This list includes 30 Appetizers that start with M, from “Mac and cheese bites” to “Mussels”. These are small savory starters—finger foods, dips, and canapé-style bites. They work well for parties, grazing boards, or quick pre-meal snacks.
Appetizers that start with M are small savory dishes served before a main course or shared as finger foods. Many reflect regional tastes—think Mediterranean mussels or Mexican mini-tostadas—showing global appetizer variety.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Main ingredients, Calories (per serving), and Serving size.
Name: The appetizer’s common name, so you can quickly scan and match items to recipes or menus.
Main ingredients: Lists two to four primary ingredients so you know core flavors and if it fits your pantry.
Calories (per serving): Gives approximate calories rounded to the nearest ten kcal, useful for planning and dietary choices.
Serving size: Specifies the typical serving used for the calorie estimate, so you can scale portions for guests.
Appetizers that start with M
| Name | Origin/Region | Primary ingredients | Calories (kcal per serving & serving size) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella sticks | United States | mozzarella, breadcrumbs, egg, oil | 150 kcal per 1 piece | Crispy breaded sticks of melted mozzarella, usually deep-fried and served with marinara—classic finger food for parties and casual snacking. |
| Meatballs | Italy | ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg | 120 kcal per 1 piece | Small seasoned meatballs served plain, with sauce or on toothpicks; versatile party starter often paired with marinara or glaze. |
| Mini quiche | France | eggs, cream, pastry, cheese | 170 kcal per 1 piece | Bite-sized savory tarts filled with egg and cheese (often bacon or spinach), warm or room temperature—ideal for brunch or cocktail parties. |
| Miso soup | Japan | miso, tofu, seaweed, scallion | 40 kcal per 1 cup | Light, savory broth-based soup served in small bowls; common starter in Japanese meals with a delicate umami flavor. |
| Mango salsa | Mexican | mango, onion, cilantro, lime | 60 kcal per 100 g | Bright, fruity salsa that pairs with chips or grilled seafood; sweet, tangy and fresh—easy to make ahead for gatherings. |
| Muhammara | Middle Eastern | roasted red pepper, walnut, olive oil, breadcrumbs | 90 kcal per 2 tbsp | Smoky, slightly sweet red-pepper and walnut dip from Syria, served with pita or veg for a flavorful mezze option. |
| Marinated olives | Mediterranean | olives, olive oil, herbs | 70 kcal per 30 g | Simple, savory olives cured or marinated with herbs and citrus; an easy, no-cook bowl to set out for guests. |
| Mini sliders | American | beef, bun, cheese | 200 kcal per 1 piece | Small-format burgers served as handheld appetizers—customizable with toppings and sauces for easy party grazing. |
| Mussels | Belgium | mussels, garlic, white wine, butter | 170 kcal per 100 g | Steam-cooked shellfish often served in aromatic broth; communal bowl that’s both elegant and shareable as a starter. |
| Melon and prosciutto | Italy | melon, prosciutto | 80 kcal per 1 piece | Classic sweet-and-salty skewer of ripe melon wrapped in paper-thin prosciutto—refreshing, easy, and elegant for summer appetizers. |
| Mushroom crostini | Italy | mushroom, bread, garlic, olive oil | 120 kcal per 1 piece | Sautéed mushrooms spooned over toasted bread make an earthy, savory bite that’s great for cocktail parties. |
| Masala peanuts | Indian | peanuts, spices, chickpea flour, oil | 180 kcal per 30 g | Spicy, crunchy roasted peanuts coated in masala spices—popular bar snack or starter with bold Indian flavors. |
| Mini tacos | Mexican | tortilla, meat, salsa | 90 kcal per 1 piece | Tiny handheld tacos filled with seasoned meat or veg; perfect customizable finger food for crowds. |
