French Appetizers

For the French meals are always very organized. The meal can be any meal of the day, but it is no doubt an important meal. There is a particular pattern, which is followed, when the meals are planned and eaten. You will surprised to know, that appetizers are a part of French food, even when one is having a quick lunch at home or work. This is immaterial, whether the person is eating alone or with someone else. The French appetizers are called entree. Entree translated into English stands for entrance. No doubt, the appetizers are indeed an entrance to the meals. However, for most Americans, an Entree stands for the main course. Most French find it difficult to adjust to this, when they are visiting the United States.

At the start of the meal, an appetizer drink is served, that is known as aperitif. It is often an alcoholic drink, which aims to increase the appetite of the person. The drink is accompanied by some little nibbles. Normally nuts or olives are served. Now this brings us to the question, which are appetizers included in these appetizers list. The list of appetizers is no doubt long. In this write up, we will see some French appetizer recipes, which are easy to make. Having said that let's see some interesting amuse bouche ideas, in other words French appetizer ideas.

Easy French Appetizer Recipes

When one talks about the French appetizers, it is natural to see the influence of Austrian cuisine on the French cuisine. The appetizers can be salads, or they can be grills, etc. There are a number of salads, which are served in vinaigrette dressing.

Asparagus with Yogurt Dressing
Slender stalks of asparagus with yogurt make for a great combination. Once you make this quick French appetizer, your family members will be left asking for more.

Ingredients
  • 1 pound asparagus
  • ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
  • ¾ cup yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper as per taste
Method
  • In a large sauce pan, bring water to a boil.
  • Add salt to the water.
  • Now place trimmed asparagus in the salt water for a minute to blanch.
  • Separate 4 spears of asparagus and place the remaining in a bowl of ice water.
  • Once they are chilled remove from them ice water and pat dry them.
  • Chop the reserved 4 spears.
  • In a mixing bowl, mix chopped asparagus, basil and yogurt and mix well.
  • Add salt and pepper to the yogurt mixture and keep aside.
  • In a skillet melt butter and add blanched asparagus to it.
  • Sauté for about 3 minutes till they are light brown in color.
  • Season the sautéed asparagus and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Spoon yogurt dressing on the asparagus and serve.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
This is one of the classic appetizers recipes. If you have a number of guests coming over, then you can serve this cold appetizer, which you can make way ahead of time.

Ingredients
  • 5 medium skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves
  • 1 container semi-soft cheese (garlic and herb)
  • 2 ½ ounces very thinly sliced fully cooked ham
  • ½ cup fine dry seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted
  • Nonstick spray coating
Method
  • Wrap the chicken breast in a plastic wrap with the boned side up.
  • Pound the meat pieces lightly to ¼ inch thickness.
  • Remove the plastic wrap and spread cheese on the chicken pieces.
  • Place ham on the chicken breast and cut the ham pieces to fit the chicken breast.
  • Fold the meat pieces into a roll and secure the chicken pieces with a toothpick.
  • In a dish combine bread crumbs with parsley.
  • Roll the chicken rolls in milk and immediately roll it in the bread crumbs mixture.
  • Spray nonstick spray in a baking dish.
  • Place the chicken rolls with the seam side placed down in the baking dish.
  • Drizzle butter on the chicken pieces.
  • Let the chicken bake at 400 degree Fahrenheit for about half an hour till the chicken is tender and lightly brown in color.
  • Let the chicken rolls come down to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours. It can also be kept in the refrigerator for as long as 24 hours.
  • Slice the roll crosswise and serve chilled.
Along with these appetizers, you can serve different spreads and dips. Serve best bread for French toast along with the spreads and dip. Among appetizers, easy to make are the ones, which can be served on a toothpick or skewers. Meat pieces can also be combined with different fruits or vegetables as well.