42 Appetizers That Pair Perfectly With Red Wine 🍷

Do you like to have a glass of wine with some small bites before dinner? Have I got an epic list for you! Here are 42 appetizers that go with red wine.

Red wine is one of the most popular drinks in the world and for a good reason!

It’s got a rich history and great taste.

And it’s easy to see why people like to eat it with appetizers.

But which ones go best with red wine? 

If you have a Pinot Noir, go for something light and creamy, like Black Truffle Brie.

If you have a Cabernet Sauvignon, try pairing it with something spicy—you’ll love it with Bacon Ciabatta Crostini With Pimiento Cheese & Jalapeño.

But if you want a starter that will go perfectly well with any type of red wine, go for #41. 

Whether you’re drinking Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, or any red blends, it will taste great with this one.

Now, are you ready to take your red wine game to the next level? Let’s go!

1. Ham & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups

Ham and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are the perfect party appetizer because they’re easy to make.

They’re like a mini breakfast sandwich with more meat and less bread!

Still, they look fancy enough that you’ll feel good about serving them at your next dinner.

2. Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich Appetizers

Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich Appetizers are bite-sized treats made with aged cheddar and a sliced baguette, so they’re cute, cheesy, and tasty.

But their size truly sets them apart—they’re just big enough to satisfy your guests without making them feel like they’ve had too much!

3. Smoky Beef Jerky Dip

It’s a simple dip you can make with simple ingredients.

Savory, smoky, and meaty, it’s the perfect thing to serve when you’re craving something extra-special.

And the best part? 

It’s not just for chips! 

It also goes with veggies or crackers.

4. Marinated Cheese

Marinated Cheese is one of the most luscious, savory cheeses you’ve ever tasted.

The longer it marinates, the better it gets—but if you want to eat your cheese right away, go ahead and eat it!

Serve it with your favorite crackers, celery sticks, or French baguette for an utterly unforgettable treat that will have your palate dancing in pure delight.

5. Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Oh, tender, juicy Sweet, and Sour Meatballs.

This kind of starter makes you say, “What’s for dinner?” 

And this is the kind of food that just makes you feel good.

You’ll want to pair this dish with a wine that has a drier style and more richness—like Cabernet Sauvignon.

6. Black Truffle Brie

This is one of the creamiest things you could ever put in your mouth.

Mascarpone, truffle paste, and French brie combine to make a rich, cheesy, gustative dish that will drive you to heaven and back.

I know what you’re thinking: “Is this really worth the price?” 

Yes. 

It is. 

And when you try this Black Truffle Brie wheel for yourself, you’ll see why!

7. Roast Beef Stackers

Roast Beef Stackers are a great way to start a night out with friends.

I know that you’re going to love them. 

And I also know that you’ll have a wonderful time drinking red wine with these appetizers!

The roast beef is piled high with creamy horseradish sauce and a briny-sour pickle. 

It’s so scrumptious that you’ll want to have two.

8. Mini Calzones

You’re going to want to eat these Mini Calzones every day.

Each bite is packed with juicy salami, rich ricotta, and provolone cheese—it tastes like you’re biting into a golden brown crusty pizza dough!

Serve these mini treats with a fruity red Italian wine and let it cut through the sauce’s acidity.

9. Cheesy Sausage Wontons

These crispy Sausage Wontons are filled with savory sausage filling, and they’re just the right size for your mouth.

You’ll love how the crunchy outside gives way to a soft, chewy interior as you bite into these little delights.

The subtle seasoning also adds just enough amount of flavor, and I’m pretty sure you can taste every tiny bit of those sausages per serving.

10. Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Cucumber Appetizer

This is a nice appetizer for your next get-together.

It’s easy and quick to make, crunchy, creamy snack food that’s light and refreshing.

You’ll also love how it combines the best of two worlds: fancy appearance and delectable taste.

11. Bacon Ciabatta Crostini With Pimiento Cheese & Jalapeno

Bacon Ciabatta Crostini with Pimiento Cheese and Jalapeno is a classy appetizer that’s perfect for parties.

And it’s a snap to make, too.

It’s just a simple combination of bread brushed with bacon grease, toasted, and then topped with a candied jalapeño.

The result is a crunchy, savory treat that goes great with red wine.

12. Chorizo, Manchego, & Olive Skewers

These skewers are a wonderful balance of zingy, salty, and crunchy.

