25+ of the Best Puerto Rican Appetizers

Puerto Rican appetizers offer a wide range of delicious and flavorful options that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or simply looking for a tasty snack, Puerto Rican cuisine has something to offer for everyone.

A popular choice for appetizers is tostones, which are fried plantains that have been flattened and served with a range of condiments. Tostones can be paired with garlic mayonnaise or tomato sauce. From savory empanadas filled with meat or cheese to crispy tostones topped with garlic and salt, these appetizers will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

One popular Puerto Rican appetizer is mofongo, made with mashed plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings. Mofongo can be served as a side dish or an appetizer, often stuffed with seafood like shrimp or octopus.

Another must-try Puerto Rican appetizer is pastelillos, similar to empanadas but typically smaller in size and filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, or chicken. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking on the go or serving at parties.

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If you're in the mood for something lighter, Puerto Rican cuisine also offers a variety of fresh and flavorful salads like ensalada de pulpo (octopus salad). For a heartier option, try alcapurrias, a deep-fried treat made with a mixture of plantain and yucca dough filled with meat or seafood. Alcapurrias are popular street food in Puerto Rico and are often served with hot or garlic sauce.

No matter your taste preferences, Puerto Rican appetizers will impress your palate with bold and delicious flavors. Why not add Caribbean flair to your next event or afternoon snack break with these mouthwatering appetizers?

What are the Puerto Rican Appetizers?

Here is a list of mouth-watering Puerto Rican appetizers:

Mofongo with Sausage

Mofongo with sausage is a Puerto Rican appetizer that will delight your taste buds. A delicious blend of mashed plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings, this traditional dish is typically served in a mortar and pestle and topped with savory sausage.

The combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of amazing! Whether you want to impress guests at a party or indulge in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, Mofongo with sausage is a must-try dish.

Aranitas De Platanos

Aranitas De Platanos is a popular Puerto Rican appetizer made from thinly sliced plantains deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. These crispy plantain fritters are deliciously savory and often served with garlic dipping sauce.

The sweet and starchy flavor of the plantains pairs perfectly with the salty and savory seasoning used to flavor the cakes.

Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal, Aranitas De Platanos is a great dish for anyone looking to explore Puerto Rican cuisine's rich and diverse flavors.

Alcapurrias

Alcapurrias is a mouth-watering Puerto Rican appetizer made from grated yucca or green plantains, filled with seasoned ground meat or seafood, and fried to crispy perfection. The golden-brown exterior of the alcapurrias is delightfully crunchy, while the flavorful filling inside is soft and juicy.

Alcapurrias can be served with dipping sauces, such as garlic sauce or hot sauce, to enhance their delicious taste. This classic Puerto Rican appetizer is for anyone looking to experience Caribbean cuisine's vibrant and diverse flavors.

Tostones

Tostones is a popular Puerto Rican appetizer made from green plantains that are sliced, fried, and then flattened to create crispy, golden-brown disks. These delicious fritters are typically seasoned with salt and served with various dipping sauces, such as garlic sauce or spicy salsa, to add an extra layer of flavor.

Tostones are enjoyed throughout the day in Puerto Rico, from breakfast to lunch and dinner. They are a staple at parties and celebrations. If you're looking for a tasty and flavorful Caribbean appetizer, try Tostones!

Empanadillas

Empanadillas is a savory Puerto Rican appetizer made from pastry dough filled with various delicious ingredients, such as ground beef, chicken, or cheese. These turnovers are typically fried until golden brown and crispy, giving them a delightful crunch and flaky texture.

Empanadillas are the perfect party or game-day snack. They can be served as a main course or accompaniment to other dishes. With their rich and flavorful filling, empanadillas satisfy your craving for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.

Papas Rellenas

Papas Rellenas are a famous Puerto Rican appetizer that features mashed potato balls stuffed with savory ground beef, onions, and spices, then breaded and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

These tasty and filling bites are often served with dipping sauces such as garlic mayo or ketchup, making for the perfect appetizer or snack. With their satisfying combination of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful beef, papas rellenas are a beloved staple of Puerto Rican cuisine that will surely please any palate.

Bacalaitos

Bacalaitos is a popular Puerto Rican appetizer made from salted cod mixed with flour, spices, and water to create a batter that is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. These savory, fritter-like snacks are often served at parties or as street food. Various dipping sauces or toppings usually accompany them.

Bacalaitos are a beloved part of Puerto Rican cuisine. They are perfect for anyone looking to try something new and delicious.

Pinchos de Pollo

Pinchos de Pollo is a mouth-watering Puerto Rican appetizer made from marinated chunks of chicken that are skewered and grilled to perfection. The chicken pieces are typically brushed with a tangy mixture of herbs and spices, which infuses them with a rich and savory flavor.

Pinchos de Pollo is often served on a bed of rice or alongside tostones or other dipping sauces. This classic Puerto Rican dish is perfect as a snack or a meal.

