Appetizers to Impress: Smitten Kitchen’s Best Starters
From bite-sized classics to inventive bites, discover the full range of Smitten Kitchen appetizers perfect for every occasion.
Appetizers: Smitten Kitchen’s Collection of Irresistible Starters
Welcome to the ultimate guide to appetizers inspired by Smitten Kitchen. This curated collection features a delectable variety of small bites and starters—ranging from timeless classics to modern twists—perfect for every party, gathering, or family dinner. Whether you are planning a holiday soirée, casual get-together, or simply want to elevate your next meal, these recipes deliver flavor, fun, and approachability.
Why Appetizers Matter
Appetizers set the tone for a memorable meal. They invite conversation, encourage mingling, and offer an array of flavors to indulge guests. Smitten Kitchen’s appetizer repertoire celebrates practicality without sacrificing creativity or taste, echoing the site’s philosophy: great food, made accessible for every home cook.
Main Appetizers and Party Snacks
- Baked Brie with Balsamic Red Onions
- Baked Brie with Garlic Butter Mushrooms
- Blistered Peas-in-the-Pod with Lemon and Salt
- Burrata with Crushed Cherries and Pistachios
- Chicken Liver Pâté
- Cider-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
- Deviled Eggs (Classic & Variations)
- Grilled Feta with Asparagus Chimichurri
- Grilled Nectarines with Gorgonzola and Hazelnuts
- Roasted Tomatoes with White Beans
- Steamed Artichokes
Below, discover detailed inspiration, serving suggestions, and the unique elements that make each appetizer a standout.
Baked Brie: Two Show-Stopping Variations
Baked Brie with Balsamic Red Onions is a comforting, party-ready starter featuring warm brie adorned with tangy, caramelized onions. The sweet-sour onions bring out the brie’s creaminess, begging to be swept up with slices of lightly toasted baguette.
Baked Brie with Garlic Butter Mushrooms offers an earthier, indulgent twist. Here, the brie is nestled into a skillet or baking dish, surrounded by roasted mushrooms tossed in garlic butter. After baking, everything is gloriously melty and scoopable—irresistible on warm bread or crackers.
- Pro Tip: Both variations benefit from a brief rest out of the oven to set and become blissfully scoopable without running everywhere.
- Pair with: Light salads, roasted nuts, or a glass of crisp white wine.
Vegetable-Forward Bites
Blistered Peas-in-the-Pod with Lemon and Salt make for a bright, spring-inspired snack. Quickly charred in a hot pan, the peas achieve smoky flavor and pair perfectly with flaky salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Burrata with Crushed Cherries and Pistachios embraces the creamy indulgence of burrata, topped with juicy cherries and the crunch of chopped pistachios—a luxurious yet simple starter for any warm-weather gathering.
Meaty and Savory Delights
Chicken Liver Pâté is a rich, old-world treat elevated with Smitten Kitchen’s signature touch. Silky-smooth and flecked with fresh herbs, it spreads beautifully on toasted bread or crackers. Serve with cornichons for a classic Parisian touch.
Cider-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Among the most beloved, Cider-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates are a quintessential party snack. Sweet dates are wrapped in bacon, receiving a brush of cider vinegar and maple syrup before roasting. The glaze caramelizes, yielding a perfect balance of smoky, salty, sweet, and tangy in each bronze, crisp bite.
- Serve warm, fresh from the oven, or reheat at your destination—they travel well!
- Optional: Tuck in a toasted almond or a cube of cheese before wrapping for extra surprise.
Deviled Eggs: Endless Possibilities
Deviled Eggs are reinvented by Smitten Kitchen with a no-fuss approach: creamy yolks mashed with classic mayo and mustard, then topped with whatever is within arm’s reach—fresh herbs, capers, smoked paprika, or pickled onions. The result is a tray that’s lively, customizable, and impossibly inviting.
- No piping bag required—just a spoon and imagination.
- Try themed toppings for holidays or tailor the filling with bold seasonings like sriracha or curry powder.
Grilled Feta Sensations
Grilled Feta with Asparagus Chimichurri is a showstopper where slabs of feta are seared or baked until tender, then topped with a verdant asparagus-based chimichurri. This combination delivers a salty-tangy punch offset by herbal brightness and just enough char to intrigue.
- Great as a standalone starter or as part of a spring or summer mezze platter.
Elegant Produce-Based Starters
Grilled Nectarines with Gorgonzola and Hazelnuts pair smoky-sweet stone fruit with crumbly blue cheese and toasted hazelnuts—a refined flavor meld for summer evenings.