The chorizo is bursting with flavor and spice (but not too spicy), and it’s paired with Manchego cheese, which is a semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese with an amazing nutty flavor.

Drizzled in honey and sprinkled with silvered almonds, it’s like the best party ever in your mouth!

13. Pigs In A Blanket

You’ll never want to settle for plain old chicken wings again when you can have these spicy, smokey, toothsome bites.

Just wrap up some sausage in a blanket of crescent rolls and bake them until golden brown.

Then serve them with the spicy mayo dipping sauce or maple-dijon dipping sauce for extra fun.

Speaking of crescent rolls, you might like our compilation of 21 Crescent Roll Appetizers!

14. Mini Quiche

This Mini Quiche recipe can satisfy your quiche craving without the hassle of a full-sized one!

These bite-sized quiches are made with a buttery, flaky pie crust and a simple egg filling, so they’re ideal for any occasion, from breakfast to brunch to lunch or dinner.

You can also add a variety of flavors and add-ins like ham, bacon, spinach, Swiss cheese, scallions, mushrooms, peppers, and more. 

The possibilities are endless!

15. Potstickers

These Potstickers are an appetizing, filling, and flavorful take on the classic dumpling.

They’re pan-seared, so they get that delicious crisp texture on the outside and juicy filling on the inside.

I like to stick to using pork for these potstickers because it makes for an incredibly juicy and flavorful filling, but you can also use chicken or beef if that’s what you have on hand.

16. Dried Beef Cheese Ball

This cheeseball is so good that everyone will want a piece of it.

It is a combination of cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and some spices.

Then it’s rolled and covered in a combination of chopped pecans and extra chipped beef to give it that extra crunchy texture!

This cheeseball pairs perfectly with a soft juicy red like Merlot because it is a little salty and pairs well with the smoothness of the wine.

17. Blueberry & Goat Cheese Crostini With Herbs & Honey

It’s time to get your crostini on because this one is bursting with many flavors in one bite!

The goat cheese is creamy and tangy. 

The blueberries are tart and juicy. 

The thyme adds a subtle earthy, lemony flavor.

And then there’s that drizzle of honey for sweetness (with floral notes) and balance—it’s just the right amount of everything!

18. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a fun, tasty dish that’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, look no further than these Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms.

These mushrooms are stuffed with spicy-salty sausage, breadcrumbs, and rich cream cheese—and they’re guaranteed to please everyone who tries it!

The recipe has more sausage than breadcrumbs, though, so you don’t have to worry about people getting too full before the meal.

19. Bittersweet Roasted Radicchio With Ricotta & Dates

Are you into bitter, astringent foods? 

Do you love the way they feel on your tongue and the way they fill your mouth? 

If you do, this recipe is for you!

The radicchio is roasted to bring out its natural sweetness. 

At the same time, the ricotta and dates add a creamy, sweet note that balances out the bitterness of the leaf.

And since radicchio is a bitter leaf, you can look for a wine that can match its sharpness. 

A good choice is a dry, rich red wine like Valpolicella Ripasso or Amarone.

20. Caramelized Onion Tarts With Blue Cheese

These Caramelized Onion Tarts are loaded with sweet fig jam, tangy blue cheese, and flaky puff pastry crust baked to perfection, then drizzled with honey. 

Unsurprisingly, they’re a classic, but I bet you’ll be surprised by how much you love them fresh and warm from the oven.

To top it all off? 

They taste amazing at room temp too!

So, if you’re looking for appetizers that go with red wine or just want to add some flavor to your next dinner party, give these delicious treats a try!

21. Margherita Pizza Phyllo Bites

The Margherita is one of the simplest and best-loved pizzas in the world.

But what if I told you there was something even better than a Margherita pizza? 

Introducing: Margherita Pizza Phyllo Bites! 

These mini phyllo shells have all the flavor of a Margherita pizza but in a convenient bite-sized package!

And what goes best with Margherita pizza? 

Obviously wine!

And what wine pairs perfectly with this classic dish? 

Pinot Grigio—a light pinot grigio at that! 

The wine’s light, floral, slightly tangy flavor combines perfectly with the herbal aroma that pizza Margherita is so well known for.

22. Antipasto Kabobs

These Antipasto Kabobs are so easy to make that you’ll start to think you’re a real chef. 

All you’ll need is a handful of cheese, a few veggies, and some skewers.

