Quick and delicious appetizers: 6 recipes to shine at family celebrati

Which appetizer will you like the most? I think that among these options of canapes and toasts that we bring you today , you won't know which one to decide on... Because they are all delicious appetizers ! In addition, making them takes very little time but you will look wonderfully well at engagement lunches and dinners. Look at the appetizers we bring you! I hope you find them inspiring.

I bring you 6 new ones ... And at the end I remind you of other delicious options that we have on the blog. Let's go for all of them!

1) Puff pastry volcanoes with caviar and cream cheese

Ingredients:

Puff pastry tartlets*
100 g cream cheese
50 g caviar (you can use sturgeon caviar or substitute it with substitutes such as salmon or trout roe)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to decorate)

Preparation

Mix the cream cheese in a bowl with a ball-tipped whisk until it reaches temperature and is soft and easy to spread.
Once the puff pastry tartlets are cool, add a small teaspoon of cream cheese to the center of each one.
On top of the cream cheese, place a small amount of caviar.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and fresh flavor.

*If you want, you can also make the puff pastry base yourself. You just have to cut a refrigerated griddle into the size and shape you want. Brush with egg and bake at 190ºC with some baking weights on top of the area where the filling of this appetizer will go.

2) Smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber toasts

A versatile and delicious option that combines fresh and smoky flavors, perfect to delight your guests on any special occasion.

Ingredients:

Bread of your choice (preferably baguette or rye bread, or thin toast)
200 g smoked salmon
150 g cream cheese
1 cucumber
1 red onion
Fresh dill (optional, to decorate)
Oil (optional, for spraying)
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

If you use toasts, you can start assembling the toasts quickly. If you use fresh bread, cut it into slices (thin or thick, your choice), toast the portions in a toaster or in the oven until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Cut the cucumber into thin slices. If you prefer, you can partially peel the cucumber to give it a more decorative look.
Generously spread each toast with cream cheese.
Place a few cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese on each slice of bread.
On top of the cucumber, place a portion of smoked salmon, distributing it evenly. If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the salmon to enhance the flavor.
Cut the red onion and scatter a few pieces on top.
Spray with a little oil (you can use one with a spray bottle to minimize it), add salt and pepper to taste (optional).
If you like, garnish with some fresh dill leaves to add an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

3) Pineapple and shrimp skewer

Ingredients

Large shrimp, cooked (peeled and deveined)
Fresh pineapple cut into small cubes
Skewer sticks or small skewers
Sauce to sauté the shrimp* (optional! You can make the skewers with cooked shrimp or you can also make them with cooked and sautéed shrimp)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil

*If you decide to make the skewers with sautéed shrimp, you can do it in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and/or hot sauce to taste. I leave you a recipe for it:

2 butter spoons
1 large clove of garlic finely chopped
1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

If you are going to serve the skewer with sautéed shrimp:

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic clove and cook for about a minute, making sure the garlic doesn't burn.
Add the sweet or smoked paprika to the pan and mix well with the butter and garlic. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to allow the flavors to blend.
Add the cooked shrimp to the pan and sauté with the butter and spice mixture for a few minutes, until cooked and pink on both sides.
If you prefer, squeeze a little lemon juice over the shrimp for a touch of acidity and freshness. Stir to infuse the flavor.
Remove the shrimp from the heat and set aside.

We prepare the skewer (with the sautéed or cooked shrimp)

On skewers, thread a sautéed shrimp followed by a pineapple cube, repeating the pattern until the skewer is full.
If you wish, you can present the shrimp and pineapple skewers with a little of the sauce used for stir-frying as an additional dressing.

Do you have doubts about whether you want to sauté the shrimp or not?

Both versions have their charm and are usually well received, but preference may vary depending on individual tastes and the context of the event or meeting.

The shrimp and pineapple skewer with cooked shrimp is a fresh, light option with a combination of sweet and salty flavors. It is a popular choice at more informal events, especially in warmer seasons, due to its refreshing flavor.

On the other hand, sautéed shrimp can offer a more robust texture and richer flavors, especially if prepared with a special sauce or seasonings. This option can be ideal for meetings where you are looking for something with a more gourmet touch or at events where more pronounced flavors are preferred. Ultimately, both variants are delicious.

4) Goat curl skewer with dried tomato

Ingredients (for each slice)

1 slice of bread (can be baguette, rustic bread or your favorite)
Goat cheese roll
Dried tomatoes (previously hydrated in oil or hot water if they are dried)
Fresh basil leaves (optional, to decorate)
Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

Toast the slice of bread in a toaster or in the oven until lightly browned and crispy.
Meanwhile, cut the goat cheese roll into slices or simply crumble it if it is softer.
Once the slice of bread is ready, place the goat cheese slices on it, covering the entire surface.
Cut the hydrated dried tomatoes into thin strips and place them on the goat cheese.
Optionally, you can add some fresh basil leaves on top for a touch of freshness and additional flavor.
If you prefer, drizzle a little olive oil over the preparation to enhance the flavors.
Serve your slice of bread with goat roll and sun-dried tomatoes as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.

This combination of flavors between the creaminess of the goat cheese, the intensity of the dried tomatoes and the crunchy texture of the toasted bread creates an irresistible bite. I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy recipe!

NOTE: You can make a variant of this appetizer by replacing the dried tomato in olive with caramelized spring onion. Another delight!

5. Salmon and zucchini rolls

Ingredients:

200g sliced smoked salmon
2 long, thin zucchini
100g cream cheese or soft cheese (such as goat cheese)
Sesame seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Preparation:

Cut the zucchini into long, thin strips with a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
Boil water in a large pot. Prepare a bowl of water and ice to create a cold water bath.
Dip the zucchini strips into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds. Then quickly remove them and place them in the cold water bath to stop the cooking. This will soften the zucchini strips and make them more flexible to roll.
Spread the smoked salmon slices and spread a thin layer of cream cheese or the soft cheese you have chosen.
Place a strip of blanched zucchini on each slice of salmon, and wrap the salmon with the zucchini. Repeat the process with the rest of the salmon slices.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rolls and add salt and pepper to taste. You can season with a splash of oil.

6) Mediterranean Avocado and Shrimp Canapé

Ingredients:

12 round or rectangular toasts
200g cooked and peeled shrimp or prawns
1 ripe avocado
Pitted black olives
Coriander or parsley leaves to decorate
Lemon (optional, to drizzle over the avocado and shrimp)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the avocado cream:

1 ripe avocado
Juice of 1 lime or lemon
A handful of fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic

Preparation:

Prepare the avocado cream by mixing the avocado, lime or lemon juice, fresh cilantro and garlic in a blender or food processor . Process until you obtain a smooth mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the bread slices until crispy.
Place a layer of avocado cream on each slice of toast.
Place the cooked and peeled shrimp on top of the cream.
Decorate each canapé with a pitted black olive in the center and some cilantro or parsley leaves to give it freshness and color.
Optionally, squeeze a little lemon over the shrimp to enhance the flavor.