Whatever the season, somewhere, someone is planning a party, game night or boys night and meat appetizers are on the menu!
So why not join them for a decadent night in and add a fantastic platter of meat appetizers to the mix.
I was amazed at the ingenuity of people and just how imaginative you can be with appetizers.
There is no limit to what you can do with appetizers.
Keep it simple or go all out with dressing up the platters, your imagination knows no bounds.
In this selection of 25 meat appetizers, we have tried to cover a wide selection so you can be the star of your own show.
Some of them are elegant for those more sophisticated events and some are more down to earth game night appetizers
For your elegant, want to please the boss event, #16 French Chicken Bacon Pistachio Terrine, individual #24 Charcuterie Cups served in your best crystal wine glasses will earn you mega points.
Or just a simple night in with friends or hubby, then you cannot go wrong with #2, a simple three ingredient smokey snack that will hit the spot.
So ,what are you waiting for, dive in and get started.
1. Antipasto Skewers
A typical Italian dish usually served on a huge platter, this skewer version makes it easy to eat as an appetizer.
The combination of colors and textures also makes it a riot in your mouth.
These antipasto skewers are so versatile, no cooking required.
Just buy your favorite ingredients and skewer them together.
Make sure to keep the ingredients a similar size. It makes it look better and easier to eat.
2. Smoky Bacon Wraps
Only three ingredients are required for this smokey, tasty treat.
Nothing beats anything wrapped in bacon.
A simple boys’ night in treat.
Another bacon option, because why not: CookingChew’s Mini-BLT Sandos
3. Papas Rellenas (Fried Stuffed Potatoes)
These look scrumptious and definitely worth a try.
Garlic, cumin and tomato flavor the beef filling in these delicious potatoes.
Serve with some added vegetables or even just a green salad as a meal.
4. Five-Spice Pork Ribs
Now this is what I am talking about—a delicious spicy rib in one hand and a cold beer in the other.
Just slow-cook in the oven, this can be done the night before and then on the day of, just place them under the broiler before serving.
Also give these dainty small-portion Pork Roll-ups a try!
5. Spicy Korean Beef Cucumber Appetizers
Something a little different, combining the coolness of cucumber and the heat of red chili sauce and steak.
This is something I would never have thought of.
A very sophisticated snack which would not be out of place at an evening soiree or gala dinner.
6. Quesadillas Al Greco
I love quesadillas, and they make great snacks in between meal times.
The addition of feta cheese just takes it to another level.
Definitely great for a party treat.
Add to this lovely recipe with a smattering of delicious side dishes!
7. Pigs In A Blanket Wreath
I thought I would include something for Christmas as this tasty looking wreath caught my eye.
Why not have an edible centerpiece?
What a great idea for your snack table or dinner table.
Change up the festive decoration to suit any occasion.
And it is very simple to make.
Of course, you could make your own pastry but store-bought saves time and is just perfect.
8. Mini Chicken Waffles
If you really need an appetizer in a hurry then look no further.
Frozen chicken and mini store-bought waffles make this quick and easy snack for when the kids bring home the football team.
These are things that you have in your freezer.
Just add some syrup and you are golden.
9. Italian Antipasto Platter
Antipasto (means “before meal”) has been around for a long time.
A typical Italian dish which comes out at the mere sign of a guest or many guests.
It is almost like they have it on tap.
An antipasto platter will always go down well.
You can add many different cuts of meat with different cheeses and olives and basically any pickled food.
Use different texture meats like salami, prosciutto and mortadella.
Ham and shaved chicken will do just as well, depending on the elegance of the event.
10. Handheld Chicken Pot Pies
Wow, just wow. This recipe is so easy.
Using canned chicken and biscuit dough—nothing could be simpler.
You could use bought shortcrust or puff pastry with this, any one will do.
Another recipe that comes straight from the pantry.
11. Deviled Eggs With Country Ham
No party is ever complete without devilled eggs and I know people who specifically look for them on the party table.
Here is a twist on devilled eggs, served on a bed of iceberg lettuce with cherry tomatoes around the edge.
They are at every potluck table for all four seasons.
Here’s another option for deviled eggs with bacon.
12. Crispy Baked Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings
Buffalo wings have been a staple of the appetizer table for some time now.
I think it is time for a change.
So here is something different: baked and crispy and delicious.
Bon appetit.
13. Roast Beef Bruschetta
No appetizer table is complete without bruschetta.
Gone are the days of the humble cheese and tomato sandwich.
These roast beef and cream cheese mini open sandwiches are a breeze to make.
Use leftover roast meat of any kind.
14. Chicken Liver Pate
Ahh, liver pate.
While not as sought after for tailgate parties, it has its rightful place on charcuterie boards the world over.
Your table is not the same without it.
This recipe is pretty simple with not too many ingredients.
Serve with thinly sliced,toasted ciabatta or any savory biscuits.