Let’s start with cherry tomatoes, then add cheese tortellini and mozzarella balls marinated in rich Italian seasoning, basil, and some cubed cold meat.

Then finish it off with an olive or kalamata.

It’s like taking the cheesy, herby goodness of an antipasto platter and making it into an easy-to-hold, bite-sized treat!

23. Crispy Baked Cheesy Salami Appetizer Bites

Okay, now you’re looking at crispy, cheesy bites that are perfect for any appetizer spread.

They’re a little bit sweet and zingy, and they’re sure to impress everyone at your gathering.

The salami cups are stuffed with pepper jelly, basil, and cheese—and then topped with a crunchy bagel toast bite. 

The result? 

One seriously addictive bite that you’ll want to make over and over again!

24. Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Dip

You’ll love this Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Dip.

It’s flavorful, cheesy, and the ideal dip to make your next party a hit.

The frozen shrimp scampi is blended with lots of creams and cheeses to create a luscious blend that’s perfect for dipping!

Serve it warm with herbed crostini, bagel chips, torn bread, or crackers.

25. Meatball Poppers With Marinara Sauce

Looking for something that will amaze your guests and make them think you’re a culinary genius? 

These Meatball Poppers with Marinara Sauce are the answer!

They’re savory, juicy meatballs baked to perfection and topped with tangy velvety marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

I recommend pairing these little bites with red wines that are bold, dry, and fruity. 

My favorites are Cabernet Sauvignon and Côtes du Rhone or Zinfandel. 

That’s because a dry red wine will offer this dish the most depth of flavor.

26. Creamy Prosciutto Cracker

Creamy Prosciutto Cracker is an elegant and effortless appetizer that takes just minutes to prepare but looks really fancy!

It’s a crispy cracker with an indulgent creaminess that comes from seasoned cream cheese, little curls of smokey prosciutto, and some honey and parsley for garnishing.

It’s the perfect starter for a classy-themed dinner party or just an afternoon with friends.

27. Spicy Pork Tenderloin Crostini With Lime Crema

You’ll want to try out this Spicy Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema.

It’s a big, bold Southwestern-inspired appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining or just watching the game.

And it has slices of meaty, tasty pork tenderloin with tart lime cream sitting on top of toasted French bread.

28. Dark Chocolate Seasalt Almonds

Want a bitter, nutty, and salty snack/appetizer that goes great with red wine? 

These Dark Chocolate Seasalt Almonds are just the ticket. 

And when it comes to wine and food pairings, it’s also important to remember that big flavor pairs best with another big flavor.

So, try paring your bold Dark Chocolate Seasalt Almonds with a full-bodied red like a warm climate Merlot.

This type of red wine has a decadent fruity flavor and less tannin than others, so it goes well with dark chocolate without making it taste more bitter.

29. Mahon-Menorca Pinwheels

Mahon-Menorca Pinwheels with fig jam and serrano ham is a unique combination of flavors and textures that will change how you think about appetizers.

The ham has a smoky, salty flavor, while the fig jam adds just enough sweetness to balance it.

And then everything is rolled up into a buttery pastry shell, so it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—a perfect way to start your meal, whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory.

30. French Onion Fillo Bites

These French Onion Fillo Bites are insanely delicious.

The onion filling is caramelized, so it’s sweet and savory at the same time.

And when you put sharp cheese on top, you get an ooey-gooey, melty appetizer that is perfect with a glass of red wine.

31. Beef Steak Sushi With Teriyaki Sauce

If you want an easy way to mix two of your favorite foods into one delectable dish, this recipe is for you!

The tender slices of beef are cooked with teriyaki sauce, providing a salty and umami flavor that will compliment an oak-aged Mendoza Malbec in your glass.

The sauce will soften the tannins in this red wine, making the rich fruit and spice flavors stand out more.

32. Mini Cheeseburgers

Mini Cheeseburgers are a great addition to your holiday party menu.

And they’re the perfect size for appetizers that go with red wine, whether you’re serving them at a happy hour or a gathering with friends.

They’re also made from beef and grilled to juicy and tender perfection.

It’s so good that every bite will give you a taste of it.

33. Peking Duck With Mandarin Pancakes

Peking Duck with Mandarin Pancakes is a culinary masterpiece that will leave you speechless.

And it’s a must-try for those who love to eat duck.