Sorullitos

Sorullitos are a beloved Puerto Rican appetizer made from cornmeal, milk, and cheese, seasoned with garlic, cilantro, and other herbs and spices. These delectable fritters are rolled into bite-sized cylinders and fried until golden brown and crispy outside, with a warm and gooey center.

Sorullitos are often served as a snack or appetizer with dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce or garlic mayo. With their delicious blend of cheesy, savory flavors, sorullitos are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich and diverse cuisine of Puerto Rico.

Ensalada de pulpo

Ensalada de pulpo is a refreshing and flavorful Puerto Rican appetizer made from tender octopuses marinated in olive oil, vinegar, onions, garlic, and green peppers. This zesty salad is typically served cold and is often accompanied by various other ingredients, such as avocado, tomato, and cilantro.

Ensalada de pulpo is a light and healthy appetizer perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Puerto Rican cuisine's fresh and vibrant flavors.

Ham Croquettes

Ham croquettes are a famous Puerto Rican appetizer made from a mixture of ham, milk, flour, and seasonings, which is then shaped into cylindrical croquettes and deep-fried until golden brown. These savory fritters have a crispy outer shell that gives way to a warm and creamy center, with the salty flavors of the ham perfectly complementing the rich and indulgent texture.

Ham croquettes can be served as a snack or as part of a larger meal and are a beloved part of Puerto Rican cuisine that is sure to please any palate.

Chicharrones de pollo

Chicharrones de pollo is a classic Puerto Rican appetizer made from bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices, then breaded and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

These irresistible little morsels of chicken are perfect for snacking on while enjoying a cold drink or as part of a larger meal. Chicharrones de pollo is a delicious and satisfying option for anyone looking to experience Puerto Rican cuisine's bold and vibrant flavors.

Jibarito Plantain Sandwich

Jibarito Plantain Sandwich is a hearty and delicious Puerto Rican appetizer with crispy, fried green plantains instead of traditional bread. The sandwich is filled with tender steak strips, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo, making for a hearty and flavorful bite.

This unique and filling appetizer is perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting in Puerto Rican cuisine. Its combination of savory steak and sweet, crispy plantains will satisfy any craving.

Yuca Frita

Yuca Frita is a popular Puerto Rican appetizer made from thick slices of cassava root deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. These tasty fritters are often served with dipping sauces, such as garlic mayo or cilantro sauce, which perfectly complement the yuca's mild and slightly sweet flavor.

With its irresistibly crispy texture and simple yet satisfying taste, yuca frita is a classic Puerto Rican appetizer that will surely please any palate.

Queso Frito

Queso Frito is a delicious Puerto Rican appetizer made from slices of white cheese coated in flour and then shallow-fried until crispy and golden brown. This simple yet flavorful dish can be served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal and is often paired with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup or garlic mayo.

With its irresistible combination of crunchy exterior and warm, gooey interior, queso frito is a beloved staple of Puerto Rican cuisine that will satisfy any craving for cheesy goodness.

Chorizo a la sidra

Chorizo a la sidra is a savory and flavorful Puerto Rican appetizer that features slices of chorizo sausage cooked in a rich and indulgent mixture of apple cider, garlic, and onions. This hearty and satisfying dish is often served with slices of crusty bread, making it the perfect appetizer for sharing with friends and family.

With its bold and complex flavors, chorizo a la sidra is a must-try for anyone looking to experience Puerto Rican cuisine's vibrant and delicious flavors.

Arepas de Coco

Puerto Rican Coconut Fry Bread, also known as Arepas de Coco, is a delicious and unique appetizer that features fried bread made from coconut flour, cornmeal, and spices. These tasty little cakes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, with a subtle coconut flavor that perfectly complements the bread's mild and slightly sweet taste.

Arepas de Coco is often served with dipping sauces, such as garlic mayo or cilantro sauce, making them a perfect appetizer for sharing with friends and family. With their one-of-a-kind flavor and satisfying texture, Arepas de Coco is the perfect appetizer to bring you closer to the Caribbean island flavors of Puerto Rico.

Ceviche

Ceviche is a refreshing and light Puerto Rican appetizer that features fresh seafood, such as shrimp or fish, marinated in citrus juice and mixed with onions, peppers, and herbs. The acidic marinade “cooks” the seafood, giving it a tender and delicate texture and infusing it with bright and zesty flavors.

Ceviche is often served with crackers or tortilla chips. It is a perfect appetizer or light lunch on a hot summer day. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, Ceviche is a beloved staple of Puerto Rican cuisine that will delight any seafood lover.