The nice thing about pate, is it keeps for a long while, so midnight snacks are a go.
15. Fig & Duck Breast Kebabs
I thought we would move on to a fine dining appetizer theme and here it is.
A simple yet luxurious recipe served either hot or cold.
So easy, don’t tell anyone it is all shop bought.
Thinly sliced roast turkey or chicken would work as well.
16. French Chicken Bacon Pistachio Terrine
In keeping with fine cuisine, a terrine is a must.
It is elegant and this recipe includes pistachio nuts.
The colors and textures will add a touch of class to your table.
Serve, thinly sliced with crusty bread. Adding a salad will turn this into a tasty lunch.
17. Mini Carbonara Quiches
These cute little cups of taste went down well at my last function.
Very easy to make, you won’t believe how simple it is.
They can be uptown or downtown depending on how you want to serve them.
Or how fancy you want to be.
Use muffin cups for an extra wow factor.
18. Swedish Meatballs
Any haute cuisine appetizer table would not be seen without Swedish meatballs.
This is a must and people always fill their plates with these meaty morsels.
Here’s even more meat: Steak Bites Appetizers
19. Chicken Salad Tarts
This is fine dining for sure, they are almost too pretty to eat ,but oh so easy to make.
Who says fine dining is hard work.
I am surprised at just how simple it is to make these absolutely gorgeous melt in the mouth tarts.
Serve them as a starter at a dinner party or part of your appetizer display.
Either way, they will elevate your meal to the next level.
20. Braised Ribs Tasting Spoons
This recipe is going to take time to make, there are a number of steps involved with reduction of wine and braising of the shortribs.
However, I really think that the display on spoons with tasty mouthfuls of beef with melted gorgonzola cheese is going to wow even the most blase party goer.
Time to shine with this one.
21. Jalapeno Chicken Wraps
Another pretty simple collection of pantry ingredients that can be turned into a party at a moment’s notice.
These can be made in a hurry, so if the party has arrived at your home, don’t stress.
Just whip out these tasty treats in between the drinks order.
22. Tea-Infused Orange Duck Bites
Don’t get put off with the amount of time required here.
This recipe has to be started the night before as the duck needs to be steeped in tea overnight.
The use of white bread rolled thin makes this an everyday recipe but elevated to fine dining status.
Make sure you follow the steps carefully; this is definitely worth a try.
23. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Easy to make using leftover chicken or turkey. Even duck would work here.
Another pantry special, most of the ingredients are already on hand.
24. Charcuterie Cups
I was wondering how I was going to add this little item to my list.
Charcuterie (pronounced shahr-ku-tuh-ree) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products.
This is a French version of antipasto or meze platter.
I could not resist, they are so cute and so chic.
They can be served at the most elegant soiree in stunning wine glasses or just at your game night in plastic glasses.
Either way, they will go down a treat.
Best of all, no cooking required. So if you want to impress, then this recipe is the way to go.
25. Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps
And last but not least, we have steak wrapped in lettuce.
A delicious way to finish the day.
A tasty mouthful that will add color and flavor.
Using skirt steak and hot sauce in a mouth cooling lettuce leaf instead of a carb high wrap or tortilla.
Even the health conscious will find this appetizing.
The bottom line
A word to the wise: you eat with your eyes first.
A well-decorated appetizer table is a sight to behold.
Decorate those platters to your heart’s content.
Another tip on appetizer tables is to make sure there is symmetry on the table.
Just think about how the table looked at your last fancy function, all the food was similar, bite-sized and handled with care.
No matter what the occasion, I hope that there is something for everyone on this list.
For a high society event or just spending an evening at home with the family, I am sure you will have a favorite amongst this collection of appetizers.
Be the star in your kitchen and take all the credit.
25 BEST Meat Appetizers
Whatever the season, somewhere, someone is planning a party, game night, or boys’ night in and meat appetizers are on the menu!
Ingredients
- Antipasto Skewers
- Smoky Bacon Wraps
- Papas Rellenas (Fried Stuffed Potatoes)
- Five Spice Pork Ribs
- Spicy Korean Beef Cucumber Appetizers
- Quesadillas Al Greco
- Pigs In A Blanket Wreath
- Mini Chicken Waffles
- Italian Antipasto Platter
- Handheld Chicken Pot Pies
- Deviled Eggs Country Ham
- Crispy Baked Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings
- Roast Beef Bruschetta
- Chicken Liver Pate
- Fig & Duck Breast Kebabs
- French Chicken Bacon Pistachio Terrine
- Mini Carbonara Quiches
- Swedish Meatballs
- Chicken Salad Tarts
- Braised Ribs Tasting Spoons
- Jalapeno Chicken Wraps
- Tea-Infused Orange Duck Bites
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
- Charcuterie Cups
- Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps
Instructions
- Skim through our Meat Appetizers list.
- Select the recipe (or two) you’re looking for.
- Prep the ingredients as instructed.
- Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!