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Home » Best Of » 14 French appetizers to serve with wine

14 French appetizers to serve with wine

Modified: Oct 13, 2025 by Molly Pisula · Published: Oct 14, 2025 · As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Welcome to a culinary journey that begins with a sip and a small, delightful bite. French cuisine, known for its finesse and flavor, offers some of the most inviting appetizers, perfect for pairing with a glass of wine. Our collection of 14 recipes will guide you through creating elegant, easy-to-prepare starters that are sure to elevate your next gathering or cozy evening at home.

Mini Quiche Appetizers

Mini Quiche Appetizers
Image credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

Indulge in the charming flavors of France with these Mini Quiche Appetizers, a delightful blend of creamy spinach, rich cheese, and savory bacon nestled in a flaky crust. This recipe captures the essence of French cuisine, making it perfect for gatherings or a luxurious snack. Achieve authentic taste by using high-quality, fresh ingredients and don't hesitate to experiment with different cheeses for a personal touch. These mini quiches not only taste divine but also add a touch of elegance to your table.
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Delicious and Easy Canapés

Delicious and Easy Canapés
Image credit: www.thekitchenmagpie.com

When it comes to French culinary traditions, the art of canapés stands out, especially during festive gatherings. These small, decorative appetizers, often a symphony of flavors on a tiny piece of bread or pastry, are not just easy to prepare but are a delightful way to welcome guests. The secret to authentic French canapés lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients and a touch of creativity in presentation. Whether topped with smoked salmon and crème fraîche or a simple yet elegant combination of cheese and fruit, each canapé is a bite-sized preview of the host’s hospitality.
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Charcuterie

How to Make Charcuterie for 15
Image credit: blackberrybabe.com

Charcuterie transforms any gathering into a feast of French sophistication. Imagine a large, elegantly laid out platter brimming with a tantalizing selection of cured meats, rich cheeses, and fresh fruits, accompanied by an assortment of nuts and spreads. Each element is carefully chosen to complement the others, offering a symphony of flavors and textures. For an authentic touch, include regional French cheeses like Roquefort or Brie and pair them with traditional charcuterie like saucisson sec. This spread not only satisfies the palate but also turns your hosting into an art form, making sure your guests are both impressed and delighted.
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Easy Appetizer Dip

Easy Appetizer Dip
Image credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

Dive into the simplicity of French cuisine with this homemade dip that marries the creaminess of sour cream and mayonnaise with the vibrant flavors of seasoned salt, onion, parsley, and dill. French cooking often emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, and this recipe is a perfect example. Quickly assembled in minutes, it's ideal for impromptu gatherings or a touch of something special with your evening apéritif. Serve with crisp vegetables or warm, crusty bread to bring out the full flavor of the herbs.
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Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer
Image credit: www.thecreativebite.com

Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer brings a touch of French sophistication to your holiday table. This delightful dish marries the sharp zest of cranberries with the smooth richness of goat cheese, offering a beautifully balanced starter. Perfect for a festive gathering, it’s not only easy to prepare but also serves as a visually appealing centerpiece. For an authentic French flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of herbes de Provence over the cranberries before baking, enhancing the dish with a provincial aroma.
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Brie Cranberry Bites

Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer
Image credit: xoxobella.com

Delight in the quintessentially French Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer, where the luxurious creaminess of brie melds with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all encased in flaky puff pastry. This appetizer brings a touch of festive elegance to any gathering. For an authentic touch, use a high-quality, ripe brie and serve these warm for a melty, irresistible heart. The contrast in textures and flavors will enchant your guests, making these bites a memorable start to any meal.
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Easy Easter Appetizer

Easy Easter Appetizer
Image credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

Celebrate with a French twist this Easter by crafting delightful mini sweet peppers filled with savory dip, each topped with a dainty sprig of dill to mimic colorful carrots. This appetizer, ready in just 10 minutes, combines the crispness of fresh peppers with the creamy texture of the dip, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. A perfect start to your Easter feast, they're not only quick to prepare but also charmingly festive, ensuring your holiday table is as inviting as it is delicious.
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Fresh Fruit Platter with Dips

