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Appetizer Menu

Get your event off to a great start with our innovative and delightful appetizer options. Featuring a wide selection of choices from a variety of types of international cuisine, Handheld Catering offers the perfect appetizer for every style of gathering. From our classic hors d’ouevres that are perfect for being passed at a black-tie cocktail reception to more avant-garde choices such as our array of soup sippers and sliders, we’ve got you covered for whatever style event you are planning. We offer a dazzling variety of vegetarian options, and also are equipped to prepare hot appetizers such as truffle fries and our out of this world mac-n-cheese balls on-site, thanks to our mobile kitchen.

Having a party with more than 25 guests on the list? You may want to consider one of our signature platters. From crudités to Mediterranean fare to gourmet cheeses, platters are a timeless, elegant choice for getting your party off to the right start. Our chef is happy to accommodate any special requests or address any dietary restriction-based concerns so your platters are perfect for every guest on your list. We are also happy to offer recommendations for appetizers for your event, so be sure to ask!

Having a party, meeting or other special occasion in the Bay Area? Handheld Catering can help you out. With our farm-fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, you can be sure you and your guests will enjoy the freshest, most delicious cuisine possible at your next event. Call today to speak with one of our team members. Not sure where to start? Our appetizer ideas for cocktail parties pair well with the items below.

Appetizer Options

BEEF

  • Filet of Beef with a Salsa Verde on a Russet Potato Pancake
  • NY Streak Crostini with Caramelized Onions, Sautéed Mushrooms, and Gorgonzola Dulce Cheese
  • Braised Short Rib on a Focaccia Crouton with Fine Herbs Mascarpone Spread
  • Grilled Kalbi Beef on a Sushi Rice Round with a Green Onion and Ginger Pesto
  • Miniature Carne Asada Sopes, with Refried Beans, Shredded Lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Crema, and Queso Fresco

CHICKEN

  • Siracha and Apricot Glazed Chicken Skewers (Panko Breaded or Grilled)
  • Guajillo Braised Chicken Sopes
  • Ginger and Hoisin Glazed Chicken Drumettes
  • Scallion and Lemongrass Chicken Cakes with a Lime and Sweet Chili Aioli
  • Lime and Jalapeno Marinated Chicken Skewers with an Anchiote Aioli and Avocado Crema
  • Traditional Deviled Eggs or Let us Customize your flavors
  • Mini Chicken and Lemongrass Dumplings with a Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
  • Chicken Satay with a Spicy Peanut Sauce
  • Roasted Turkey and Avocado Finger Sandwiches with Alfalfa Sprouts
  • Dried Apricot, Tarragon, and Chicken Salad on a Belgium Endive
  • Crostini with Duck Confit, Grape Gastrique, and Frisee Lettuce
  • Chicken Tonkatsu with a Spiced Dipping Sauce

PORK

  • Bao Buns with a Chinese BBQ Pork Filling
  • Cochinita Pybil (Pork Shoulder marinated in Anchiote and Sour Oranges), served on Corn Tortilla with Pickled Red Onions, Queso Fresco
  • Mini Pork Tostaditas with Salsa and Avocado Crema
  • Pork Tonkatsu Skewers with a Spiced Dipping Sauce
  • Figs or Dates stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped with Applewood Smoked Bacon
  • Ground Pork and Shrimp Golden Pouch with a Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
  • Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin with Havarti Cheese, Poached Pear Chutney on a Sourdough Crostini
  • Pancetta Wrapped Prawns with a Fire Roasted Red Pepper Coulis
  • Mini Cuban Sandwiches
  • Grandma’s Meatballs in Moms Marinara
  • Pancetta Wrapped Fresh Apricots

SEAFOOD

  • Prosciutto Wrapped Scallop with Sauce Bernaise
  • Ahi Tuna Tartar Crispy Tacos with a Wasabi Salsa Verde
  • Ceviche in a Cup with Crispy Tortilla Fingers
  • Dungeness Crab Toasts
  • Lump Crab Cakes with a Spicy Remoulade
  • Chipotle Glazed Grilled Prawns with a Mango Coulis and Cilantro Pesto
  • Smoked Salmon on New Potato Blini with Crème Fraiche and Beluga Caviar
  • Vietnamese Spring Roll with Poached Prawns

