Mother’s Day Appetizers: Ideas and Recipes
Show mom just how special she is with a dining experience that's straight from the heart this Mother’s Day. Craft a delicious Mother’s Day brunch, lunch or dinner with homemade appetizers to complement your main course. With so many options and room for versatility, you can get appetizer inspiration for a great meal that everyone will enjoy. See below for some Mother’s Day appetizer recipe ideas.
30 Mother’s Day Appetizer Ideas
Get started on your Mother’s Day menu with different appetizer ideas that showcase care and creativity.
1. Asparagus Red Pepper Quiche
A great addition to a traditional Mother’s Day brunch, this crowd-pleasing quiche recipe is packed with red peppers, asparagus and grated gruyere. Create this colorful quiche with the KitchenAid® Pro Line® Cordless Hand Blender and Cordless Chopper Attachment
2. Zucchini Herb Fritters
Crunchy and great for a Mother’s Day brunch, these zucchini herb fritters are a more grown up version of hash brown patties. Use a KitchenAid® stand mixer and Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder Attachment for easy vegetable shredding.
3. Brunch Pizza
This from-scratch brunch pizza is topped with fresh eggs, asparagus and bacon. Cut into small pieces or slices for a precursor to the main dish, or serve with an array of small brunch bites.
4. Cinnamon Apple Crostata
Treat mom with another recipe that sweetens your selection of brunch appetizers. The KitchenAid® 9 Cup Food Processor will help you bring this delicious crostata recipe to life.
5. Smoked Salmon Spread
Serve this rich and creamy salmon spread with bagels, english muffins or even crackers for another brunch appetizer option. Add poached eggs to complete the meal.
6. French Toast Sliders
Both sweet and savory, whipped cream cheese, fresh strawberries and sliced sausage are sandwiched between two halves of french toast to make a great brunch appetizer.
7. Cinnamon Roll Bread
This mouth-watering recipe will be the talk off the table all throughout brunch. The KitchenAid® Bread Bowl accessory will be your best friend while mixing, kneading and proofing the dough for a grand cinnamon roll.
8. Best Ever Broccoli Cheese Soup
Creamy and warm, this is the perfect first course for a Mother’s Day dinner or lunch. Serve in shot glasses if you're having an array of appetizers or in a bowl if serving with a soup or salad course.
9. Watermelon Gazpacho
Refreshing and sophisticated, this gazpacho is great to serve as an appetizer for brunch, lunch or dinner topped with some crumbled feta cheese or fresh mint. Use the pulse setting on a KitchenAid® blender to help with the pureeing process for a smooth finish.
10. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Creamy and buttery with a hint of Old Bay Seasoning, these crab stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bites to serve before dinner’s main course.
11. Pesto & Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms
This savory appetizer is rich in flavor and only requires four ingredients. Serve aside the crab stuffed mushrooms for different options that mom can enjoy.
12. Breakfast Scones
This classic buttery pastry is a must-have for your brunch table and perfectly pairs with a homemade fruit jam. Mix your ingredients using a KitchenAid® stand mixer with the Pastry Beater accessory to help combine your ingredients and cut in butter for a rich, flaky result with less effort.
13. White Cheese and Garlic Pizzas
These cheesy naan pizzas are simple to make but just as delicious. Serve in small slices for a light appetizer or as a side option for a buffet-style brunch or lunch.
14. Asian Spring Rolls
These Asian-inspired spring rolls are a refreshing appetizer full of veggies like spinach, carrots, asparagus and radish and wrapped with fresh shrimp in rice paper. Serve them with a spicy peanut sauce as an appetizer for an Asian-stye Mother’s Day dinner. Get the ideal size for veggies with the reversible shredding disc that can be used with the KitchenAid® 13-Cup Food Processor for uniform vegetables that are easy to wrap in the rice paper.
15. Zesty White Bean Dip
This versatile dip made of cannellini beans and cashews is bursting with bright flavors that call to the spring season. Use a KitchenAid® blender for smooth and creamy results, and serve with veggies like carrots and cucumbers.
16. Apple Brie Crostini
An elegant appetizer for a sophisticated brunch, lunch or dinner, this crostini has only a few ingredients but is full of bright spring flavors thanks to the apple, honey and brie.
