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and refreshing basil leaves along with a slight drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- Fresh Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella balls
- Refreshing basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Process
- Start with threading cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers.
- Then drizzle some balsamic glaze before serving.
Fun Fact About Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are inspired by the flavorful classic Caprese salad and it’s a great choice to have on the menu for any party.
8. Spanish Gazpacho
Gazpacho, a chilled tomato soup that came from Spain. It is a perfect refreshing appetizer people love to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 chopped ripe tomatoes
- 1 chopped cucumber
- 1 chopped bell pepper
- 1 clove of garlic
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of red wine and vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Process
- Blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth consistency.
- Keep it in the refrigerator to chill.
- Serve it cold.
Fun Fact About Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a perfect appetizer to cool down during hot summer parties but it also tastes like heaven when enjoyed in winters.
9. Indian Samosa
Samosa is like a deep-fried pastry that is filled with spiced flavorful stuffing that can be of potatoes, peas, paneer and more. It is one of the favorites at Indian parties.
Ingredients
- Samosa wrappers
- 2 cups of mashed potatoes
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 1 tsp of garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Process
- Take a pan, put oil in it. Sauté some cumin seeds in it until they splutter.
- Now add potatoes, peas, garam masala, and salt into it and mix them well.
- Fill the wrappers, fold them properly and fry until they get golden and crispy.
- Serve them hot with tamarind chutney.
Fun Fact About Samosas
It is thought that traders brought samosas to India from the Middle East.
10. Turkish Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush is a smoky and healthy eggplant dip that is similar to hummus but has a distinct flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 2 minced cloves of garlic
- 2 tbsp of tahini
- Fresh Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- Salt according to taste
Process
- Roast some eggplant until it gets soft.
- Scoop its flesh out and blend with some garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
- Serve it along with pita bread.
Fun Fact Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush is a well known mezze in Turkish cuisine and it is also known for its ultimate smoky flavor.
Enhance your next gathering with these 10 global inspired Dips & Appetizers! Enjoy the amazing cuisine of Italy, Spain, India, Turkey, Mexico & The Philippines through delicious and simple dip recipes. These dips are sure to impress every guest at your next event, so get ready to add some international flair to your menu!
