The Most Delicious Examples of Hors D’oeuvres to Make at Home

Creating the exceptional hors d’oeuvres spread isn’t always a walk in the park – actually it often happens to be a real pain in the neck, especially when the aim is to dazzle your guests. 

Sure, you might come up with a couple of ideas initially, but soon enough, you probably find yourself stuck, longing for some classical hors d’oeuvres examples to recreate at home or entrust to a catering company.

Indeed, it’s a relatable struggle – wanting to offer your guests a culinary experience that lingers in their memories. But fear not, for we are here to present to you a few tantalizing hors d’oeuvres ideas that will leave your guests craving more.

Delightful Hors D’oeuvres Examples that Make Any Occasion Special

Carrot and Papaya Popsicles

The first suggestion doesn’t belong to the classical hors d’oeuvres examples, yet it is very impressive. Before serving it, give your guests a heads-up because this hors d’oeuvre example is quick to melt.

Servings: 3 popsicle molds, 5 oz each

Ingredients:

• 1 papaya (can substitute with mango or orange) 
• 3 oz carrot juice 
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 
• A pinch of cinnamon 
• 200 g plain yogurt 
• 2 tablespoons honey 
• 2 stalks of celery 

Step 1: Peel the papaya, add lemon juice, cinnamon, and carrot juice. Blend everything together. (You can optionally add sweetener.)

Step 2: Mix the plain yogurt thoroughly with honey.

Step 3: Pour the carrot mixture into the popsicle molds, then top with the honey yogurt mixture. Place a celery stick in the center of each mold. 

Step 4: Place the molds in the freezer and wait for about 2 hours until the popsicles are frozen.

Buckwheat & Salmon Crumpets

Buckwheat and salmon crumpets are a tasty hors d’oeuvres combo that hits the spot, whether you serve them up hot or chill them down. They’re an unusual guest-pleasers.

Servings: 5

Ingredients: 

• 1 packet of buckwheat 
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg 
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill 
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour or wheat bran (regular wheat flour can be used, but it’s not recommended for those on a diet) 
• Salt and pepper 

Toppings: 

• Smoked salmon 
• Dill 
• Pine nuts 
• Balsamic cream 

Step 1: Cook the buckwheat according to the instructions on the package, then let it cool. 

Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the cooked buckwheat, egg, dill, flour, and cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Step 3: Spoon the mixture onto a heated non-stick skillet and fry for about 3 minutes on each side. 

Step 4: Serve the pancakes with smoked salmon, plain yogurt, grilled chicken breast, or vegetables.

Celery Hearts

Those celery hearts provide a surprising twist that’s unlikely to be familiar to your guests, making them a standout choice for any gathering. This uncommon hors d’oeuvre promises a delightful surprise, introducing a fresh and memorable flavor combination to the table.

Servings: 4 

Ingredients:

• 1 egg 
• 4 tablespoons (40 g) rolled oats 
• ¼ (100 g) celery root 
• ½ (4 oz) cup water 
• 2 tablespoons parsley 
• 2 tablespoons chives 
• Salt and pepper 

Step 1: Pour hot water over the rolled oats and let them sit for 20 minutes. 

Step 2: Peel and grate the celery root. Mix it with the egg, seasoning, soaked rolled oats, finely chopped parsley, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Form hearts.

Step 4: Fry the celery hearts in a hot skillet without adding any fat.

Step 5: It’s best to cut squares from parchment paper, place them on the heated skillet, spoon the celery mixture onto them, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side. Before flipping, place another parchment square on top to prevent sticking. This method helps you prevent your heart-shaped hors d’oeuvre from sticking to the skillet.

Colorful Ceviche with Salmon

Colorful ceviche with salmon offers a refreshing and vitamin-rich hors d’oeuvre option, perfect for impressing guests with its eye-pleasing presentation and zesty flavors.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 150 grams of skinless salmon fillet 
• 8 cocktail tomatoes 
• 1 avocado 
• 1 cucumber 
• 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 
• 1 shallot 
• Salt, pepper 

Sauce:

• 1 small chili pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro 
• 1 lime juice
• 1 lemon juice
• Olive oil 
• Salt, pepper 

Cheese bowls: 

• 70 grams of hard yellow cheese (Parmesan, Grana Padano) 
• Parchment paper 

Cocktail (optional but delicious): 

• 1 avocado 
• 1 cup sparkling water 
• 1 lemon juice
• Salt, pepper

Step 1: Cut the salmon into cubes, mix with the sauce, and marinate for about 15 minutes. 

Step 2: Dice the vegetables, mix them with the marinated fish, and add sesame seeds, and chopped shallot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Step 3: Chop the chili pepper with cilantro. Combine with olive oil, lemon juice, and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix well. 

Step 4: Grate the cheese finely. Cut small squares from parchment paper. Place them on a heated skillet, and sprinkle cheese on top. Once the cheese melts, remove the paper from the skillet and place it on an upside-down glass. Wait until the cheese cools and hardens. 

Step 5: Once the cheese bowls cool down, fill them with salmon. Serve with the cocktail.

Step 6: Put all cocktail ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.