36 Impressive Valentine’s Day Appetizers for Date Night

Creamy Chicken Vol-au-Vent Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Vol-au-Vent

These cupid-approved pastries are filled with a creamy chicken and leek mixture that’s studded with smoky bacon. No one will ever know that the golden, flaky bites employ frozen puff pastry and a rotisserie chicken to save you time in the kitchen.

“My friends and I have been getting together for “ladies lunches” for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries.” —Recipe contributor Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Hot Creole Shrimp Dip Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Hot Creole Shrimp Dip

Hot seafood dips are a welcome treat during the coldest month of the year, and they’re fancy enough to serve on special occasions like Valentine’s Day. We particularly love this Creole spiced shrimp dip with its zesty seasoning and fiery pimiento chunks. It tastes great with a hearty loaf of French bread or assorted crackers.

“I came across a recipe for crawfish dip, and it sounded delicious, but we don’t have a lot of crawfish available in my area. I’m a big fan of shrimp, so I used that instead. The dish has become a family favorite.” —Recipe contributor Jill Burwell, Renton, Washington

Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta

Your sweetheart deserves the best, and these are the sweetest bruschetta bites. Golden baguette slices topped with a creamy strawberry spread are always a welcome treat.

“Here’s an interesting spin on bruschetta. The creamy ricotta cheese spread is an ideal complement to the sweet, minty strawberry topping.” —Recipe contributor Laura Stricklin, Jackson, Mississippi

Mini Cheese Balls Recipe photo by Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Mini Cheese Balls

Mini cheese balls are the single-serve answer when you want to nibble on savory cheese bombs but don’t want to fill up on appetizers. The best part? They’re super versatile, so you can roll the cheese balls in different toppings (like sesame seeds or chopped fresh rosemary) and create a variety of flavors.

“These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor.” —Recipe contributor J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina

Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce

If your partner loves smoked salmon bagels for breakfast, they’ll probably fall for these smoked salmon puff pastry bites. Set atop a flaky pastry puff, these Scandinavian-inspired squares are brimming with fresh flavors and a zippy aioli.

“Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese.” —Recipe contributor Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California

So Very Berry Brie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

So Very Berry Brie

Instead of a fruit and cheese board, why not elevate Valentine’s Day with baked brie dressed in a berry compote? The combination of cooked fruit with rich, gooey cheese is just too decadent to pass up.

“I needed to make something quick for a wine and cheese party, and had a bounty of berries on hand. My creation went great with all the wines and looked so much more impressive than the other plain cheeses!” —Recipe contributor Kristin Larson-Jantzi, Newton, Kansas

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sriracha Aioli Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sriracha Aioli

We have no issue with a Valentine’s Day spread comprised entirely of cheese and chocolate. However, if you feel the need to incorporate veggies, these roasted Brussels sprouts are a worthy contender for the smorgasbord. A spicy, citrusy aioli is the perfect accompaniment.

“This Sriracha Brussels sprouts recipe constantly surprises you—it’s crispy, easy to eat and totally sharable, yet it’s a vegetable! The recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo, and it can be vegan if you use vegan mayo.” —Recipe contributor Molly Winsten, Brookline, Massachusetts

Honey Champagne Fondue Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Honey Champagne Fondue

Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like Champagne, so double down on the bubbles with this Champagne-spiked cheese fondue. Ground mustard and white pepper give the melty pot a kick while the honey balances the bold flavors.

“This special Champagne fondue has wonderful flavor from Swiss cheese and a hint of sweetness from honey. It clings well to any kind of dipper.” —Recipe contributor Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio

Skewered Ravioli with Creamy Tomato Dipping Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Skewered Ravioli with Creamy Tomato Dipping Sauce

Although pasta doesn’t usually fall in the finger foods category, these skewered ravioli fit the bill. Brushed with pesto and rolled in cheesy breadcrumbs, they’re irresistible when dipped in a creamy tomato sauce. We make our recipe with refrigerated ravioli, but frozen ravioli work just as well.

