So I’m kind of having a moment with tostones. Just even writing that out makes me almost be able to taste their crispy, garlicky-deliciousness in my mouth. But is there ever a terrible time for Puerto Rican appetizers? NEVERRRRRR.
These little bites are piled high with the most simple, flavorful, 10 minute mojo sauce that is basically an open invitation for any and all of your party guests.
1. Fried Cheese (Queso Frito)
Fried cheese? Yesss. A party just isn’t a party without some kind of cheese app, right? So go get your Queso De Freir and let’s get to it. These little bites are crispy and creamy all at once. Just heavenly.
It’s a super popular dish in Puerto Rico and lots of other Latin American countries. And trust me, this is what everyone will be talking about.
2. BBQ Chicken Skewers (Pinchos de Pollo)
Got a backyard party planned? You need to throw these skewers on the grill. They are just the best finger food. Plus, they are so simple to make.
Just get the chicken coated with spices, lemon, and olive oil. Then skewer the meat and get it on the grill. You’re going to slather them in barbecue sauce while they cook. And just like that, your app will be ready.
3. Salted Cod Salad (Ensalada de Bacalao)
Are you looking for a fresh seafood app for a summer party? This salted cod salad is it. Salted cod is, well, really salty. So you have to soak it in water first before you cook it.
After you get the salt level just right, you build the salad. You’ll need hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, sauteed onions, vinegar, and olives.
4. Fried Plantains (Tostones)
Fried plantains are such a special treat. Your guests are going to love them. These are smashed bananas that get fried two times, which gives them a totally crispy bite.
You have to dunk them in a creamy dip. Think chipotle mayo or that mayo ketchup sauce. YES.
5. Puerto Rican Empanadas
Empanadas. Do I need to go on? These savory hand pies are popular all over the USA. The thing that makes the Puerto Rican ones so unique is the sofrito filling.
It’s a tomato sauce that has garlic, onions, and spices. Add some potatoes, beef, and olives to that mix and you get one crazy delicious empanada.
6. Pickled Unripe Green Bananas (Guineos en Escabeche)
Want something that’s not your standard American appetizer? You have to try this escabeche.
It has unripe bananas, garlic, avocado, olives, red onion, pickling spices, and vinegar. That bold mix of flavors is just unlike anything else.
8. Puerto Rican Fried Chicken (Chicharrones De Pollo)
We love fried chicken in America. I mean, who doesn’t? But have you ever had it the Puerto Rican way? It is so, so good. A whole chicken soaks in a marinade seasoned with adobo and sazón.
When it’s fry time, you coat it in cornstarch and drop it into the hot oil. The result is this super flavorful fried chicken with just the best texture. You are going to want to sink your teeth right in.
9. Puerto Rican Guava and Cream Cheese Dip
Every single party needs a dip you’ll remember. And this one? It’s unforgettable. This Puerto Rican dip is a combo of guava paste and cream cheese, plus honey, garlic, and sour cream.
Get some crackers and try this dip. You need to get in there before it’s all gone.
10. Puerto Rican Salt Cod Fritters (Bacalaítos)
Bacalaítos. These are Puerto Rican salted cod fritters. Every household recipe can be a little different. But this prep method is one of my favorites.
You soak the cod in water, which gets some of the salt out. Then you mix it up with baking powder, flour, seasoning, and garlic. All you have to do next is shape your fritters and fry them.
An appetizer like this just begs for pique. That’s a totally legendary Puerto Rican hot sauce.
11. Puerto Rican Coconut Fry Bread (Arepas de Coco)
When these land on the table, your guests are gonna come running. Arepas de coco is the sweet, coconut version of Puerto Rican fry bread. They are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. They just melt in your mouth.
And you know what’s even better? They only use five pantry ingredients. Which means you can make them right now.
12. Mofongo
Mofongo is just a classic Puerto Rican dish. It’s got plantains and chicharrones. Both of those get mashed up with salt and garlic. Serve it with a savory beef broth.