VEGETARIAN

  • Green Apple and Gourmet Grilled Cheese Finger Sandwiches
  • Seasonal Vegetarian Tostada (ask Chef for description)
  • Grilled Tofu Vietnamese Spring Rolls with a Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
  • Sweet Onion and Gorgonzola Dulce Puffs
  • Sliced Wheel of Fontina Cheese, Roasted red Pepper, Fresh Basil, Roasted Garlic, all melted on a Crostini
  • Butternut Squash Risotto Cakes with a Sage Aioli
  • Honey Glazed Dried Apricots on a Crostini with a Lemon and Lime Goat Cheese Spread
  • Focaccia Crouton with a Wild Mushroom Ragout and Pecorino Romano Cheese
  • Crostini of Cambozola with a Balsamic glazed Fig and Fresh Chive
  • Classic Spanikopita
  • Butternut Squash Empanadas with a Chipotle Aioli
  • Red Onion and Blue Cheese Tartlets
  • Classic Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

ON-SITE HOT APPETIZERS

  • Arancini (Please ask Chef for Seasonal Flavors)
  • Artichoke Beignet with a Lemon Yogurt Sauce
  • Fried Eggplant with a Lemon Aioli
  • Truffle Fries
  • Loaded Tater Tots with Bacon, Chives, Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Sour Cream
  • Fig and Goat Cheese Flat Bread
  • Mac N Cheese Balls

SLIDERS (ALL RANGE FROM 2.5 TO 3 OUNCES)

  • Our Signature Slider (ground beef, swiss cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, dijonaise on a toasted bun)
  • Oktoberfest Slider (house made patty, sauerkraut, whole grain mustard on a pretzel bun)
  • Aquatic Slider (house ground salmon with shallots, lemon zest, capers, fresh herbs, shaved fennel and arugula with house made tartar sauce on a toasted brioche bun)
  • Buffalo Chicken Slider (panko breaded and fried chicken with a franks red hot sauce aioli, and carrot and celery slaw)
  • Middle Eastern “Slider” (lamb kofta, with a house made flat bread, with a cilantro pesto and lemon yogurt sauce to finish)
  • Wild Wild Western Slider (wood smoked pork with a jalapeno and mango coleslaw on a soft white bun)
  • Chicken Little (chicken cutlet breaded and deep fried, served with pickle slices and ranch dressing)
  • El Pequinio (carne asada, avocado, tomato, lettuce, salsa, crema, on a sweet soft roll)
  • The Cubanito (braised pork shoulder, sliced ham, swiss cheese, crisp dill pickle, yellow mustard and toasted)
  • The Omnivore’s Tease (house made chickpea, black bean and chipotle patty with an avocado crema, and arugula)

SOUP SIPPERS

  • Tomato Soup with a Grilled Cheese Finger
  • Carrot and Ginger Soup
  • Wild Mushroom and Truffle Bisque with a Fine Herb Wafer

PLATTERS (RECOMMENDED FOR PARTIES OF 25 OR MORE)

  • Salsas con Chips (house fried tortilla chips, salsa verde, pico de gallo, guacamole)
  • Crudite Platter (seasonal vegetables prepared accordingly and served with a classic ranch dressing)
  • Charcuterie Platter (assorted cured meats and vegetables)
  • Gourmet Cheese Platter (speak with Chef about assortment, dried fruit, fruit spread, sliced baguettes, crackers, fresh berries)
  • Domestic Cheese Platter (cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, brie cheese, crackers, grapes)
  • Seasonal Fruit Platter
  • Grilled Balsamic and Herb Marinated Seasonal Vegetables
  • Mediterranean Platter (hummus, caper berries, assorted olives, dolmas, pita chips, white bean and roasted pepper bruschetta)
  • Hot Artichoke Dip with Crostini