![Puffy beet tostada appetizer with crema and Osetra caviar by Armandos](https://staging.weddingsinhouston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Armandos_LeZuPhotography_HIRES3x5_8513-e1552428868661.jpg)
Creative and delicious appetizers make your wedding menu memorable. These little bites are a great way to feature high-end ingredients without adjusting your catering budget. Given creative leeway, Houston wedding caterers deliver big flavor in small portions, with imaginative presentation that just might steal the spotlight.
Upscale On A Small Scale
Black tie doesn’t have to mean boring when it comes to cocktail hour fare. Classic caviar appetizers are cleverly presented with Churrasco’s mascarpone and brioche “twinkies,” a decadent and delicious little bite that pairs perfectly with a flute of bubbly.
![Caviar and marscapone appetizer twinkie - Churrasco's by Cordua Catering](https://staging.weddingsinhouston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Cordua-Catering_IMG_7733_CAVIAR-TWINKIES.jpg)
If the occasion calls for dressy yet flavorful appetizers, look to local caterer Armandos for inspiration. Here, braised octopus is served with black bean puree and avocado atop a red tortilla chip. This exciting appetizer truly looks as amazing as it tastes, combining creamy, chewy and crunchy textures with unique flavor.
![Braised Octopus appetzier with black bean puree by Armandos](https://staging.weddingsinhouston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Armandos_LeZuPhotography_HIRES3x5_8460-e1552428176102.jpg)
Proven pairings like prosciutto and fig are dressed to impress with edible flower petals in this fresh appetizer presentation designed by Jackson & Company.
![Fig and Proscuitto wedding appetizer by Jackson and Company](https://staging.weddingsinhouston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/SChippendale.com_bacon-and-figs-JAcksonAndCompan.jpg)
A Small Dose Of Comfort
If your reception menu or cocktail appetizer menu calls for family-style fare, consider a proven crowd-pleaser like these mashed potato and short rib “martinis” by Café Natalie Catering. These smaller servings bring huge flavor, and a toppings station featuring chives, shredded cheese or bacon bits adds a fun and interactive element your guests will enjoy.
![Mashed Potato and Short Rib Martini Appetizer Cocktail Reception Menu Cafe Natalie Catering](https://staging.weddingsinhouston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CAfeNatalie_shortrib-martini-1.jpg)
If empanadas make you feel like you’re at home in Mom’s kitchen, enjoy them on a small scale as wedding appetizers. Churrasco’s by Cordúa Catering brings this tapas-sized savory pastry to your menu with spinach, shrimp and sherry or chicken-basil canapes in a variety of sauces.
![Mini Empanadas Appetizer by Churrasco's - Cordua Catering](https://staging.weddingsinhouston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Cordua-Catering_IMG_9744_EMPANADAS.jpg)
Serving appetizers at a chic Sunday brunch reception, bridal shower or post-wedding breakfast? These crispy mini latkes from Café Natalie are a scrumptious way to give a nod to traditional lazy weekend mornings.
![Mini potato pancake latke appetizer by Cafe Natalie Catering](https://staging.weddingsinhouston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CafeNatalie_tuna-on-potato-cake-7.jpg)
Sweet Nothings
For the final passed appetizer before your reception, consider serving a sweet bite or two to close out your cocktail hour. Churrasco’s alfajores – creamy dulce de leche sandwiched between tender and crumbly little Peruvian cookies – are the perfect ending to your appetizer menu. Or, serve them as a late night bite if your celebration runs into the wee hours.
![Mini dulce de leche cookie dessert alfajores by Churrasco's - Cordua Catering](https://staging.weddingsinhouston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Cordua-Catering_IMG_6220_ALFAJORES.jpg)