“I wanted to make an easy appetizer with my favorite pasta, cheese ravioli, but didn’t want the mess of frying. I used pesto and bread crumbs for a crust, and broiled them for a little crunch.” —Recipe contributor Rebecca, Guffey, Apex, North Carolina

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Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes

If you’d rather save room for Valentine’s Day desserts by keeping your appetizers on the lighter side, may we suggest these shrimp-cucumber bites? Each shrimp is placed atop a cucumber slice to give the bites a visual wow factor, while hot pepper sauce gives these cool canapes a bit of a kick.

“These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap.” —Recipe contributor Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida

Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake

Start the night on a semi-sweet note with a slice of Swiss cheesecake. For a bolder, cheesier flavor, try using aged Swiss or Gruyere.

“This beautiful cheesecake appetizer can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving, so it’s the perfect make-ahead recipe for holidays, game days or special occasions.” —Recipe contributor Marilyn Edelman, Sabetha, Kansas

Crudite Dip Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Crudite Dip

There’s nothing better—or easier—than a cool, creamy dip and an assortment of crisp vegetables. This recipe creates a simple and speedy appetizer for small and large groups alike.

“To bring out the crudite dip’s tangy flavor, chill it before serving. This will allow the flavors time to blend.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry Sauce

A two-ingredient raspberry sauce is the true star of this recipe. Made with seedless jam and a bit of vinegar, it comes together in the microwave in only 20 seconds. Then, all you need to do is wrap your asparagus spears with thinly shaved prosciutto and grill ’em up!

“Grilling the prosciutto with the asparagus gives this appetizer a salty crunch that’s perfect for dipping into a sweet glaze. When a delicious appetizer is this easy to prepare, you owe it to yourself to try it!” —Recipe contributor Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

If you love cream cheese stuffed appetizers, here’s another idea to add to your menu. You can use any type of mushroom with a sizeable basin for stuffing (think portobellos, creminis or white mushrooms). The key to success in this recipe is using fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary or thyme and pairing them with umami-boosting ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and ground nutmeg.

“You’ll love the freshness from the parsley and thyme in these little cream cheese-stuffed mushrooms. Our family loves them!” —Recipe contributor Rachel Reed, Gainesville, Georgia

TASTE OF HOME

Gruyere and Crab Palmiers

Sophisticated seafood appetizers are the name of the game when it comes to Valentine’s Day snacks, and these cheesy crab palmiers are at the top of our must-make list. Flaky puff pastry, ooey gooey Gruyere and delicate crabmeat—who could resist?

“I keep these little bursts of flavor in my freezer so they can be pulled out and popped into the oven at a moment’s notice. Crab, pancetta and Gruyere make an elegant appetizer, and you can make your own variations of the filling. Try chicken and pesto, or a Mediterranean version with spinach and feta.” —Recipe contributor Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut

Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges

If you believe that bacon makes everything better, we concur—especially when the bacon-wrapped recipe involves cool avocado wedges wrapped in hot, salty bacon! When dunked into a side of spicy Sriracha mayo, there’s no better bite.

“We all know almost everything is improved with bacon, and avocado is no exception. Since it’s made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends!” —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Three-Cheese Fondue Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Three-Cheese Fondue

Can’t swing a trip to Switzerland at the moment? Treat your Valentine to the next best thing: an Alpine-inspired fondue party. A melty blend of Emmenthaler, Gruyere and Jarlsberg cheeses is spiked with white wine, cherry brandy and a smattering of warming spices. Serve it with cubes of bread and tiny pickles for dipping.

“I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.” —Recipe contributor Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio

Florentine Ciabatta Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Florentine Ciabatta

We used a medley of sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers and chopped spinach to create these Italian-style toasts. Of course, feel free to customize them depending on what you have on hand. You can always add sauteed sausage or cubed chicken if you want to incorporate protein.

“I came up with this appetizer because of my love for white pizza. I’ve served my ciabatta pizza at many holiday parties, and it’s always a big hit among both children and adults.” —Recipe contributor Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut

Olive Oil Dip Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Olive Oil Dip

We’ve cracked the code to the best dipping oil, thanks to a mix of dried rosemary, basil and oregano and a smattering of crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic. The herb mixture will keep in the pantry for about a year, so feel free to make extra so you can whip up this herby condiment anytime you need it.

