10 Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Appetizers

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If the prep for your romantic meal isn’t quite done yet, no need to panic! These last-minute Valentine’s Day appetizers are guaranteed to be a big hit with your other half. Plus, they are not only mouth-watering, but also ridiculously easy to make with simple ingredients. But that’s not to say that they aren’t fancy enough, on the contrary. They are as fancy as some expensive bites in a posh restaurant – and guess what, they are actually really budget-friendly too! So enjoy the big day, the food is sorted!

Pan-Fried Dumplings

Five cooked dumplings are arranged in a row on a white rectangular plate. The plate is placed on a wooden surface, and a dark blue fabric with white dots is partially visible in the top left corner.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

These Pan-Fried Dumplings are a fantastic last-minute appetizer for your romantic meal for two. They are delicious and easy to make with very little prep and effort. Simple, but big on flavours!

GET THE RECIPE: Pan-Fried Dumplings

Grilled Shrimp

6 grilled shrimp on a plate.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

One of my absolute favourite appetizers, these Grilled Shrimp are served with an amazing garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy appetizer to make, and really impresive too.

GET THE RECIPE: Grilled Shrimp

Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

A ramekin with sauce and shrimp around it.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce, a fancy appetizer for Valentine’s Day. It’s an excellent recipe to impress your loved one with, as it’s incredibly delicious and easy to put together too!

GET THE RECIPE: Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

Gambas Pil Pil

Cooked shrimp garnished with fresh parsley in a zesty sauce.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

When in doubt, cook some shrimp! My take on the classic Spanish tapa, Gambas Pil Pil is a shrimp starter made with fresh shrimp, olive oil, garlic, paprika and chilli, and garnished with plenty of fresh parsley. It’s super easy to make, and ready in about 5 minutes.

GET THE RECIPE: Gambas Pil Pil

Shrimp Tempura Roll

A sushi roll on a plate.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Shrimp Tempura Roll, an impressive homeamde sushi recipe. Quick and easy to make, a delicious Valentine’s Day appetizer made with crispy fried shrimp tempura paired with avocado and pickled ginger.

GET THE RECIPE: Shrimp Tempura Roll

Tomato Bruschetta

A slice of bread topped with tomatoes olives and cheese.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

A light and delicious Italian appetizer, this Tomato Bruschetta is made with fresh tomatoes, basil, olives, parmesan and basil and deliciously golden and crunchy baguette slices, a fancy Italian appetizer for every party or celebration. It might look simple, but it’s heavenly flavourful and tasty.

GET THE RECIPE: Tomato Bruschetta

Pan-Fried King Scallops

The image features seared scallops on a white plate, accompanied by a small bowl of dark sauce and garnished with parsley sprigs.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Pan-Fried King Scallops served with Chinese brown sauce, a quick and easy appetizer that is for special occasions. The scallops are juicy and delicious, then dipped into a sharp sauce to create a fantastic dish every single time.

GET THE RECIPE: Pan-Fried King Scallops

Smoked Salmon Pate

The image shows a close-up of a biscuit topped with a dollop of pink salmon spread and garnished with herbs.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

This Smoked Salmon Pâté is made with cream cheese and a delicate lemon and dill flavour for the perfect appetizer for celebration. Delicious, yet so simple to make with minimal preparation, this pate can either be spread on crackers, crostini or bagels, or served in some pretty puff pastry cups.

GET THE RECIPE: Smoked Salmon Pate

Shrimp Cocktail

A glass bowl with prawn cocktail.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

If you are looking for impress your loved one this Valentine’s Day, you really have to make this Shrimp Cocktail. It’s quick, super simple, but highly impressive.

GET THE RECIPE: Shrimp Cocktail

Chilli Mussles

Mussels garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

These delicious Chilli Mussels are cooked in light tomato sauce for a fabulous appetizer that looks posh enough to be served at a fancy restaurant. It’s really quick and easy to make with a handful of ingredients. So simple, absolutely delicious!

GET THE RECIPE: Chilli Mussels

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