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Whether it is a birthday, a gathering of friends or any group gathering at home, the easiest and most convenient way is to organize a snack and include a few typical appetizers. In Spain, you can’t miss tortilla de patatas, ham and cheese or an empanada, to give a few examples. But what are the traditions in other countries around the world? We compile the most recurrent appetizers at parties in Mexico, the United States or Argentina. We are sure you will surprise your guests.
Pigs in a blanket and a lot of dip in the U.S.
There is no typical American party that does not include snacks such as Pigs in a blanket. It is common for this snack to be on the table of any gathering of friends in the United States. It is a mini sausage wrapped in puff pastry and is usually accompanied by a dipping sauce. There is also a wide range of side dishes, such as chili cheese dip, chips & salsa or artichoke dip, a creamy sauce whose main ingredient is artichokes.
Tequeños and more Venezuelan pasapalos
If there is a Venezuelan appetizer par excellence, it is the tequeño. These cheese sticks wrapped in wheat dough are the true king of parties; and always accompanied by a delicious sauce. But they are not the only pasapalos -which is the Venezuelan name for appetizers or tapas-. The table will not miss the sanduchón -a kind of cake made with sliced bread-, the serpentinas -stuffed sliced bread folded in a spiral shape- or the tostones -squashed plantain toasts with cheese and other ingredients-.
Taquitos, totopos and chicken tinga for a snack in Mexico
In Mexico the classic snack is called botana. And you can’t miss the classic totopos accompanied with guacamole and many chili sauces – spicy, of course – or cheese. There will also be a good portion of chicken tinga -shredded meat in tomato sauce with onion and other ingredients- for people to serve with tortillas or tostadas. A section of tacos and other typical dishes will also be available for guests. Mexican cuisine is ideal for this type of situation.
Pretzels with sauce in Germany
These salty pretzels are typical of Germany and other Central European countries such as Switzerland or Austria. They are a traditional snack that has become popular all over the world. But at parties you should also eat Bratkartoffeln -the German fries-, the typical currywurst or different cheeses. Of course, everything should be paired with a great beer.
From charcuterie and cheese boards to caprese or focaccia in Italy
Italy has one of the most famous gastronomies in the world and its antipasti section also goes according to this. In a typical Italian snack table there will never be a lack of cold meats and cheese boards, which include speck, ham or salami, as well as different Italian cheeses. Pizzette and bruschetta are also two recurring snacks, along with focaccia, piadine, or crapese salad. You can even include a plate of cold pasta and pizza slices.
Cheeses, crudités and French pastries
Another of the most recurrent gastronomies is the French one. To designate the appetizer, in France they usually speak of amuse bouche, which means something like “fun in the mouth”. Cheese boards are a must here, including a good fondue, and they are also accompanied by crudités with other sauces. Canapés are the snacks par excellence, while French pastries filled with sausage and other ingredients are also classics at any gathering.
Picada, empanadas and asado in Argentina
In Argentina it is inevitable to relate any party with a succulent asado, where meat is the real king. But another classic of classics as far as “picadas” are concerned are empanadas, choripán and large platters of cold meats and cheese.
Portuguese petiscos
To talk about tapas or appetizers, in Portugal we must refer to petiscos. In a table to share, there will be no lack of dishes such as grilled sardines or snails, and also a section of snacks and sandwiches, the Bolinhos De Bacalhau and even a tasty Francesinha.
A Spanish style snack
A Spanish-style snackAnd what about the potato omelets (diced), a large Galician empanada, a portion of croquettes, different potato dishes and other snacks. Of course, ham and cheese boards, half moons and other snacks, plus toasts with different ingredients, Russian salad or stuffed eggs. The possibilities for a Spanish style snack are quite wide.