That pairing is so enticing. It’s sweet, savory, and bold—a totally authentic Puerto Rican experience.
13. Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón)
Ham croquettes are fancy enough for a big soiree. But they’re also super casual for game day, just because they’re fried.
These are a classic Spanish tapas, and the fried bites are popular in lots of countries, Puerto Rico included. Sink your teeth in and you will totally get why. These savory little bites are just irresistible.
14. Crispy Baked Tostones
Not really into frying tostones? Just bake them. Baked tostones are like little bites of heaven. You get crispy plantain tidbits but with less oil.
You just slice the plantains, bake them, smash them, and bake them again. For serving? Try some aji verde sauce or a creamy chipotle sauce.
15. Puerto Rican Corn Fritters (Sorullos)
Holidays, birthdays, potlucks, BBQs… these corn fritters are just great for any occasion. They’ve got this cheesy cornmeal dough that gets fried to perfection.
And? They only take 30 minutes. For a dipping sauce, mayo ketchup is the winner. It’s a total Puerto Rican favorite.
16. Puerto Rican Sofrito
We just can’t talk about Puerto Rican recipes without talking about sofrito. Sofrito is a total staple in Puerto Rican cooking.
Soups, empanadas… you’ll find this base in all kinds of dishes. It’s made of bell peppers, cilantro, garlic, and onions. You just toss all of it in a blender. Five minutes later? You’ve got sofrito.
17. Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche
Ceviche recipes are different depending on the region, from Mexico to Peru. And they are all exquisite, if you ask me. But there’s just something about Puerto Rican ceviche. It’s extra lively.
It is packed with bright flavors and fresh stuff like tomatoes, lime, and shrimp. Plus there are pimento peppers hiding in there, too.
18. Stuffed Fried Plantain (Pionono)
You know what’s better than fried plantains? Stuffed fried plantains! These savory little medallions are not just an app. They are an experience. On the outside is a slice of fried plantain.
Stuffed inside? You get beef, onions, bell peppers, spices (a ton of them!), and tomato sauce. The presentation has that wow factor and the flavor totally matches.
19. Fried Yuca (Yuca Frita)
Every bite of fried yuca is just so delightful. Frying the yuca gives it that crispy outside and creamy inside.
It has this amazing texture that just makes it hard to stop eating. Drizzle that creamy garlic cilantro sauce over the top and serve it.
20. Papas Rellenas
Papas rellenas are a total dream for meat and potato lovers. These are plump potato balls. They’re stuffed with ground beef, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried.
For an extra savory bite, that beef mix has tomato sauce, adobo, garlic, and sazón. So you don’t even need a dip. All the flavor you need is hiding right inside!
21. Puerto Rican Almojábanas
Almojábanas just need to be on your brunch menu. These fried fritters are to.DIE.for. They’re made with rice flour, all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, and cheese.
You add a scoop of baking powder to make them fluffy. If you want a sweet version, add a spoonful of sugar. For the savory take, just skip the sugar and dip them in mayo ketchup.
22. Pork Cracklings (Chicharrones de Cerdo)
Yeah, you could just open a bag of chips and call it a day. Or… you could make these crispy delights. Pork cracklings are so addicting. I love them.
That delectable crunch and savory flavor? You get pieces of crispy fat and meat in every single bite. Game days, cookouts, whatever. Pork cracklings are going to be a total hit.
23. Puerto Rican Water Bread (Pan de Agua)
This Puerto Rican water bread is such a great thing to add to a charcuterie board. It is just begging to be topped with all kinds of meats and cheeses.
Curious about the name? You actually bake it over a pot of boiling water. That’s the secret to making it soft and crusty.
24. Pumpkin Fritters (Barriguitas de Vieja)
Here is a really fun app for the holidays. These crispy pumpkin fritters don’t need any wild ingredients. They just have pumpkin puree, baking powder, flour, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Add a little pinch of salt, and you can adjust the brown sugar to be just how you like it. After they’re fried, dust them with powdered sugar and serve them up warm.