The thin shavings of the crispy skin and meat are skillfully carved from the duck and served with Mandarin pancakes alongside condiments like sweet and savory sauce and veggies.

34. Bacon Mushroom Risotto Bites

We all know that risotto is comfort food, but what if there was a way to make it even more comforting?

With these Bacon Mushroom Risotto Bites, you can do just that.

Just add some bacon and mushrooms to your risotto recipe and turn it into little creamy, savory bite-sized pieces.

They’re also mouthwatering good and taste great with earthy reds like Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo.

35. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Lollipops

The best way to enjoy pork tenderloin’s rich, juicy flavor is to skewer it with a lollipop stick and grill it.

Doing so lets you enjoy all the flavors of roasted meat without having to deal with the mess of dealing with the bone.

But who knew that dipping your lollipop in a flavorful soy-ginger dipping sauce could make it even better? 

It’s amazing, right?

36. Peppered Ribeye Sliders With Red Onion Jam

Change up your favorite steakhouse appetizer with this recipe for Peppered Ribeye Sliders with Red Onion Jam. 

They are perfect for an evening out with friends or just a night in with the family.

Plus, they’re juicy, tender, slightly sweet, and flavorful— the excellent pairing for a glass of red wine.

37. Seared Pepper Beef Carpaccio

This Pepper Beef Carpaccio is succulent, tender, and seared just right to seal the beef’s flavor.

And it comes with peppery arugula and sharp, salty parmesan for a pairing that will blow your mind.

The beef also has a surprisingly mild taste, so choose a light red, Rosé, or a medium to full-bodied red like Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Gamay.

38. Lamb Chop Bruschetta

You’ll be transported to your favorite Mediterranean restaurant from the first bite.

The flavorful combination of lamb, earthy hummus, and tart cranberry works perfectly with a sweet orange flavor that pairs well with the meat.

Plus, you’ll be surprised at how effortless it is to make this dish at home—and how much better it tastes than anything you might order!

39. Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Almost everyone loves a good date. 

They’re sweet and salty, chewy and crispy.

But these aren’t just any dates. 

They’re stuffed with a blend of goat cheese, mascarpone, and basil that’s so delicious you’ll want to eat them all in one sitting.

And just when you thought these dates couldn’t get any better, this recipe wrapped them in salty prosciutto and topped them with olive oil, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper.

Your palate will thank you after trying these Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Dates!

40. Baked Brie With Figs, Walnuts, & Honey

Baked Brie with Figs, Walnuts, and Honey is an amazing combination! 

The fruity taste of figs just goes perfectly well with the sweetness of honey.

We also all know that brie is a classic cheese with a mushroom-like earthiness that gets stronger as the cheese ages.

So, it is best to pair Pinot Noir with the baked brie’s distinct flavors, as it won’t be overwhelmed by the wine’s acidity or lightness.

41. Steak Bites With Chimichurri Dipping Sauce

These steak bites are so packed with flavors that you’ll be tempted to skip the red wine and just eat them straight up. 

But don’t.

That’s because the best way to enjoy this appetizer is with a glass of your favorite red wine.

The bold, rich flavors of the steak are contrasted by the clean, fresh taste of the chimichurri sauce.

And since garlic is a big part of the taste and smell of chimichurri, it goes well with a fruity red wine like Malbec.

But you can also enjoy it with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

42. Blue Cheese Fig Flatbread With Balsamic Sauce

You like cheese. 

You like red wine. 

You like bread. 

So, it’s only fitting to combine all of those things into one scrumptious package, right?

And with this Blue Cheese Fig Flatbread with Balsamic Sauce, you certainly can!

This appetizer is ideal for when you want to impress your friends with something delicious and elegant.

The flatbread is soft and chewy, with just the right amount of crunch from the figs and balsamic sauce drizzled over the top.

It’s a fantastic way to start off any meal, whether it’s a fancy brunch or a casual dinner at home with family.

The bottom line

In the end, this really is a choice that comes down to individual preference.

There are many tasty appetizers out there to pair with red wine, and it all depends on what you like.

Whether we’re talking about cheese, meats, or other things—there is a type of red wine that goes nicely with just about any food you could imagine.

The key is finding out what you like and then exploring your options. And in that, at least, it makes sense to start learning and experimenting early!

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. I’m sure you will find plenty more appetizers that go with red wine when you look over this list.

If you are still hungry for more related content, check out the many other articles that I have on this site.