I guess I should start off with an explanation of what an amuse bouche is. Although it is now being used to describe finger food and canapés or bite sized hors d'oeuvres, it is in fact, none of these things. If you are at a party, event or gathering (unless it's a dinner party) you will be eating canapés, finger food and hors d'oeuvres - not amuse bouches. An amuse bouche is a single serving not on the menu. You don't order it. It is a thing of beauty and elegance and of lovely tastes and flavors. It is presented by the chef as a representation of their style of food and is an indication of what you can expect from your upcoming meal. It may look like all those other things I mentioned but amuse bouches are not for mass catering. If you want to host a very special dinner party you can surprise and delight your guest with these amuse bouches recipes.
1. Black Radish, Smoked Salmon and Fromage Frais
Source: ferrerorocher.fr
An amuse bouche should be a work of art and an explosion of flavor.
2. Foie Gras, Figs and Apricot
Source: Dossiers spéciaux : Amuse-bouche de ...
Amuse bouches are a way to experiment with different flavor combinations.
3. Ahi Tuna Tartare
Source: Ahi Tuna Tartare w/ Avocado, ...
Avocado, crispy shallots and soy dressing take ahi tuna up a notch.
4. Amuse-bouches Au Comté
Source: cuisine.journaldesfemmes.com
A trio of amuse-bouches to showcase the French hard cheese made from cow’s milk in the region of Franche-Comté
5. Scallops and Chorizo
Source: Amuses-bouche chorizo et St Jacques ...
Made from scallops, chorizo served in a paprika butter dressing with a sprinkling of fleur de sel.
6. Spring Onion Steamed Mussel with Tomato, Pickle Relish, & Guinness Splash
Source: amuse | TasteSpotting
Oysters are a great base for amuse bouches. this one has a definite Irish accent.
7. Chilled Strawberry & Beet Consommé with Horseradish Oil
Source: amuse | TasteSpotting
Shot glasses make a perfect portion size.
8. Soup Amuse-Bouche
Source: Gaspacho au concombre, tomate verte ...
When you serve a soup as an amuse-bouche it will be chilled or hot, but will be a delish combination. The garnish will be as important as the soup.
9. Goat Cheese & Roasted Beet
Source: Goat Cheese & Roasted Beet ...
As you can see, you can use simple ingredients as long as the presentation is a work of art.
10. Velouté De Poivron Rouge Et Feta
Source: stephatable: Apéro du week end: ...
And in English that means roasted red pepper soup with feta.
11. Trio of Amuse Bouches
Source: Amuses bouche
If you want to show off your culinary skills go triple. this little offering includes beet mouse with arugula foam, goat cheese and parmesan brulée and scallop with walnuts.
12. Sweet Amuse Bouche
Source: Amuse-bouche för öga och mun
Technically, an amuse-bouche shouldn't be sweet as it is meant to stimulate your appetite but how can you argue when something looks this beautiful? A picture of elegance.
13. Salad Shooter
Source: Amuse Bouche
Perfect amuse bouches for a healthy dinner party menu.
14. Seared Ahi Amuse Bouche
Source: Blendabout
A terrific example of how to combine ingredients to great effect.
15. Scallop with Star Anise, Leeks, and Persimmon
Source: Scallop Amuse Bouche with Star ...
I'd love to know what the scallop is sitting on.
16. Michelin Star Amuse Bouche
Source: peray 的 blog: 三二行館(Villa 32) ...
This one is served at L'Arpege in Paris.
17. Scallop, Crab, Black Quinoa, Tomato Meyer Lemon Sauce
Source: Taste With The Eyes - ...
Now that's impressive!
18. Polenta Sautéed Topped with Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes and Avocado
Source: For Fun!
A beautifully simple vegetarian amuse bouche
19. Salmon Tartare
Source: Party Food!
It will be the dressing that ties this little tidbit together.
20. Avocado Crab Amuse Bouche
Source: blog.lemonpi.net
So pretty.
21. Pickled Baby Beets, Herbed Goat Cheese, and Candied Kumquats
Source: Pickled Baby Beets Amuse Bouche
A yummy spoonful to kick off a meal.
22. Cauliflower Cheese Mousse
Source: Honeymoon: Turks and Caicos - ...
Mousses will always test your culinary skills,
23. Tuna Tartare with Caviar and Zucchini
Source: the beet goes on: E.M.P. ...
Usually the assembly is the longest process in making
amuse-bouches.
24. Cream of Cauliflower Soup with Shaved Truffle
Source: Amuse bouche - cream of ...
Truffle adds a rich touch.
25. Colorful Amuse Bouche
Source: { monthly feast } – ...
A stunning creation indeed.
26. Soup Amuse Bouche
Source: Amuse Bouche/Appetizer
All the ingredients should be perfectly complemented.
27. Verrine Tarama
Source: Touche de Saveurs
This is how you jzoosh up taramasalata.
28. Buffalo Chicken Amuse-Bouche
Source: Lazaro Cooks: Buffalo Chicken Amuse-Bouche
And you can make your favorite old chicken dish when you reinvent it and present it creatively.
Amuse bouches are great fun to serve at parties because for one it’s fun to come up with scrumptious little offerings and two, to surprise your guests, because you don’t usually announce an amuse bouche. Will you be serving an amuse bouche at your next dinner party?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an amuse bouche?
- An amuse bouche is a small, tasty dish served before a meal to stimulate your appetite. It's like a mini appetizer that's given for free by the chef to give you a sneak peek of their cooking style.
- How many amuse bouches should I serve at a party?
- Usually, one amuse bouche is served per person since it's meant to be just a small bite. If you’re having a party, you might want to prepare a few different types to give your guests a variety of flavors.
- Can I make amuse bouches ahead of time?
- Yes, many amuse bouches can be prepared ahead of time. It's best to choose recipes that will keep well and can be easily assembled or quickly finished off right before serving.
- Are amuse bouches the same as appetizers?
- Not quite; amuse bouches are generally smaller than appetizers and are meant to be eaten in one or two bites. They are a special treat from the chef rather than something you'd order off the menu.
- What are some simple amuse bouche ideas?
- Simple amuse bouche ideas include things like a small spoon of salmon tartare, a tiny cup of chilled soup, a bite-size piece of meat with a flavorful sauce, or a mini vegetable skewer. The key is for them to be easy to eat and full of flavor.