17. Asian Chicken Meatballs with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Seasoned with rice vinegar, ginger and soy sauce, these meatballs pack a punch that's further complemented with a spicy peanut sauce. This recipe is another great option for an Asian-inspired Mother’s Day lunch or dinner.
18. Phyllo-Wrapped Baked Brie
Wow mom with this baked brie encased in flaky layers of phyllo dough that's drizzled with honey. Serve with apples, bread or crackers to further enjoy the gooey bits of brie.
19. Chorizo and Roasted Corn Gougere
Light, airy and jammed packed with flavor, these pastries with chorizo and corn will be a highlight of your lunch or dinner.
20. Asian Zoodle Soup
This light soup can be served as a first course for an Asian-inspired dining experience. You can create zucchini “zoodles” using a KitchenAid® stand mixer and Spiralizer Attachment.
21. Twisted Asparagus Wraps
Spiralized potato wrapped around asparagus and prosciutto, these twisted asparagus wraps will not disappoint.
22. Thai Chicken Skewers
You can add Thai chicken skewers to your Mother’s Day Menu as an appetizer, or even make them part of the main dish when accompanying them with stir-fried veggies and rice.
23. Creamy Artichoke Dip
A classic dip that never disappoints, this dip can come together right in the work bowl of your KitchenAid® food chopper.
24. Spinach Feta Tartlets
For a more savory appetizer that also features the delicate sheets of phyllo dough, these spinach feta tartlets are a great addition to your Mother’s Day meal. The KitchenAid® 7 Cup Food Processor finely chops your spinach leaves for balanced texture.
25. Grilled Cheese Pinwheels
Add a touch of nostalgia to celebrating mom with this update on a grilled cheese sandwich. Unexpected ingredients like cayenne and paprika make this a grown up version of a childhood favorite great for brunch or lunch.
26. Zucchini Caprese Rolls
Grilled delicate sheets of zucchini with tomato and mozzarella, this appetizer is easy to make with the help of your KitchenAid® stand mixer and Vegetable Sheet Cutter Attachment.
27. Avocado Crab Rolls
Use some of the zucchini from the caprese rolls for this lighter take on sushi that replaces the rice with thin sheets of zucchini.
28. Baked Italian-Style Meatballs
Warm and comforting just like mom, add decorative toothpicks for a delicious one-bite appetizer. If your oven is taken by other parts of dinner, you can cook these meatballs in your KitchenAid® countertop oven.
29. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
These meatballs add a zesty kick to your Mother’s Day brunch or lunch. Serve with crumbled bleu cheese for a balance to the heat in this spicy appetizer.
30. BLTA Chicken Lettuce Wraps
A great appetizer for those with specialized diets, these lettuce cups are both low-carb and gluten-free.
How do I pair my Mother’s Day appetizers with the main meal?
For a well-thought-out Mother’s Day meal, these tips will help you create the best appetizer and main dish pairings.
Take the culinary theme into account. For example, consider mom's favorite dishes and types of cuisine and build different courses based on the region or ingredients of some of her favorite foods. The Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli appetizer sets the tone for an Italian theme and pairs perfectly with the Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna as a main.
Have a balance of grains, vegetables and protein. If you’re serving the White Cheese and Garlic Pizza as an appetizer, focus on incorporating greens and meat or legumes in your main meal.
- Consider contrasting temperatures and textures. When serving a cold, vibrant appetizer like a Watermelon Gazpacho, follow up with a hot dish like a Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder and Mashed Potatoes.
What are some unique appetizer serving ideas for Mother’s Day?
You can truly unleash your creativity when serving your appetizers.
Make a sophisticated tablescape with ornate platters for the appetizers and main course and add flower centerpieces that celebrate mom.
For a unique presentation, place the food on eclectic serving plates like heavy wooden cutting boards or use champagne flutes or martini glasses as serving vessels.
Create a grazing spread so everyone can enjoy different pairings, family-style.
Use tier serving trays to add dimensions and height to your Mother’s Day display.
Shop for KitchenAid® Stand Mixers and Countertop Appliances
Whether helping you to create an unforgettable meal that celebrates mom or given as a special gift, KitchenAid® stand mixers, attachments and countertop appliances are there to make little moments extraordinary.