| Mac and cheese bites | American | pasta, cheese, breadcrumbs | 120 kcal per 1 piece | Creamy mac and cheese shaped, breaded and fried or baked into bites—comforting, kid-friendly appetizer. |
| Mini crab cakes | American | crab, breadcrumbs, mayo | 120 kcal per 1 piece | Small pan-fried cakes of tender crab meat, often served with remoulade or lemon—a seafood favorite for receptions. |
| Mushroom bruschetta | Italy | mushroom, bread, garlic, olive oil | 90 kcal per 1 piece | Toasted bread topped with garlicky sautéed mushrooms; earthy and satisfying as a light starter. |
| Matzo ball soup | Jewish | matzo meal, egg, chicken broth | 150 kcal per 1 cup | Comforting clear broth with soft matzo dumplings—served in small bowls as a classic starter in Jewish cuisine. |
| Mulligatawny | Indian | lentils, curry, vegetables, chicken (optional) | 150 kcal per 1 cup | Spiced Anglo-Indian soup often served in small portions as an appetizer—warming, mildly curried and hearty. |
| Mezze platter | Middle Eastern | hummus, pita, olives | 350 kcal per 200 g | Shared assortment of dips, breads and small bites; perfect for grazing and combining textures and flavors. |
| Mini spring rolls | Chinese | cabbage, carrot, wrapper, oil | 60 kcal per 1 piece | Crispy fried or fresh rolls filled with shredded veg (and sometimes meat)—popular party finger food and dim-sum starter. |
| Mini empanadas | Latin American | pastry, meat, onion | 150 kcal per 1 piece | Small baked or fried turnovers filled with savory meat or veg; handheld and portable for parties. |
| Marinated artichokes | Mediterranean | artichoke, olive oil, lemon | 110 kcal per 100 g | Tender artichoke hearts preserved in oil and herbs—served chilled or room temperature as a zesty starter. |
| Maki | Japan | rice, nori, fish/vegetable | 200 kcal per 6 pieces | Rolled sushi often served in small portions to start a meal; fresh texture with many filling options. |
| Marinated anchovies | Mediterranean | anchovy, vinegar, olive oil | 80 kcal per 30 g | Tangy, oily fillets (boquerones style) served on crostini or with bread—bold, briny appetizer. |
| Mexican street corn | Mexican | corn, mayo, cheese | 220 kcal per 100 g | Charred corn dressed in creamy, salty sauce and cheese; often served in small cups or on skewers as a snack or starter. |
| Mini spanakopita | Greek | spinach, feta, phyllo | 80 kcal per 1 piece | Bite-sized triangular pastries filled with spinach and salty feta—crispy, savory and ideal for buffets. |
| Mackerel pâté | British | mackerel, butter, lemon | 70 kcal per 2 tbsp | Smoky fish blended into a spread—served on toast or crackers for a quick, flavorful canapé. |
| Mozzarella balls | Italian | mozzarella, basil, tomato | 50 kcal per 1 piece | Small bocconcini often skewered with cherry tomato and basil; fresh, mild and perfect for platters. |
| Mushroom arancini | Italian | rice, mushroom, cheese | 140 kcal per 1 piece | Risotto balls stuffed or mixed with mushrooms, breaded and fried—crispy exterior with creamy interior, great as a warm appetizer. |
| Mini smoked salmon blinis | Russian/European | smoked salmon, blini, cream cheese | 90 kcal per 1 piece | Tiny buckwheat pancakes topped with smoked salmon and a dollop of cream—elegant bite-sized hors d’oeuvre. |
Descriptions
Mozzarella sticks
Meatballs
Mini quiche
Miso soup
Mango salsa
Muhammara
Marinated olives
Mini sliders
Mussels
Melon and prosciutto
Mushroom crostini
Masala peanuts
Mini tacos
Mac and cheese bites
Mini crab cakes
Mushroom bruschetta
Matzo ball soup
Mulligatawny
Mezze platter
Mini spring rolls
Mini empanadas
Marinated artichokes
Maki
Marinated anchovies
Mexican street corn
Mini spanakopita
Mackerel pâté
Mozzarella balls
Mushroom arancini
Mini smoked salmon blinis