Hors d’Oeuvres
Delicious bite-size foods served at various events, social gatherings, cocktail parties, wedding receptions, corporate events and in almost every social function where people come together to celebrate a special occasion.
7 Hors d’Oeuvres Examples: A small savory dish severed as an appetizer before a meal.
Ever wonder what are hors d’ouvres? Where did the word originate from? What does hors d’ouvres even mean? What we do know is that they are delicious bite-size foods served at various events, social gatherings, cocktail parties, wedding receptions, corporate events and in almost every social function where people come together to celebrate a special occasion. The truth is when small or larger groups of people come together to celebrate any occasion, the first question is always what is the menu going to be like or what are we going to eat. We are going to answer some of the most asked questions below about what hors d’oeuvres are, what region of the world the word first came from, give you different types of these appetizer and give you examples of some our most popular tasty bites. Everyday ingredients that can be found in your kitchen can be used to make a delicious and mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres recipe that’ll have your guests taste buds asking for more.
What are hors d’oeuvres?
Hors d’Oeuvres are small savory bites severed as an appetizer typically at the beginning of a meal.
The literal hors d’oeuvres meaning in French is “out of work” but in English translates to “outside the meal”. An hors d’oeuvre is generally a one bite appetizer that’s either placed at a table to be picked up, or it’s passed around the room by a server to enjoy. It is usually served in addition to or prior to the main meal.
What are the different types of Hors d’Oeuvres?
Most Hors d’Oeuvres catering companies will supply many of these different types of appetizers for cocktail parties or special event. A delicious bruschetta, or a baguette with sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, caramelized onion and top with feta are delicious options to serve. As well as skewers, crostini with tapenade or crostini with an delish artichoke dip mixed with sour cream are also great options. A variety of ingredients can make mouthwatering appetizer recipes. Scallops, roasted garlic, creme, red pepper, pancetta, blue cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, jalapeno, fennel, endive, artichoke hearts, cranberry and sesame oil to name a few, and not all of these together of course. Also Italian and Thai food items, anything with brie, wonton and egg rolls also make great hors d’oeuvres recipes. Here are a few of the most popular types of hors d’oeuvres that can be found at most events, gatherings and wedding receptions.
1. Cocktails
Are made of several bite-size pieces of fish, shellfish, drinks and fruits severed with a tangy flavored sauce. Shrimp cocktails are the most popular. It is important that it looks fresh and is arranged attractively to catch the eye. An array of cocktails are juices of orange, pineapple, grapefruits or tomatoes severed with cold salad dressing.
2. Canape
A canape is a one or two bite-size finger food made up of three parts: a base, a spread or topping and a garnish. They are a savory small food bite that can be served hot or cold. The food item should be dainty, petite, fresh and have color contrast and eye appeal. Ingredients like crostini with tapenade and topped with chives is a great choice.
3. Crudites
Crudites are a French appetizer made of sliced or whole raw crispy veggies like carrots, celery or bell peppers. They are usually placed in a deep dish in front of the guests with a tasty dipping sauce.
4. Salads
Petite salads are salads served in individual small portions in small dishes or cups composed of similar ingredients as regular salads. Lettuce, tomato, scallion, red pepper, parmesan and a balsamic olive oil vinaigrette.
5. Ceviche
Is served in small cup and made of seafood mostly shrimp, fish and octopus that has been marinated in lemon and combined with lemon, cilantro, onions and salt to taste.
6. Chips & Dip
Savory dips paired with tortilla chips, crackers and raw veggies are a popular chip and dip appetizer. Consistency of the dipping sauce is the key. It must not be so thick that it breaks the chip but neither too runny. Artichoke dip with crostini or baguettes is a great option.
7. Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is a flaky light pastry made from a laminated dough composed of dough and butter or other solid fat. It can be filled with cream cheese, mozzarella, crab meat, prosciutto, and fruits. Basically anything that’s delicious like brie can be put in a puff pastry.
Hors d’Oeuvres Examples
- Canapes
A bite-size finger food made out of a pastry base, filled with a spread or topping and topped with a garnish. We offer our Canapes tray that comes with 35 pieces and 5 different flavors.
-cream cheese, smoked salmon, fresh lemon, fresh dill.
-sweet Potato cream, seaweed black caviar, walnuts.
-cream of roasted pepper, dry black olives.
-avocado cream, fresh chives, pickled beets.
-black lentil cream, seaweed red caviar, Roquefort cheese.
- Crudites
Are a French appetizer made of sliced or whole raw crispy veggies like carrots, celery or bell peppers. We offer a fresh veggie tray that is made up of, six to eight different types of fresh vegetables, beautifully arranged, thinly sliced and drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette.
- Salads
Petite salads are salads served in individual small portions in small dishes or cups composed of similar ingredients as regular salads. We offer 5 different salad tray options that can be ordered in a big bowl or in individual cups. All made to order with fresh ingredients.
- Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is a flaky light pastry made from a laminated dough composed of dough and butter or other solid fat. We offer a variety of puff pastry options the most popular being our French Bouchées. They are baked and filled with a rich cheese and herb cream, a touch of onion jam, blue Roquefort cheese and a cherry tomato confit.
FAQs:
What are heavy Hors d’Oeuvres?
Heavy hors d’oeuvres are intended for events or wedding receptions that are between meals. Include food items that are 2-3 bites like our Brioche Sliders, Ciabatta Sandwiches, and Wraps.
What are light Hors d’Oeuvres?
Light hors d’oeuvres are served on a table for guests to pick up or are passed around typically before the main meal is served.
What are passed Hors d’Oeuvres (or butler passed Hors d’Oeuvres?)
Passed hors d’oeuvres are the most popular way to serve food during a cocktail reception, networking event or high-end event.
What is the difference between canapes and Hors d’Oeuvres?
Canapes are usually made with an edible base – crackers, bread or pastry and served cold. Hors d’Oeuvres are a tiny bite of something delicious and can be both savory or sweet and served hot or cold. Example if you pick up a meatball on a piece of bread that’s a canape, the same meatball served fancy sauce becomes an hors d’oeuvre.
What are the two styles of Hors d’Oeuvres service?
There are multiple ways to serve hors d’oeuvres. The two most common are butler-style and buffet style. In butler-style, the food items are passed around by a catering staff. In buffet style the food items are placed at a table and guests pick them up.
