Appetizers and Hors D’oeuvres. The two words are often used interchangeably, but most people don’t realize they’re actually two different things. Yes, they are both related to food, but they each serve two different purposes. Let’s take a look at how appetizers vs. hors d’oeuvres are similar, and how they differ.
“Appetizers are meant to whet the appetite before the following courses.”
What is an Appetizer?
Appetizers are the first course served when seated at a table. An appetizer is meant to compliment an entrée and is generally a small-portioned first course of a multi-course meal. Appetizers are meant to whet the appetite before the following courses.
Appetizers connote that a dinner will follow. Although it’s possible to have appetizers without a main course, this isn’t often the case. Some examples of appetizers include soups, salads, chowders, etc. Check out our Plated Dinner Menu to see some of the appetizers offered by Encore.
“The important distinction of hors d’oeuvres is that they are served before, or separately from a meal.“
What is an Hors D’oeuvre?
Hors d’oeuvres are small items served before dinner, often accompanied by cocktails. They’re most commonly found at cocktail parties or during the cocktail hour of a reception or gala. Most of the time, hors d’oeuvres are considered ‘finger foods’ and can be eaten while standing and mingling.
The important distinction of hors d’oeuvres is that they are served before, or separately from a meal. In fact, the term hors d’oeuvre is a French term that translates to ‘outside the meal’. Some examples of hors d’oeuvres include crudité, candied salmon, flatbreads, etc. Take a look at our Cocktail Menu for more variety of hors d’oeuvres that we offer.
“In most cases, appetizers and hors d’oeuvres are small portions that aren’t meant to fill an appetite.“
Appetizers vs. Hors D’oeuvres – Similarities
The first and most important similarity between appetizers and hors d’oeuvres is the obvious one… they’re both types of food. In most cases, appetizers and hors d’oeuvres are small portions that aren’t meant to fill an appetite.
Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres can be hot or cold, sweet or savoury, crunchy or soft, etc. The texture, taste, colour, and temperature of the food is irrelevant when comparing appetizers vs. hors d’oeuvres.
Both appetizers and hors d’oeuvres are commonly eaten at dinner parties, weddings, corporate fundraisers, and just about any other event you can think of.
“Although the words ‘appetizer’ and ‘hors d’oeuvre’ are often used interchangeably, there are many differences between the two types of dishes.”
Appetizers vs. Hors D’oeuvres – Differences
Although the words ‘appetizer’ and ‘hors d’oeuvre’ are often used interchangeably, there are many differences between the two types of dishes.
Time Eaten: Hors d’oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal. An hors d’oeuvre isn’t considered to be part of the meal, but appetizers are usually chosen specifically to compliment the following courses.
Portion Size: One of the most important distinctions between appetizers and hors d’oeuvres is the portion size. The former tends to be 3-4 bites while the latter are usually 1-2 bites.
Quantity Served: It’s not uncommon to pass around several types of hors d’oeuvres, whereas appetizers are usually served one per person, although there are exceptions.
Purpose and Setting: Hors d’oeuvres can be thought of as ‘mingling food’; small portioned items that are passed around in a social setting. Appetizers on the other hand are often served directly to you while seated at a table.
Method of Eating: Typically, hors d’oeuvres are eaten by hand, whereas you would use cutlery to eat an appetizer. This is a generalization though and there are many exceptions to this rule.
“Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres are terms often used interchangeably, although this isn’t technically correct.”
Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres are terms often used interchangeably, although this isn’t technically correct. They are both small-portioned dishes that can offer a variety of flavour profiles, but they each have their own distinct purpose for a dinner party or event. To see the different appetizers and hors d’oeuvres offered by Encore, check out our Menu Packages.
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FAQs
Is there a difference between hors d oeuvres and appetizers? ›
Time Eaten: Hors d'oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal. An hors d'oeuvre isn't considered to be part of the meal, but appetizers are usually chosen specifically to compliment the following courses.
What is the similarities between hors d oeuvres and appetizers? ›Either can be served hot or cold, sweet or savory, crunchy or soft and include a variety of colors, textures and temperatures. Notably, they are both served before the meal. However, each are served at two distinctly different points. In fact, an event can include both hors d'oeuvres and an appetizer.
What are bite size appetizers called? ›Canapes. “A small, prepared and usually decorative food, held in the fingers and often eaten in one bite.” Yep, this is just a fancy way of saying hors d'oeuvres and/or appetizers.
Why are appetizers called hors d oeuvres? ›The word hors-d'œuvre (pronounced awr -durvz) is a French word that quite literally means “outside the work” aka “not part of the ordinary set of courses in a meal”. It's a dish that can stand on its own as a snack or support the main course. Hors d'oeuvre are often designed to be eaten by hand.
