11 Best Appetizers Featuring Plantains: Star Of The Starters

Plantain appetizers are the new star of the starter scene.
 
These delicious less-sweet banana-like fruits can be used in various ways to create tasty starters that will have your guests begging for more.
 
In this blog post, we will check out some recipes for plantain appetizers that are just plain good.
 
So grab a plantain, head to the kitchen, and get cooking!
 
The guests are waiting!
 
Plantains are a kind of banana often used as a cooked component.
 
They are longer and wider compared to standard bananas and have a thicker skin that is often streaked with brown or black spots.
 
Plantains are usually picked when they are still green, but they can also be allowed to ripen until they are yellow or even black.
 
When cooked, plantains have a starchy texture and a flavor that is similar to a cross between potatoes and bananas.
 
They can be roasted, fried, or boiled, and are often used as a side dish or as an ingredient in stews and casseroles.
 
Plantains are a staple in many different parts of the globe and can be found in most supermarkets.
 
If you’re looking for a worthwhile recipe for a plantain appetizer that you can serve to welcome guests at your next gathering, you’ve come to the right place.
 
We’ve prepared 11 recipes, each one more delectable than the last, that are sure to tantalize taste buds and earn rave reviews.
 
Check out #10 as it is lovely to look at and even better to eat!

1. Stuffed Plantain Cups

If you want a fun and scrumptious appetizer to serve to your friends and family, look no further than stuffed plantain cups!
 
Also known as tostones rellenos, these cute cups are made with shredded beef and topped with mayo and ketchup.
 
They’re easy to prep, and they’re sure to please even the most finicky gourmand.
 
In addition, they’re just as yummy as they look!
 
Trust us, you won’t be able to resist taking a bite (or two… or three…) of these amazing little bites.
 
So don’t dilly-dally.
 
Get in the kitchen and start prepping these exquisite treats today!

2. Fried Plantains

Fried Plantains are a family favorite that is enjoyed as a side dish or a snack.
 
Plantains are typically larger and firmer than the bananas you would eat raw.
 
When fried, the edges of the plantain become crispy while the center remains soft.
 
The flavor is somewhat sweet with a hint of caramelization.
 
Fried plantains are often served with a dipping sauce such as sour cream or salsa.
 
This plantain dish can also be enjoyed on its own as a filling snack.
 
If you’re looking for a fresh appetizer that will give guests something to talk about, try serving fried plantains!
 
Guests will be dazzled by your culinary aptitude and they’ll love the unique flavor of this dish.

3. Baked Plantain Chips

Bring a little flavor to your next snack time with this easy, Baked Plantain Chips recipe.
 
Plantains are versatile and can be used in sweet or savory dishes, and these chips are a superb combination of salty and crispy.
 
Best of all, they come together in the oven with just a few ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.
 
Serve them with an appetizing garlic dip, and you’ll have a snack that everyone will rave about.

4. Ghanian Style Fried Ripe Plantains

Kelewele or Aloco, which is Ghanian style Fried Ripe Plantains, is a dish that takes ordinary fried plantains and transforms them into something special.
 
The plantains are first marinated with a mixture of garlic, ginger, hot pepper, and other aromatics.
 
This gives the finished dish a delightfully spicy flavor that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
 
In addition to being oh-so-delicious, Kelewele or Aloco is also incredibly easy to make.
 
So if you’re searching for a novel way to spice up your next meal, whip up this traditional Ghanian dish in the kitchen.
 
Guests will be pleasantly astonished by the flavor, and they’ll be begging you for the recipe.

5. Tostones With Mango Salsa & Cilantro Chimichurri

The sweet and tangy flavors of mango salsa paired with the crispy, savory crunch of tostones is an incredible blend of textures and tastes.
 
But when you add in the zesty zip of a cilantro chimichurri, it takes this dish to a whole other level!
 
The vibrant colors are almost as intoxicating as the flavor, making it hard to resist going back for just one more bite.
 
