Appetizers vs. Hors D'oeuvres: Is There a Difference? (2024)

Appetizers are the first course served when seated at a table. An appetizer is meant to complement 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.

Hors d’oeuvres are small items served before dinner, often accompanied by co*cktails. They’re most commonly found at co*cktail parties or during the co*cktail 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 co*cktail Menu for more variety of hors d’oeuvres that we offer.

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.

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 complement 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.