Sopa de mariscos

Sopa de mariscos, or seafood soup, is a hearty and flavorful Puerto Rican appetizer with a rich broth of fish, shellfish, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This satisfying soup is often loaded with tender chunks of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, clams, and mussels, as well as vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Sopa de mariscos is a comforting and warming dish that is perfect for cooler weather and a perfect appetizer or light meal. With its bold and complex flavors, Sopa de mariscos is a beloved staple of Puerto Rican cuisine that will satisfy any seafood lover.

Pasta De Guayaba Con Queso

Pasta De Guayaba Con Queso is a traditional Puerto Rican sweet and savory appetizer that combines the sweetness of guava paste with the creamy saltiness of cheese.

This delectable snack is typically made by layering slices of guava paste and cheese on top of crackers or toast. The result is a mouthwatering blend of flavors that is sure to please any palate.

Guava and Cheese Empanadas

Guava and Cheese Empanadas are a beloved Puerto Rican appetizer that is both sweet and savory. The empanadas are made by filling pastry dough with a mixture of guava paste and cheese, then frying them to crispy perfection.

The combination of the sweet guava paste and salty cheese creates a delicious contrast of flavors that is sure to satisfy any craving. These mouthwatering treats are perfect as an appetizer or even as a dessert.

Puerto Rican Guava And Cream Cheese Dip

Puerto Rican Guava and Cream Cheese Dip is a sweet and creamy appetizer that is perfect for dipping crackers, fruit, or vegetables. The dip is made by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, and guava paste until smooth and creamy.

This Puerto Rican favorite is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering with its unique combination of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Amarillos – Sweet Fried Plantains

Amarillos, also known as sweet fried plantains, are a popular and beloved Puerto Rican appetizer. These ripe plantains are sliced, fried until golden brown, and sprinkled with a touch of salt to balance out the sweetness.

They are a delicious side dish or snack that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of dips, dressings, or sauces. Amarillos are one of the most search for appetizers for anyone looking to experience traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.

Three Cheeses Puerto Rican Almojábanas

Three Cheeses Puerto Rican Almojábanas are a savory and cheesy appetizer that is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. Made with a combination of three different types of cheese, masa harina, and milk, these fluffy little breads are baked to perfection.

They are typically served warm and make for a delicious snack or side dish for any meal. The blend of three cheeses creates a rich and satisfying flavor that is sure to please any cheese lover.

Puerto Rican Cabbage Salad

Puerto Rican Cabbage Salad is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer that is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. The salad is made by combining fresh cabbage, carrots, onions, and green peppers, then tossing them with a tangy dressing made of vinegar, oil, and spices. This light and crisp salad is an excellent complement to any meal and can be customized with additional ingredients to suit your taste.

Sandwich de Mezcla

Sandwich de Mezcla is a classic Puerto Rican appetizer that is both savory and creamy. This simple sandwich is made by combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento-stuffed olives, and ham, then spreading the mixture on white bread. The result is a delicious and satisfying snack that is perfect for any occasion. Sandwich de Mezcla is a beloved staple of Puerto Rican cuisine and is sure to become a favorite in your home as well.

Puerto Rican Dip de Pollo or Chicken Dip

Puerto Rican Dip de Pollo, or chicken dip, is a creamy and delicious appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and a blend of spices, this dip is both savory and satisfying. It is typically served with crackers or vegetables for dipping, and is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Dip de Pollo is a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine and is a must-try for any food lover.

Bola de Fuego Dip

Bola de Fuego Dip is a fiery and flavorful Puerto Rican appetizer that is perfect for spice lovers. Made with a blend of hot peppers, cream cheese, and shredded cheese, this dip is sure to add some heat to any table. It is typically served with crackers or chips for dipping and can be customized to suit your desired level of spiciness. If you're looking to spice up your next party or gathering, Bola de Fuego Dip is the perfect choice.

Sopa De Salchichon

Sopa De Salchichon is a hearty and flavorful Puerto Rican soup that is perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Made with salchichon, a type of cured sausage, onions, garlic, potatoes, and other vegetables, this soup is both savory and satisfying. It is typically served with crusty bread for soaking up all of the delicious broth. Sopa De Salchichon is a beloved staple of Puerto Rican cuisine and is sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal.

Guineos En Escabeche

Guineos En Escabeche is a classic Puerto Rican appetizer made of marinated green bananas. The dish combines boiled and sliced green bananas with a flavorful marinade of vinegar, olive oil, onions, garlic, and other spices. This tangy and refreshing dish can be served as a side dish or a snack and is perfect for hot weather. Guineos En Escabeche is a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine and for anyone looking to explore the flavors of the island.

Puerto Rican Pinchos

Puerto Rican Pinchos are skewered meat kebabs that are a popular and flavorful appetizer in Puerto Rico. The dish consists of marinated meat, usually chicken or pork, that is grilled to perfection and served on a skewer. Pinchos are typically seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, including garlic, oregano, and cumin, and can be customized with additional ingredients to suit your taste. This delicious and easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion.

Puerto Rican Appetizers