17 Easy and Tasty Russian Appetizer Recipes

Want to challenge yourself with some Russian appetizer ideas? My list will give you the best Russian appetizer that you should try.

As a first scheme, it can be informed that the list is separated into two main sections, including meaty dishes and vegetarian dishes.

When it comes to wonderful Russian cuisine, the initial taste is mild, creamy, and earthy. The reason may be that the local recipes use numerous grains as well as roots and vegetables.

As a result, it seems like these succulent dishes are very healthy and support a significant amount of nutrients. Hence, why wait but go check it out right now!

Top 17 Astonishing Appetizer From Russia

Are you ready to try various Russian cooking ideas, especially starter dishes? My list will fly you with the best appetizers from this country. Now, why hesitate? Let’s go!

Meaty Dishes:

1. Piroshki – Russian Hand Pie
2. Pelmeni – Russian Dumpling
3. Tefteli – Russian Meatballs
4. Golubtsi – Russian Cabbage Rolls
5. Chebureki – Deep Fried Dumplings
6. Chicken Liver Pate
7. Charcuterie board

Fish Dishes:

8. Kulebyaka – Russian Salmon Pie
9. Smoked Salmon Puffs
10. Chum Salmon Pate

Vegetable Dishes:

11. Donut Pochinki
12. Oladi – Russian Fried Pancakes
13. Russian Beet Salad
14. Russian Cabbage Pie
15. Mushroom Julienne
16. Fried Potatoes With Mushroom
17. Russian Fried Eggplant

For more details, just keep scrolling down!

7 Savory Meaty Recommendations for Meat Lovers

Russian cuisine will offer a lot of succulent dishes that you should try out actually. Not only meat, but the list also consists of salmon recipes for other consumers as well.

1. Piroshki – Russian Hand Pie

Some people say that this is one of the typical Russian dishes for the local street food. However, the unique feature of the dish is considered to be its cover. It is crispy from the outside and still retains a tender and luscious taste as well.

Moreover, the savory piroshki filling is also fantastic too. It is an excellent combination of minced meat, milk, cheese, and extra seasonings. Generally, it tastes incredibly creamy and salty simultaneously; thus, some mashed potato is added to spice up the whole flavor. 

Check out this video to know:

2. Pelmeni – Russian Dumpling

Another fabulous Russian dish that you should try right away. Pelmeni, or traditional Russian dumplings, is a healthy appetizer that will also enhance the dish’s texture. Moreover, it is also a favorite food in Belarus.

In addition, the dumpling filling is generally filled with different meats, such as lamb, beef, or pork. Then it is marinated with peppers, melted butter, and especially red wine vinegar to remove any foul smell and increase the aroma.

3. Tefteli – Russian Meatballs

Have you ever heard about meatballs that have rice in them? Well, these savory tefteli meatballs are a great dish that can only be found in Russian cuisine.

Thanks to this brilliant creative method, the meatballs seem to be more tender, softer, and marinated more effectively. Moreover, this tefteli is effortless to make and can be a wonderful gathering dish for everyone. Delicious and Meaningful, right?

4. Golubtsi – Russian Cabbage Rolls

These luscious cabbage rolls have become a fantastic Russian dish since ancient times. It is used for basically any meal, from breakfast to diner. And tremendously to start the meal as a delicious appetizer.

Fun fact, these specific cabbage rolls also consist of rice and meat, just like the meatballs. However, to diversify the flavor and look, it is rolled with cabbage leaves and cooked with tomato sauce. Then some extra sour cream is added to enhance the taste.

5. Chebureki – Deep Fried Dumplings

If you like fried dishes with an excellent crisp, then this one is the best feature. It is informed that this fantastic chebureki originates from Crimean Tatar, which is a Southeast European country with diverse cuisine. 

The chebureki has traveled to many places and plays a significant role in Russian street food recipes. In general, the dish looks utterly stunning with a golden half-round shape and tastes tremendously savory. So please give it a try when possible.

6. Chicken Liver Pate

A great appetizer that everyone can share and enjoy a meal together. Various kinds of pate are beautiful pastes that you can find in every corner of the world. People like to enjoy it with a couple of slices of toasted bread or crackers as a mid-time snack.

Because the chicken liver retains an incredible amount of nutrients, it has taken a significant place in Russian cuisine. This specific part is a good source of iron, biotin, and folate that surprisingly support physical health.

7. Charcuterie Board

In the evening, the Russians like to gather, enjoy a big charcuterie, and drink wine together. The idea seems to be joyful. Plus, making the meaty board is also effortless.

You just need to choose all of your favorite cold cuts, display them on the board, add some colorful fruits and cheese. There you go, a fancy charcuterie board to indulge.

Check out this video to know:

Some Extra Fish Dishes For Exquisite Diners

Some savory fish recommendations for a wealthy Russian menu. Besides succulent meat dishes, the local cuisine also retains plenty of fish recipes that are tasty and luscious too.

