You’re planning a romantic evening, and it’s time to set the mood with delicious bite-sized appetizers. You’ll create a stunning spread with mini caprese skewers, prosciutto wrapped melon, and more. Your taste buds will thank you, but that’s just the start – what other elegant options will you discover?
Mini Caprese Skewers
Mini Caprese Skewers are a simple, elegant appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 10-12 bamboo skewers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1/2-inch cubes and the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Cut the fresh basil leaves into small pieces.
- Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella cube, and a basil piece onto each skewer.
- Drizzle the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Baked Brie and Fresh Fruit
Indulge in a romantic appetizer with Baked Brie and Fresh Fruit, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup of fresh fruit, such as grapes and strawberries
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Remove the brie cheese from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle the honey over the brie cheese and sprinkle with thyme.
- Bake the brie cheese in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until it is softened and slightly melted.
- Arrange the sliced baguette and fresh fruit on a serving platter.
- Remove the brie cheese from the oven and place it on the serving platter.
- Dot the top of the brie cheese with unsalted butter.
- Serve the Baked Brie and Fresh Fruit immediately and enjoy.
Chicken Satay With Peanut Sauce
Grilled chicken skewers served with a creamy peanut sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 10 bamboo skewers
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken breast onto bamboo skewers.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- In a blender, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Blend sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Serve grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve immediately.
Mini Beef or Chicken Sliders
Mini Beef or Chicken Sliders are bite-sized burgers perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce, cheese, and tomato for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef or chicken, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired slider size.
- Shape each portion into a small ball and flatten slightly into a patty.
- Grill the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
- Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
- Assemble the sliders by spreading a small amount of mayonnaise or ketchup on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked patty, a slice of cheese, a lettuce leaf, and a tomato slice.
- Top with the top bun and serve immediately.
Bruschetta With Tomato and Basil
Classic Italian appetizer featuring fresh tomatoes and basil on toasted bread.
Ingredients
- 4-6 baguette slices
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the bread and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Top each toasted bread round with diced tomato, chopped basil, and minced garlic.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of each bread round.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Bites
Miniature pastry pockets filled with creamy spinach and artichoke dip.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Cut out small squares of pastry, about 3 inches per side.
- In a medium bowl, combine artichoke hearts, spinach, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
- Spoon a small amount of the artichoke mixture onto one half of each pastry square.
- Fold the other half of the pastry square over the filling to form a triangle, pressing edges to seal.
- Brush tops of pastry with a little bit of water and cut a small slit in the top of each to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon is a simple, elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe melon
- 6 slices of prosciutto
- Fresh mint leaves
- Honey
Instructions
- Cut the melon into bite-sized pieces or balls.
- Wrap each melon piece with a slice of prosciutto.
- Secure the prosciutto with a toothpick if needed.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Drizzle with honey before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Mini Quiches With Various Fillings
Mini quiches are perfect shareable appetizers for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Various fillings such as diced ham, cheese, and vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt, then add cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice-cold water and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out circles of dough using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream.
- Add various fillings to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Spoon a small amount of the egg mixture onto one half of each dough circle.
- Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling to form a half-circle shape.
- Press the edges together to seal the quiche.
- Place the quiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with a little bit of water and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Grilled Shrimp Cocktail
Succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty mixture, grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers, if desired.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet and savory Bacon Wrapped Dates are a perfect appetizer for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 12 dates, pitted
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup of blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the dates in half and fill each with a small amount of blue cheese.
- Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the honey over the bacon wrapped dates.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Mini Crab Cakes With Remoulade
Mini crab cakes with remoulade make for a delicious Valentine’s Day appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Remoulade sauce for serving
Instructions
- Gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning in a medium bowl.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- When ready to cook, divide the crab mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a small cake.
- Place the crab cakes on a plate or tray and brush the tops with melted butter.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the crab cakes to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the crab cakes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the mini crab cakes warm with remoulade sauce for dipping.
Roasted Vegetable Tartlets
Miniature pastry tartlets filled with roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- 1/2 cup roasted bell peppers
- 1/2 cup roasted zucchini
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into small squares.
- Spoon a small amount of caramelized onions, roasted bell peppers, and roasted zucchini onto one half of each square.
- Top with a sprinkle of goat cheese.
- Fold the other half of the pastry square over the filling to form a triangle.
- Brush edges with olive oil and press to seal.
- Place tartlets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Meatballs With Marinara Sauce
Tender meatballs served with a rich marinara sauce make a perfect Valentine’s Day appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the marinara sauce.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the meatballs hot with the marinara sauce spooned over the top.
Stuffed Mushrooms With Cheese and Herbs
Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make a perfect Valentine’s Day appetizer.
Ingredients
- 12 large mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean and prepare the mushrooms by removing the stems and scooping out the gills.
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 15-20 minutes or until they’re tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Mini Tacos With Ground Beef or Chicken
Mini tacos with ground beef or chicken are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the garlic and taco seasoning to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the aroma of the spices is released.
- Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble the tacos by spooning the meat mixture onto a tortilla and topping with cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings.
- Serve the mini tacos immediately and enjoy.
Fried Calamari With Aioli
Crispy fried calamari served with a side of creamy aioli.
Ingredients
- 1 pound squid rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 minced garlic clove
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
- Dip each squid ring into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
- Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the coated squid rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic to make the aioli.
- Serve the fried calamari hot with the aioli for dipping.
Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Mini grilled cheese sandwiches are a simple, adorable appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of white bread
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the grill or grill pan.
- Sprinkle a small amount of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the bread.
- Place another slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the cheese.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
- Repeat with remaining bread and cheese.
- Cut into quarters or halves and serve warm.
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pinwheels
Flaky pinwheels filled with pesto and sun-dried tomato for a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup of pesto
- 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
- Spread the pesto evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on both sides.
- Sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese over the pesto.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.
- Roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from one of the long edges.
- Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
- Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Mini Lamb or Beef Meat Pies
Mini lamb or beef meat pies are savory pastries perfect for Valentine’s Day sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, ground lamb or beef, and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces.
- Stir in frozen vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until the vegetables are thawed.
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out circles of pastry using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
- Spoon a small amount of the meat mixture onto one half of each pastry circle.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg and fold the other half over the filling.
- Press the edges to seal and use a fork to crimp.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and cut a small slit in the top of each pie.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Conclusion
You’ll utterly adore these 19 bite-sized appetizers, they’re ridiculously divine! Mini caprese skewers, prosciutto wrapped melon, and grilled shrimp cocktail will make your Valentine’s Day unbelievably romantic. Your taste buds will explode with joy, and your loved one will be amazed by your culinary skills – it’s a match made in heaven!