Whether you’re serving this dish at an intimate party or just enjoying it as a simple appetizer at home, this dish will blow diners away.
 
So go ahead and indulge yourself – you won’t be sorry!

6. Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Plantain Bites

There’s nothing quite like a masterful appetizer to set the vibe of your gathering right, and this Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Plantain Bites with guava crema dip will do just that!
 
The sweetness of the plantains is a seamless complement to the savory bacon and cheesy goodness, and the guava crema dip provides a terrific finishing touch.
 
Whether you’re hosting an intimate party or simply looking for a snack to ward those hunger pangs away, these bites will hit the spot.

7. Sweet Plantain Pancakes

Plantain pancakes are a naturally flavorful and wholesome appetizer that is perfect for any occasion.
 
Made with mashed plantains, eggs, and flour, these pancakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
 
They can be eaten plain or topped off using various toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, or salsa.
 
They make for a finger-licking and nourishing appetizer that will tantalize your taste buds.
 
So, next time you’re looking for an appetizer to get your party started on the right note, make sure to try plantain pancakes.
 
Your guests will be impressed, and they’ll be asking for seconds.
 
They may even snag the recipe!

8. Baked Plantains

Baked Plantains are a palatable and easy-to-make snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with guacamole.
 
Plantains are often utilized in savory dishes, and when they are baked, they take on a slightly sweet and caramelized flavor.
 
The key to making the perfect baked plantain is to slice them thin enough so that they cook evenly, but not so thin that they fall apart.
 
I like to pair my baked plantains with homemade guacamole, as the creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the plantain.
 
This combo will satisfy your sweet and savory cravings!

9. Sautéed Sweet Plantains

Sautéed Sweet Plantains are a wonderful way to add a touch of sweetness to any meal.
 
The key to making them is to use plantains with heavy black spotting or fully black skin.
 
This will give them the optimal flavor and texture.
 
Simply slice the plantains into thick pieces, then sauté in a little oil along with butter, brown sugar, and some salt until they are golden brown.
 
Serve as a side dish in place of potatoes, and you’re sure to enjoy their unique flavor.
 
Give Sautéed Sweet Plantains a try next time you’re looking for something new to change up your kitchen routine.
 
Your diners will be surprised and pleased with this delightful dish.

10. Jerk Chicken Plantain Nachos

If your kitchen vibe warrants something a little out of the ordinary, these Jerk Chicken Plantain Nachos just might be what you’re looking for.
 
The tender jackfruit is cooked with jerk seasoning for a flavorful dish, giving it an authentic Caribbean twist.
 
The plantains provide a crispy and satisfying base for the nachos, while the toppings of avocado, mango salsa, and cilantro lime crema give them an irresistible flavor.
 
This dish is great for sharing, so invite some friends over and enjoy!
 
You may just find that this is your new favorite appetizer.
 
Just make sure to make enough for everyone as a couple of batches may not be enough after everyone gets a taste!

11. Seasoned Plantain Fries

Plantains are a staple ingredient in many Latin American dishes, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways.
 
One of my favorites is to fry them up as a crunchy appetizer.
 
First, I slice the plantains into thin strips and then coat them in a mixture of egg and bread crumbs.
 
I next heat up some oil in a frying pan and then cook the Plantain strips until they are golden brown.
 
You’ll get a crispy, savory treat that is absolutely irresistible.
 
Whether you serve them with dipping sauces, load them up with bacon, drizzle them with a zesty dressing or simply enjoy them on their own, seasoned plantain fries will knock diners’ socks off.

The bottom line

So, there you have it.

Plantain appetizers that will make your taste buds happy and your guests impressed.

Plantains are renowned for their versatility, so there are plenty more other starters that you can try.

However, if you need to make an appetizer quickly, these 11 recipes will do the trick.

These are not difficult to make and can be adapted to fit any palate.

Give them a try for your next party or gathering, and I bet you can’t eat just one!

Want even more plantain perfection? Check out this list of other Plantain Recipes here!