What are the four types of appetizers? ›- Cocktails.
- Hors d' oeuvres.
- Canape.
- Relishes/Crudite.
- Salads.
- Soup & Consommé
- Chips & DIps.
Appetizer is the first course of a multi-course meal. Hors d'oeurves are various types of finger foods that are often served at receptions and cocktails.
What are appetizers also called? ›Usually, an appetizer is a small serving of food — just a few bites — meant to be eaten before an entree, and often shared by several people. You can also call an appetizer an hors d'oeuvre. An appetizer is meant to stimulate your appetite, making you extra hungry for your meal.
What kinds of appetizer is hors d oeuvres? ›General hors d'oeuvres include cold preparations such as salad, cold meat, and fish. Classical hors d'oeuvres include fruit juice and soft drinks, grapefruit, shellfish cocktail, and so on. Typically smaller than a main dish, an hors d'oeuvre is often designed to be eaten by hand.
What do you call the simplest appetizer? ›Start the party right with easy hors d'oeuvres. These bite-sized treats can be made in a flash and look oh-so-fancy.
What are the 6 types of appetizers? ›- Cocktails. Cocktails are some of the most popular appetizers. ...
- Hors D'oeuvres. ...
- Canape. ...
- Relishes & Crudite. ...
- Salad. ...
- Soup. ...
- Chips & Dips.
What is the most important thing to remember when preparing appetizer? ›
Offer both hot and cold foods in your appetizer spread. Remember to include crunchy and creamy foods, too. Plan make-ahead selections. Keep the number of recipes that involve last-minute preparation to a minimum.
What's another word for hors d oeuvres? ›| appetiserUK | appetizerUS |
|---|---|
| starter | antipasto |
| canape | dip |
| finger food | finger sandwich |
| aperitif | cocktail |
nounWord forms: plural hors d'oeuvre or hors d'oeuvres (ˈdɜːvr , French dœvrə ) an additional dish served as an appetizer, usually before the main meal. Word origin. C18: from French, literally: outside the work, not part of the main course.
What do the French call appetizers? ›Get ideas and recipes for the perfect French appetizers that you can prepare in advance. Easy hors d'oeurves for a classic cocktail apéro or gettogether, leaving you free to mingle with your guests.
Can soup be an appetizer? ›Yes, you can. Soup is a great thing to serve at a dinner party, and we're not just talking soup shots as cute appetizers.
What are appetizer give examples? ›An appetizer is a small dish of an overall meal. It can also be a drink or multiple drinks containing alcohol. Common examples include: shrimp cocktail, calamari, salad, potato skins, mussels, bruschetta or cheese and crackers. An appetizer may also be very elegant in some restaurants.
What is the basic rule for hors d oeuvre? ›Hors d'oeuvres are defined as "apart from the main work" and served before sitting down to meal service. They may be hot or cold items. Because they are usually eaten while standing, hors d'oeuvres should be finger food that can be eaten without the use of utensils.
What are the two main ways to serve hors d oeuvres? ›- For a fancy cocktail party or wedding, try passed hors d'oeuvres. These are served on a tray and passed around by wait staff. ...
- For more casual parties or events, try buffet style hors d'oeuvres.
The two most common ways of serving hors d'oeuvres are butler-style and buffet-style.
What are free appetizers called? ›Amuse-bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons but are served free and according to the chef's selection alone.
What are the 5 miscellaneous hors d oeuvres? ›
- Puff Pastry.
- Lettuce Wraps.
- Crudites.
- Cheese.
- Seafood.
- Antipasto.
- Bruschetta.
- Canapes.
Planning Your Appetizer Party Menu
Bruschetta, breadsticks, crackers, and rolls are also mainstays. Protein: Serve meat or fish dishes, such as meatballs, chicken wings, or sushi, to give your guests protein. You could also make an egg, cheese, or tofu appetizer.
It is a finger food consisting of three parts: a base, a spread or topping and garnish. They could be served hot or cold.
What are considered appetizers? ›An appetizer is a small dish of an overall meal. It can also be a drink or multiple drinks containing alcohol. Common examples include: shrimp cocktail, calamari, salad, potato skins, mussels, bruschetta or cheese and crackers. An appetizer may also be very elegant in some restaurants.
What is the basic rule of hors d'oeuvres platter? ›Hors d'oeuvres Platter - A well-presented platter with a limited choice of or more expensive foods. The basic rule is “small quantity, but big in quality” and at the same time attractively served.
What is the literal meaning of hors d oeuvres? ›nounWord forms: plural hors d'oeuvre or hors d'oeuvres (ˈdɜːvr , French dœvrə ) an additional dish served as an appetizer, usually before the main meal. Word origin. C18: from French, literally: outside the work, not part of the main course.