Fresh Fruit Platter with Dips
Image credit: www.thekitchenmagpie.com

Delve into the elegance of a French-inspired "Fresh Fruit Platter with Dips" that not only showcases vibrant, seasonal fruits but also pairs them with three exquisite dips. This dish is a celebration of simplicity and sophistication, where the freshness of the fruit complements the rich, creamy textures of chocolate, yogurt, and honey-based dips. Perfect for an afternoon soirée or a refined dessert option, remember to slice fruits uniformly for an aesthetically pleasing presentation and serve the dips in charming ramekins to enhance that authentic French flair.
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Blue Cheese and Pecan Endive

Blue Cheese and Pecan Endive Appetizer
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

The Blue Cheese and Pecan Endive Appetizer is a testament to the elegance of French cuisine, combining the crisp freshness of endive leaves with the rich harmony of blue cheese and pecans. Tucked into each leaf are sweet chopped dates and crunchy, toasted pecans, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy blue cheese. A drizzle of balsamic syrup adds a perfect touch of acidity and sweetness. This dish not only captivates with its sophisticated flavors but also with its simple, yet beautiful presentation. Ideal for impressing at any gathering!
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Puff Pastry Bites with Cranberries

Puff Pastry Bites Appetizer with Cranberries
Image credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

Puff Pastry Bites Appetizer with Cranberries encapsulate the essence of French elegance in every bite. Imagine the richness of creamy brie paired with the vibrant zing of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery puff pastry that goldenly crisps upon baking. This dish is not only a visual delight but also a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate. Perfect for gatherings, these bites can be made ahead, leaving you free to enjoy the soirée. Serve them warm for a truly indulgent experience that your guests will cherish.
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Blueberry Balsamic Goat Cheese Appetizer

Blueberry Balsamic Goat Cheese Appetizer
Image credit: www.thecreativebite.com

Delight in the French-inspired Blueberry Balsamic Goat Cheese Appetizer, a perfect blend of creamy goat cheese topped with a luscious blueberry balsamic reduction. This dish not only captures the essence of French culinary simplicity but also offers a burst of vibrant flavors. The tangy balsamic beautifully complements the sweet blueberries, making it an ideal choice for a sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare starter. Serve on crostini or as a chic dip at your next gathering to enchant your guests.
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Fondue

Fondue Recipes for a Dinner Party
Image credit: www.thecreativebite.com

Explore the convivial charm of French dining with Fondue. This guide brings the allure of creamy cheese and rich chocolate fondues right to your table, perfect for an interactive gathering. Delve into the creamy depths of Gruyère and Emmental, or dip into decadence with dark chocolate and a hint of orange liqueur. Tips include maintaining the perfect smooth texture and ideas for delicious dippers like artisan breads and fresh fruits. Embrace this beloved tradition for a truly memorable soirée.
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Smoked Grapes with Goat Cheese Fondue

Smoked Grapes with Goat Cheese Fondue
Image credit: blackberrybabe.com

Explore the delightful fusion of flavors in "Smoked Grapes with Goat Cheese Fondue," a unique French-inspired appetizer that marries the subtle smokiness of roasted grapes with the creamy tang of goat cheese. This dish serves up a sensory feast, perfect for those who love to surprise their palate. For an authentic touch, use a mild wood like apple or cherry for smoking, which complements the grapes without overpowering their natural sweetness.
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Roast Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Appetizer

Roast Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Appetizer
Image credit: www.thecreativebite.com

Roast Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Appetizer captures the essence of a classic French Caprese with a delightful twist. This dish artfully combines the sweet, roasted tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, creating a symphony of flavors that are both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Perfect for a chic gathering or a tranquil afternoon snack, it’s a testament to the timeless allure of simple, fresh ingredients. For an authentic touch, use heirloom tomatoes and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.
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I'm Molly, a former personal chef trained in French pastry. Here you'll find veggie-forward, seasonal recipes with a little French kiss!

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