8. Kulebyaka – Russian Salmon Pie

Here comes a traditional Russian pie that will not disappoint you. Kulebyaka, also known as salmon pie, is a beautiful salmon cooking method that uses fish nutrients.

The pie crust is popularly made of yeast dough that brings along a typical taste after being baked. I believe that the pie coat is a tipping point for the dish. Plus, combining with the creamy salmon and extra ingredients create a unique flavor after all.

9. Smoked Salmon Puffs

Do salmon puffs sound interesting yet? These lovely pastries come out to serve the pickiest diners. But first, you should take note that there are differences between smoked salmon and lox.

In general, the mouthwatering dish is super easy to make, so you can consider making some of these for your beloved people. It is a combination of mild and butter puff sandwiches versus creamy minced salmon to provide a super tasty, rich, and aromatic appetizer.

10. Smoked Salmon Pate

It can be seen that the Russians are fond of salmon. Due to the fish’s nutritional values and the available recourse right in the country, salmon meat is prominent in the local cuisine.

In addition, the dish’s taste is a big hit. As a first bite, you can absorb the paste’s delightful, rich, and creamy flavor. Then when it combines with a slice of toasted baguette, the joy will increase a thousand times.

6 Vegetable Suggestions for Exclusive Diners

Besides the mentioned savory meat dishes, Russian cuisine also possesses many recipes full of veggies that you should try out.

11. Pochinki – Russian Donuts

Well, I believe that you probably taste plenty of donuts from every corner of the street. However, the unique feature of the pochinki brought along is a creamier and more chewy experience.

In addition, it certainly retains an excellent soft and crispy texture in and out. And when it is coated with a smooth layer of sugar, you can see how the flavor is exposed in your mouth beautifully.

Check out this video to know:

12. Oladi – Russian Fried Pancakes

It can be observed that pancakes are widely used as a typical breakfast in European or American countries. The dish is a straightforward breakfast that you can make in just a couple of minutes. However, it also can be eaten in different meals as a fantastic appetizer.

In general, the figure of the Russian pancake is not really different from the other ones. However, it is usually made thicker and a bit crispier on the edges. Plus, to enjoy the dish, you can add some melted butter, caviar, or smoked salmon on it and it is totally delicious. 

13. Russian Beet Salad

As known as Russian vinaigrette, this beet salad is a wonderful and simple appetizer to begin the meal. To be more specific, it is also assumed to be vegetable salad too. Honestly, I tend to have a good impression of a delightful and light-opening dish like this in a meal.

In addition, it is easy to catch a bowl of vinaigrette at any Russian party. It may be from the nutritional value the dish gives. As an overall view, inside a bowl of beet salad, there is a great source of fibers, folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. Incredible, right?

14. Russian Cabbage Pie

As I have mentioned, the Russian kulebyaka is a traditional local pie made of salmon. Well, this one is a beautiful variation fitting vegetarian taste. The pie filling can be tasted regularly creamy and tangy until it reaches a buttery and rich crust.

Besides potatoes, cabbages seem to be another favorite national vegetable that is commonly added to the cuisine. It is readily accepted because of the many nutrients the vegetable brings along and its exquisite taste.

15. Mushroom Julienne

Suppose you have a long day and are concerned about a convenient dish that can be served in a short time. Then this is the one for you.

Originating from Russia, mushroom julienne is a super delicious appetizer that only takes a few minutes to cook. You have to place all the ingredients in a baking tray and bring them to the oven. Plus, to spice up the full flavor and aroma, wine is suggested to add.

16. Fried Potatoes With Mushroom

Let’s go diverse with the recipe for some luscious salad. Mushroom and potatoes seem to be a perfect match. These ingredients with a unique aroma will support each other so that the final taste will go surprisingly well.

In addition, providing more vegetables increases the flavor and gives the dish more nutritional value to enjoy. Therefore, note it in and try to make it when having a chance.  

17. Russian Fried Eggplant

I would like to introduce you to a perfect snack that responds to ideal conditions for an appetizer. Plus, it only cost just a few minutes to make.

In general, I believe that there is no difficulty at all. You just have to slice a couple of eggplants, add some fried flour mixture and fry them up. Remember to check the veggie color to adjust the heat, avoiding being burned.

Check out this video to know:

Improve The Meal And Enjoy It Better!

A great meal to enjoy with the people you love is a great deal to heal all the stress after a long-hard day.

For that reason, these Russian handy recipes will provide an appropriate duration for you to cook and give a new experience on the food as well. It is effortless to make, most of them only require like 15 minutes to cook so that the meal is quickly to serve.

Let’s create a better atmosphere simply by just an interesting menu. Give your dearest people a nice time to enjoy your food with you and take care of each other.

Plus, show your opinion and let me know if you like these cooking recipes.