Steamed Artichokes are offered with classic drawn butter or zesty homemade aioli. They are a hands-on favorite, inviting diners to pull, dip, and savor each petal one by one.
Roasted Tomatoes with White Beans layers oven-roasted, umami-rich tomatoes over creamy white beans. The dish is brightened with herbs and olive oil, ideal as a toast-topper or a hearty appetizer salad.
Notable Party Snacks and Crowd-Pleasers
- Artichoke Gratin Toasts
- Cheddar, Beer & Mustard Pull-Apart Bread
- Cauliflower-Feta Fritters with Pomegranate
- Spanakopita Triangles
- Herbed Tomato and Roasted Garlic Tart
- Union Square Cafe’s Bar Nuts
- Pimento Cheese Potato Bites
- Walnut Pesto
- Garlicky Party Bread with Cheese and Herbs
- Parmesan Cream Crackers
- Mushroom Tartines
- Deviled Eggs (multiple versions)
- Flatbreads with Honey, Thyme & Sea Salt
- Crushed Peas with Smoky Sesame Dressing
- Pickled Carrot Sticks & Pickled Grapes
- Zucchini Fritters & Latkes
- Crispy Frizzled Artichokes
- Broccoli Parmesan Fritters
- Japanese Vegetable Pancakes
Dive into the full collection for inspiration—these snacks are perfect for sharing plates, appetizer bars, or any festive table.
Tips for a Standout Appetizer Spread
- Mix Textures and Flavors: Serve creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet items together for balance.
- Incorporate Dips and Spreads: Think hummus, feta salsa, smoked whitefish dip, or wild mushroom pâté.
- Offer Various Vehicles: Sliced baguettes, crackers, endives, and sturdy vegetables make excellent vessels for scooping.
- Plan for All Diets: Include vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free appetizers to accommodate guests.
- Prepare Ahead: Many items, like pâtés, dips, and baked snacks, can be made part or all of the way in advance for stress-free hosting.
Essential Smitten Kitchen Appetizer FAQ
Q: What is the best make-ahead appetizer from this list?
A: Cider-glazed bacon-wrapped dates, dips, spreads like chicken liver pâté, and most brie bakes can be largely prepared ahead and rewarmed before serving.
Q: How do I add variety to my appetizer table?
A: Combine hot and cold items, use a mix of roasted/baked and fresh snacks, and choose dips plus finger foods like fritters or crostini.
Q: Can these recipes be adapted for dietary restrictions?
A: Absolutely. Many are naturally vegetarian (e.g., fritters, dips, cheese-based snacks), and gluten-free options are available (try nut mixes, vegetable bites, or gluten-free crackers).
Q: What’s the most popular appetizer at parties?
A: Cider-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates consistently earn rave reviews for their irresistible sweet-salty combo.
Q: What should I serve with appetizer spreads?
A: Add a crisp salad, nuts, a drinks tray (wine, sparkling water), and a dessert board for a complete and easy entertaining solution.
Quick Reference Table: Smitten Kitchen Appetizers at a Glance
| Appetizer | Main Ingredients | Best For | Make-Ahead? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baked Brie with Balsamic Red Onions | Brie, red onions, balsamic vinegar | Holiday parties, winter gatherings | Yes |
| Cider-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates | Bacon, dates, cider vinegar, maple syrup | Any party, crowd-pleaser | Yes |
| Grilled Feta with Asparagus Chimichurri | Feta cheese, asparagus, herbs | Spring/summer dinners | Partially |
| Deviled Eggs | Eggs, mayo, mustard, toppings | Every occasion | Yes |
| Chicken Liver Pâté | Chicken livers, butter, cream | Elegant gatherings | Yes |
| Herbed Tomato and Roasted Garlic Tart | Tomatoes, roasted garlic, pastry | Brunch, outdoor parties | Yes |
Creative Garnishing and Presentation Ideas
- Use fresh herbs (dill, parsley, basil) liberally for color and aroma.
- Add citrus zest or pickles to brighten heavy flavors.
- Serve on wooden boards or rustic platters for a modern look.
- Small serving utensils and toothpicks help guests serve themselves easily.
Final Thoughts: Entertaining, Smitten Kitchen Style
Smitten Kitchen’s appetizers exemplify the joy of sharing good food. From bubbling bakes to crisp bites and inventive dips, every recipe is designed to welcome, satisfy, and start the evening right. Use this guide to build your own legendary appetizer spread—and enjoy the relaxed confidence these unfussy, crowd-pleasing snacks impart.