“Combine a blend of herbs to create this mouthwatering mix. Plumping the herbs in water before stirring into olive oil enhances the flavor.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini

Trying to stay on theme, color-wise? Red pomegranate arils are delightfully juicy atop these crusty crostinis and taste fantastic with the honey cream cheese that’s slathered on the toasted bread. This appetizer gets a surprisingly delicious twist with dark chocolate nibs and chopped pistachios. It’s a 10/10 combo all around.

“Pomegranate seeds intrigued me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate.” —Recipe contributor Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Cranberry and Bacon Swiss Cheese Dip Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Cranberry and Bacon Swiss Cheese Dip

Sour cream and onion fans will love digging into this dip, which is loaded with chive and onion cream cheese, sauteed onions and crispy bacon bits. Sliced almonds add a bit of toothsome texture while garlic pepper and stone-ground mustard kick-up the flavor.

“This warm, rich and creamy Swiss cheese dip is guaranteed to please family and friends alike. Served with thin, crunchy slices of French bread, it makes the perfect appetizer—especially since it can be prepared ahead, put in the fridge, and then baked just before you want to serve it.” —Recipe contributor Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

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Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Ranch lovers won’t be able to resist these crunchy, poppable cherry tomatoes. They’re stuffed with a dill-flecked, cheesy spread reminiscent of the beloved dressing. This easy recipe is vegetarian, but you could always add lump crabmeat, flaked smoked salmon or chopped cooked bacon to the filling to put your own spin on it.

“Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast.” —Recipe contributor Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada

Caramel Havarti Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Caramel Havarti

For a unique twist on caramel apples, bake a block of Havarti cheese until the edges are slightly melty. Then, drizzle it with caramel sauce and top your masterpiece with toasted pecan halves. You’ll want to slather this sinfully sweet cheese on everything from apple slices to crackers.

“Havarti is a wonderful dessert cheese. This elegant yet simple recipe—with pecans, caramel topping and tart apples—makes it even better.” —Recipe contributor Tia Thomas, Mountain City, Tennessee

Cheese Puffs Recipe photo by Suzan Najjar

Cheese Puffs

These cheese puffs are so tasty you’ll be hard-pressed to stop at just one! To take them one step further, serve with a DIY toppings bar with fancy accouterments like bourbon bacon jam or caviar.

“I found this cheese puffs recipe in one of my mother’s old cookbooks and updated the flavor by adding cayenne and mustard. Tasty and quick for this busy season, these tender, golden puffs go together in minutes and simply disappear at parties! “—Recipe contributor Jamie Wetter, Boscobel, Wisconsin

Swiss Cherry Bruschetta Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Swiss Cherry Bruschetta

Toasted baguette rounds are the vessel for a mountain of cheesy cherries and caramelized onions. They soak up all the juices and lend a hearty crunch to this easy bruschetta appetizer.

“This recipe is a spinoff of a cherry chicken main dish my husband adores. The combination of sweet, tart and salty flavors provides a contrast that’s hard to resist.” —Recipe contributor Shelley Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin

Lobster Tartlets Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Lobster Tartlets

If you’re going for bites that are more substantial than light, try these tasty lobster tartlets. Succulent lobster meat, sweet red peppers and a blend of cheeses create a quick filling that can be spooned into the tart shells. Then, they’re baked for about 15 minutes until the filling is warm.

“I love lobster, so I created these gems. They are perfect appetizers for a cocktail party or family dinner. Top with chives or green onions for color.” —Recipe contributor Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Jalapeno Poppers Recipe photo by Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Jalapeno Poppers

These bite-sized poppers are quick and easy to assemble, making them a delicious complement to your other party food favorites. The sky’s the limit as far as dips go, but sour cream, onion dip and ranch dressing are all good options.

