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Valentine’s Day is a special time to show love and affection. I’ve put together a list of 16 appetizer ideas to make your celebration even more memorable. These starters are perfect for setting the mood and kicking off a romantic evening.
These appetizers are easy to make and sure to impress your special someone. From sweet to savory, there’s something for every taste. I’ve included classic favorites and some unique options to add variety to your Valentine’s Day menu.
Let’s get into these delicious appetizer ideas that will make your heart skip a beat.
1. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
I love serving stuffed cherry tomatoes as a Valentine’s Day appetizer. They’re cute, bite-sized, and easy to make.
To prepare them, I cut off the bottoms so they sit flat. Then I scoop out the insides and fill them with a tasty mixture.
Some great filling options are herb cream cheese, feta, and olives, or a BLT-inspired blend. The red tomatoes look festive and romantic on the plate.
Get the stuffed cherry tomatoes recipe.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Bacon-wrapped dates are a sweet and salty appetizer perfect for Valentine’s Day. I love how easy they are to make.
I stuff pitted dates with almonds or cheese, then wrap them in bacon. A quick roast in the oven crisps up the bacon nicely.
These tasty bites always disappear fast at parties. The mix of flavors and textures is satisfying.
Get the bacon-wrapped dates recipe.
3. Bruschetta with Raspberry Balsamic Glaze
I love making this twist on classic bruschetta for Valentine’s Day. I start with toasted baguette slices. Then I top them with mashed raspberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
I sprinkle on some chopped fresh basil for extra flavor. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the crunchy bread. It’s a simple yet elegant appetizer that always impresses my guests.
Get the bruschetta with raspberry balsamic glaze recipe.
4. Caprese Skewers
I love making Caprese skewers for Valentine’s Day. They’re simple yet elegant. I use grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
To make them extra special, I cut the tomatoes into heart shapes. It’s easy to add a romantic touch to this classic appetizer.
Get the Caprese skewers recipe.
5. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
I love these elegant and tasty bites for Valentine’s Day. I slice cucumbers and top them with cream cheese mixed with dill and lemon juice. Then I add a small piece of smoked salmon on top.
These appetizers look fancy but are so simple to make. They’re light, fresh, and flavorful – perfect for impressing my Valentine.
Get the smoked salmon cucumber recipe.
6. Heart-Shaped Cheese Platter
I love making a heart-shaped cheese platter for Valentine’s Day. It’s easy and looks great. I use a heart-shaped board or arrange the cheeses in a heart shape on a regular platter.
I pick 3-4 cheeses with different textures and flavors. Soft brie, aged cheddar, and creamy goat cheese work well. I cut harder cheeses into small heart shapes using cookie cutters.
Get the heart-shaped cheese platter recipe.
7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
I love chocolate-covered strawberries as a Valentine’s appetizer. They’re simple yet elegant. I dip fresh strawberries in melted dark chocolate for a rich taste.
For extra flair, I drizzle white chocolate on top or add crushed nuts. These sweet treats always impress my guests.
Get the chocolate-covered strawberry recipes.
8. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
I love this classic appetizer for Valentine’s Day. It’s simple yet elegant. I wrap tender asparagus spears with thin slices of salty prosciutto.
I roast them in a hot oven until the prosciutto gets crispy. The asparagus stays bright green crisp tender. It’s a perfect bite-sized treat for sharing with my sweetheart.
Get the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus recipe.
9. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
I love serving spinach and artichoke dip on Valentine’s Day. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. I mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and Romano cheese with garlic and herbs.
Then I fold in chopped artichoke hearts and thawed spinach. I bake it until hot and bubbly. It’s perfect with toasted bread, chips, or veggies.
Get the spinach and artichoke dip recipe.
10. Mini Quiches
Mini quiches are perfect for Valentine’s Day. I love how versatile they are. You can fill them with spinach and feta or go classic with bacon and cheese.
The small size makes them easy to share. I find their flaky crust and creamy filling irresistible. They’re simple to make ahead too.
11. Shrimp Cocktail
I love serving shrimp cocktails as a Valentine’s appetizer. It’s elegant and easy to make. I buy large, peeled shrimp and cook them until pink. Then I chill them and serve them with a zesty cocktail sauce.
The sauce is simple – I mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. It’s tangy and delicious. My guests always enjoy this classic appetizer.
Get the shrimp cocktail recipe.
12. Avocado Deviled Eggs
I love making avocado-deviled eggs for Valentine’s Day. They’re a tasty twist on classic deviled eggs.
I mash ripe avocado with egg yolks instead of mayo. This creates a creamy, green filling that’s both pretty and healthy.
I pipe the mixture into halved egg whites and garnish with paprika. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing with my sweetheart.
Get the avocado deviled eggs recipe.
13. Raspberry Brie Bites
I love making raspberry brie bites for Valentine’s Day. They’re easy and quick to prepare. I use puff pastry or wonton wrappers as the base.
I fill each bite with creamy brie cheese and sweet raspberry jam. Then I bake them until golden and melty. They’re always a hit at parties.
Get the raspberry brie bites recipe.
14. Garlic Parmesan Wings
Garlic Parmesan wings are a tasty Valentine’s Day appetizer. I love how crispy and flavorful they are. The golden-brown coating and crispy edges make them look amazing.
To make these wings, I boil them first to remove excess fat. Then I coat them in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese before baking.
These wings are perfect for sharing with your Valentine. They’re easy to make and sure to impress.
Get the garlic parmesan wings recipe.
15. Cranberry Brie Bites
I love making cranberry brie bites for Valentine’s Day. They’re easy and tasty. I use puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie cheese and topped with sweet cranberry sauce.
These bite-sized treats look fancy but take little effort. The flavors go great together too.
Get the cranberry brie bites recipe.
16. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
I love serving roasted red pepper hummus as a Valentine’s Day appetizer. Its bright orange color and smoky flavor make it stand out.
To make it, I blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and roasted red peppers. I add a swirl of olive oil on top for a nice touch.
