Amuse Bouche Tips and Recipe Ideas

What Is Amuse Bouche?

Amuse bouche is a French term which literally translates to "mouth amuser". It is a small single bite-sized, hors d'oeuvre, or "pre-starter", that is served complimentary before your main course. It is usually consumed within one or two bites and is meant to start off your dinner.

The history of amuse bouche originated with the French when chefs wanted to let the flavors of fresh produce shine rather than masking them with sauces and such.

Chefs also use this opportunity to showcase their creativity, knife skills and cooking techniques with the one goal of creating a single all-encompassing bite.

Canapes vs. Amuse Bouche

Canapes are types of hors d'oeuvres that are typically served on top of a small piece of bread, toast, puff pastry, or cracker with a topping and garnish.

They are served in multiples usually at fancy events or cocktail parties and meant to be eaten with your fingers. They can usually be consumed standing up while most amuse bouche cannot since they often involve utensils.

An amuse bouche is a dish (or dishes) that is served as a small appetizer typically preceding dinner. They are most common in a fine dining restaurants.

An amuse bouche is meant to be eaten in just one or two bites in an attempt to stimulate or "tease" the palate to want more.

Something a lot of people don't know is that they are not ordered by the patron (customer), but rather selected by the chef and given "free" or complimentary at no extra cost.

The idea is to spoil guests while the chef has the opportunity to essentially show off their culinary skills.

When dining at a 5-star restaurant in Philadelphia for my birthday, I experienced my first, "amuse bouche".

I immediately thought, wait, I didn't order this...

After a few minutes, I realized it was complimentary and something uniquely delicious. It most definitely made my husband and I feel special and excited for the next course.

How To Prepare Amuse Bouche

When it comes to amuse bouche, there is only one rule.

KEEP IT SMALL!

The point is not to fill your guest's tummies but to "entertain" or excite their palates in anticipation for what's to come. crystal krete blue

Many amuse bouches are smaller portions of a larger meal that are presented in a creative manner. They can range from foods such as a deliciously flavorful broths to mousses to shrimp to cured meats.

The presentation is usually fancy. They can be served on trays, wooden boards, a Chinese soup or cradle spoon, a tiny plate, a bamboo dish, inside of shells, or even in shot glasses!

Amuse Bouche Spoons

Although you can serve amuse bouche however you wish. Amuse bouche are often bite sized and served inside a special "soup spoon".

Here are some great amuse bouche spoons you can get off of Amazon!

Clear Plastic Spoons

Black Plastic Spoons

White Plastic Spoons

These spoons are great because they sit upright on their own and hold a sauce, like a rich consomme sauce, neatly. This way, you can prepare them in advance and store them safely in the fridge without spills! Plus, they are super fun to eat from and are easily disposable.

Amuse Bouche Ideas

Serving amuse bouche is all about bringing the flavor. You can use shooters, spoons, skewers, or anything you like to serve your pre-course appetizer on. Get as fancy as you want but make sure to do all your prep work ahead of time so assembling your amuse bouche is quick and flawless.

1. Pickled Baby Beets
2. Ahi Tuna Tartare
3. Thai Shrimp Salad
4. Pesto Scallops
5. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rolls
6. Figs with Bacon and Chili
7. Lobster Toast
8. Champagne Shrimp on Endive
9. Panko-Crusted Goat Cheese with Cucumber
10. Salmon Bites
11. Yellowtail
12. Cured Salmon Rolls
13. Butternut Squash and Sausage Spoons
14. Conghiglioni Vongole Surprise
15. Cucumber Gazpacho Mint Shooter
16. Mini Canapé Toasts With Sweet Cheese
17. Mini Caesar Salad Parmesan Cheese Cups
18. Shrimp Tempura Boats with Sweet Chili Sauce
19. Maple Bacon Butternut Squash Skewers
20. Meatball appetizers
21. Grilled Cheese Squares w/ Tomato Soup Shooter

Serve With An Apéritif!

Amuse bouche are usually consumed with an apéritif, like my ?Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz or my limoncello spritz, both of which are an alcoholic drink taken before a meal meant to simulate the appetite.

Here are some other aperitif cocktails you might like.

Other small bite sized recipes you may like:

Skewered Party Appetizers

Phyllo Cups With Roasted Peppers & Burrata Cheese

Shrimp Appetizer Ideas

Easy COLD Finger Foods You Can Make Ahead