“These creamy stuffed jalapeno poppers have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York

Brie Cherry Pastry Cups Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

Baked Brie is a classic appetizer any time of year, but these adorable pastry cups also include tart cherries, which seem especially fitting for Valentine’s Day. Sprinkled with nuts and chives, these bite-sized snacks pack a big punch flavor-wise.

“Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert.” —Recipe contributor Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio

Feta Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Feta Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes

This appetizer offers a little something red in the form of stuffed cherry tomatoes. Pro tip: To save time, prep the tomatoes and filling the night before Valentine’s Day. Then, fill the tomatoes right before your significant other arrives.

“These tempting cheese-stuffed tomatoes are bursting with fresh flavor. Use the small end of a melon scoop to easily remove the pulp.” —Recipe contributor Laura LeRoy, Waxhaw, North Carolina

Zippy Shrimp Skewers Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Zippy Shrimp Skewers

A simple marinade of hot pepper sauce, chili powder, paprika, brown sugar and cider vinegar infuses the shrimp with an incredible spicy-sweet flavor. We grill the shrimp to give them a smoky edge, but you can easily air-fry the shrimp or sear them on the stovetop with equally successful results.

“These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear.” —Recipe contributor Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois

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Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers are always a crowd-pleaser whether your crowd is a party of 2 or 20. These bright bites come together in 10 minutes and look festive on a platter. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegetarian to boot.

“Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help.” —Recipe contributor Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

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Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Ball

True love knows no bounds—even when it comes to cheese. This nutty spread is delicious with veggies or crackers, so it’s perfect in a Valentine’s appetizer lineup (especially if you and your valentine are both into garlic).

“This is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes.” —Recipe contributor Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York

Best Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a fun twist on the surf-and-turf concept but with much less prep and cooking time Involved. A quick whisk of garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice and sugar creates an incredible marinade that brings out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

“Bacon and shrimp make a great team in this super-easy party appetizer.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Crab Appetizers Recipe photo by Isabella Cassini

Crab Phyllo Cups

Made with just a few simple components—crabmeat, phyllo tart shells and cream cheese—these crabby phyllo cups are easy to assemble and packed full of flavor. They taste especially good with a dollop of chili sauce on top.

“I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you’re out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too.” —Recipe contributor Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Antipasto Kabobs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Antipasto Skewers

Turn cheese and charcuterie into an elegant bite by threading them onto skewers! Perfect for parties, this recipe combines a variety of classic Italian flavors, including a mix of cured meats, cheese tortellini, olives and marinated vegetables.

“My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit.” —Recipe contributor Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio

Smoked Deviled Eggs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Smoked Deviled Eggs

Just when you think you’ve seen it all deviled egg-wise, another riff comes along that completely outperforms the competition. This barbecue version gets its umami, fire-kissed notes from smoking hard-boiled eggs over hickory wood chips on the grill.

“Give deviled eggs a flavor upgrade. The grilling step gives these deviled eggs a distinctive smoky taste that will have everyone talking.” —Recipe contributor Catherine Woods, Lexington, Missouri

Valentine’s Day Appetizers FAQ

What are the most elegant and impressive Valentine’s appetizers?

Creating elegant and impressive Valentine’s Day appetizers is all about combining sophistication, creativity and flavors to set a romantic mood. Think rich fondues, indulgent dip recipes and elegant seafood bites. Of course, you can never go wrong with heart-shaped foods, which always look as good as they taste.

What Valentine’s Day appetizers can I make ahead of time?

Valentine’s Day appetizers like caprese salad skewers, stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs and smoked salmon bites are wonderful make-ahead options. Other great choices are prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or a marinated antipasto platter. They can be prepared a few hours in advance—or even a day ahead and stashed in the fridge overnight—so you can enjoy a relaxed celebration.

How do I pair appetizers together to serve for a Valentine’s Day party?

When pairing appetizers together, look for recipes that work together to create balanced flavors (savory, sweet, salty, acidic) and textures (crunchy, creamy, smooth). I also like to consider proteins (like seafood, poultry and vegetarian options) to ensure the spread isn’t too filling. Finally, focus on visual appeal. Look for appetizers with romantic color palettes like red, pink and white.