Puerto Rican cuisine is vibrant, bold, and full of personality. These 16 Puerto Rican appetizers capture the island’s flavor with traditional ingredients like plantains, seafood, and tropical spices. From crispy fritters to savory dips, each appetizer is designed to be easy to serve, packed with taste, and perfect for gatherings or introducing friends and family to authentic Puerto Rican flavors.
Alcapurrias
Alcapurrias are classic Puerto Rican appetizers made from grated green plantains stuffed with seasoned meat or crab. The dough is flavored with garlic, annatto, and sofrito, then fried until golden. Crispy on the outside and savory inside, they’re a beloved street food and party favorite, delivering bold flavor in every bite.
Pastelillos
Pastelillos, or Puerto Rican empanadas, are popular Puerto Rican appetizers. They feature a thin dough filled with spiced beef, chicken, or cheese, then fried until crisp. Perfect for entertaining, these handheld treats are easy to serve and packed with the savory, aromatic flavors characteristic of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Bacalaítos
Bacalaítos are salty codfish fritters, a must-try Puerto Rican appetizer. Made with salted cod, flour, and seasonings, they’re deep-fried to crispy perfection. Light, savory, and packed with flavor, these fritters are perfect for nibbling at gatherings or enjoying as a snack with a refreshing dipping sauce.
Tostones
Tostones, twice-fried green plantains, are crunchy Puerto Rican appetizers. Slice plantains, fry, flatten, then fry again until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with salt and serve with garlic sauce or dipping sauces. These versatile bites are a staple at parties and pair beautifully with seafood or grilled meats.
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Empanadillas de Pollo
Chicken empanadillas are classic Puerto Rican appetizers. Season shredded chicken with sofrito, olives, and spices, then encase in dough and fry until golden. These bite-sized treats are flavorful, portable, and perfect for parties, offering a taste of traditional Puerto Rican home cooking.
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Mofongo Bites
Mini mofongo bites are a creative Puerto Rican appetizer. Mashed fried plantains mixed with garlic and pork cracklings are shaped into small balls and optionally stuffed with seafood or meat. Crispy, garlicky, and satisfying, they’re perfect for finger-food style entertaining while celebrating Puerto Rico’s signature flavors.
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Pinchos de Pollo
Pinchos de pollo are grilled chicken skewers and a simple Puerto Rican appetizer. Marinate chicken in garlic, adobo, and spices, then skewer and grill. Serve with a side of dipping sauce. These flavorful skewers are quick, easy, and perfect for backyard parties or casual gatherings.
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Quesitos
Quesitos are sweet cheese-filled pastries that also count as Puerto Rican appetizers. Flaky puff pastry envelopes sweetened cream cheese, baked until golden and slightly caramelized. They’re a delicious balance of savory and sweet, ideal for brunch, dessert, or as a treat to accompany coffee.
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Sorullitos de Maíz
Sorullitos de maíz are fried cornmeal sticks and a tasty Puerto Rican appetizer. Cornmeal is mixed with cheese and milk, shaped into sticks, and fried until golden. Crispy outside, tender inside, they’re perfect for dipping in mayo-ketchup sauce or enjoying plain as a snack.
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Pulled Pork Mini Sandwiches
Mini pulled pork sandwiches are hearty Puerto Rican appetizers inspired by traditional pernil. Slow-cooked, seasoned pork is shredded and served on small rolls with pickles or slaw. They’re bite-sized, flavorful, and bring authentic Puerto Rican flavors to any party or casual get-together.
Get recipe here: Best Mini Breakfast Sandwiches
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Camarones al Ajillo
Garlic shrimp, or camarones al ajillo, are zesty Puerto Rican appetizers. Shrimp are sautéed in garlic, olive oil, and a touch of chili, delivering bold flavor. Serve warm with toothpicks or small plates. They’re a quick, elegant option that’s perfect for seafood lovers and brings a taste of Puerto Rico to the table.
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Rellenos de Papa
Rellenos de papa are stuffed potato balls, a hearty Puerto Rican appetizer. Mashed potatoes are filled with seasoned beef or chicken, rolled into balls, then fried until golden. Crispy outside and flavorful inside, these make a satisfying finger food that’s perfect for parties or family gatherings.
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Chicharrones de Pollo
Chicharrones de pollo are crispy fried chicken pieces, a popular Puerto Rican appetizer. Bite-sized chicken is seasoned with garlic, adobo, and spices, then fried until crisp. Juicy inside, crunchy outside, and packed with flavor, they’re ideal for sharing at social gatherings or casual get-togethers.
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Tostones with Guacamole
Tostones served with guacamole are a fresh Puerto Rican appetizer option. Crispy twice-fried plantains paired with creamy guacamole create a balance of crunch and flavor. Perfect for dipping and sharing, this combo is simple to prepare and always a hit at parties or casual summer gatherings.
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Ceviche de Mero
Ceviche de mero is a refreshing seafood Puerto Rican appetizer. Fresh grouper or similar firm fish is marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and peppers. Served chilled, this appetizer is light, zesty, and perfect for spring or summer entertaining, showcasing Puerto Rico’s coastal flavors.
Get recipe here: Quick & Easy Homemade Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche
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Empanadillas de Queso
Cheese empanadillas are golden, melty Puerto Rican appetizers. Fill the dough with Puerto Rican-style cheese, fold, and fry until crisp. They’re quick, handheld, and perfect for parties. The combination of crispy pastry and gooey cheese embodies the comforting flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine while keeping it simple and mess-free.
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These 16 Puerto Rican appetizers showcase the island’s vibrant, bold flavors, from crispy plantains and fritters to seafood and cheesy pastries. Perfect for parties or casual entertaining, each appetizer is designed to be flavorful, approachable, and easy to serve. Bring Puerto Rico to your table with these delicious bites that are sure to impress and satisfy every guest.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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