Hors Doeuvres Recipes

The purpose of the hors d'oeuvre is to whet the appetite; if there is a long waiting period between when the guests arrive and when the meal is served (for example, during a cocktail hour), these might also serve the purpose of sustaining guests during the long wait.

Hors d'oeuvre may be served at the table; for example, as a part of the sit-down meal; or they may be served before sitting at the table.

A more substantial starter or first course served at the table might be referred to as an entree according to Commonwealth English usage of the term.

Appetizers