Sharing a meal with your loved one or a group of loved ones is a time-honored tradition for this sentimental holiday. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for lovers. Breaking bread with loved ones, no matter the relationship status, is a fulfilling way to honor your special someones. We found 10 Valentine’s Day appetizers to bring to your table.
Cheesy baked shrimp and spinach dip
The next appetizer is one with a twist. Spinach dip is fairly common these days, both at homes and at restaurants. But the rich factor is amplified when you add shrimp! In this cheesy baked shrimp and spinach dip, from Peas and Crayons, there are two types of spinach, two types (or more!) of melty cheese and shrimp. Make this a rich and rewarding starter for your Valentine’s Day fete.
Sweetheart salad
Fruit takes new shape with this sweetheart salad from Mama Guru. Slice fruit about 1/4 inch thick, then use a small heart cookie cutter to make delightful fruit slices — it’s almost like those sugary heart-shaped candies, although these are much better for you! This salad also makes a great Valentine’s Day snack for the little ones in your life.
Crackers, summer sausage, cheese and cucumbers in heart shapes
Kids really get into Valentine’s Day, and heart-shaped cheese, sausage and cucumbers, from Two Kids Cooking, add to the fun. Make your own crackers and cut into heart shapes for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Balsamic strawberry goat cheese crostini
In the next appetizer, bite-sized Italian bread is topped with versatile goat cheese and carefully placed strawberries. This balsamic strawberry goat cheese crostini, from Cooking for Keeps, is a tasty blend of sharp and sweet on a tender piece of fresh bread. With balsamic vinegar drizzled and a smattering of basil, this appetizer will be inhaled.
Smoked salmon appetizer on a stick
Smoked salmon lends an elegance to dinner. This charming and delicious smoked salmon appetizer on a stick, from OMG Lifestyle, is easy to fix — and the whole thing is completely edible, no toothpicks or skewers necessary. Breadsticks are the base to which the salmon, cream cheese and green onions are affixed. Simple and palatable, this is the perfect starter for your Valentine’s Day feast!
Stuffed caprese tomatoes
Sweet Campari tomatoes stuffed with fresh mozzarella cheese, this appetizer is great for sharing. Stuffed caprese tomatoes, courtesy of A Few Short Cuts, filled with the soft mozzarella cheese found in the deli section at grocery stores are baked until gooey and slightly brown on top, then topped with basil and balsamic vinegar. Your loved ones will applaud.
Heart-shaped pretzels
If you have the time and inclination, try your hand at these from-scratch heart-shaped pretzels courtesy of Passion for Savings. Endear yourself to your kids by letting them twist and shape the pretzels, creating Valentine’s Day memories for years to come. Even if you don’t have kids, there’s no substitute for homemade pretzels. Serve with melted cheese or the spinach dip described above for an out-of-this-world dish.
Crab imperial appetizer
Valentine’s Day gives us a reason to splurge. There’s something about amor that makes us want to treat our loved ones (and ourselves) to rich and indulgent flavors. This crab imperial appetizer, courtesy of A Dish of Daily Life, is certainly rich and indulgent. Crab and heavy cream are spooned into puffed pastry to create a bite-sized starter for all to enjoy during your Valentine’s Day celebration.
Bruschetta melts
Bruschetta hails from that country of passion, Italy. These bruschetta melts, from A Kitchen Addiction, are made with thin-sliced Italian bread and topped with cream cheese, garlic, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil ribbons. The bright red cherry tomatoes and the contrasting bright green of the basil are delightful to the eye, just as the garlic and cheese awaken the taste buds. This is a delicious addition to your Valentine’s Day feast.
Elegant radish and ham tea sandwich
Valentine’s Day meals should be classy — and these elegant radish and ham tea sandwiches, courtesy of Sweetology101, are the perfect examples of class. Flower-shaped bread is toasted into a slight bowl shape and then topped with piped cream cheese. A small ham slice is rolled in rose-fashion, and the whole sandwich is garnished with a slice of radish. What a great idea for Valentine’s Day lunch for kids or for a ladies’ luncheon! Feel free to substitute other deli meats or make an assortment of different sandwiches. Without a doubt, this refined appetizer will impress those you love.