Brazilian appetizers are a delicious and vibrant way to start any meal.
From crispy pastels filled with creamy cheese or savory ground meat, to mouthwatering coxinhas made with shredded chicken and dough, these tasty Brazilian dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and kick off your meal with a burst of flavor.
So why not try something new and explore the world of Brazilian appetizers today?
1. Coxinhas
These bite-sized snacks are made with shredded chicken mixed with spices and mashed potatoes, then coated in dough and deep-fried to crispy perfection.
Coxinhas are often shaped like a drumstick to resemble a chicken thigh, hence their name which means “little thigh” in Portuguese.
2. Empadinhas
Empadinhas, also known as empadas, are a popular Brazilian appetizer or snack.
They are small, individual-sized pies made with a crisp, golden pastry crust and filled with a variety of savory fillings.
Traditional empadinha fillings include chicken, cheese, and ground beef, but there are also many variations that include seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients.
The savory Brazilian pies are usually baked or fried, which gives them a crispy texture and a delicious, flaky crust.
Empadinhas are often served as appetizers at parties and gatherings
3. Bolinhos de Bacalhau
These tasty Brazilian treats are made with salted cod, mashed potatoes, and herbs
They are rolled into small balls and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Bolinhos de Bacalhau are typically served with a tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
4. Pão de Queijo
Pão de queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a popular snack in Brazil.
It is made with tapioca flour and cheese, and has a unique, chewy texture and a delicious, savory flavor.
The bread is often baked in small, individual-sized portions, which makes it a convenient and portable appetizer or snack.
It is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast food or as a snack throughout the day.
5. Pastels
Pastels are y are small, individual-sized turnovers made with a crisp, golden pastry crust and filled with a variety of savory fillings.
Traditional Brazilian pastel fillings include chicken, cheese, and ground beef.
But there are also many variations that include seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients.
The Brazilian turnovers are typically fried, which gives them a crispy texture and a delicious, flaky crust.
6. Kibe
These tasty deep-fried Brazilian snacks are made with ground lamb or beef mixed with spices and herbs, and shaped into small balls.
Kibe typically served with a side of dipping sauce, and make for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
7. Mandioca Frita
Also known as cassava or yuca, mandioca is a starchy root vegetable that is commonly fried and served as a snack or appetizer in Brazil.
It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, and a crisp, golden-brown exterior when fried.
8. Risólis
These tasty appetizers are similar to empadinhas and pastels.
But risolis are made with a dough that is stretched and folded over the filling, giving it a distinctive triangle shape.
They are typically filled with cheese, meat, or shrimp, and are deep-fried until golden and crispy.
9. Esfihas or Esfirras
These savory pastries can be enjoyed either open faced or wrapped like a turnover.
They are not only popular in Brazil but in other parts of the world too, as it’s origin is from the Middle-East.
Esfihas, also called Esfirras, are typically made with a thin and flaky dough, and filled or topped with a variety of ingredients such as meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Esfihas are often served warm with a side of sauce for dipping, and make for a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer.
10. Bolinho de Arroz
These tasty snacks are made with cooked rice, mashed potatoes, and cheese, and are often flavored with herbs and spices such as parsley and cumin.
The mixture is formed into small balls and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Bolinho de Arroz are often served with a side of pepper sauce for dipping, and make for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
11. Salada de Grão-de-Bico
This hearty and flavorful salad is made with cooked chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
It is often served as an appetizer or side dish. It is typically dressed with a simple vinaigrette or other dressing.
Salada de Grão-de-Bico is a popular choice among vegetarians and those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.
12. Carne de Sol
This traditional Brazilian dish consists of salted and sun-dried beef, which is then sliced and served as an appetizer or snack.
Carne de Sol is often served with a side of farofa (toasted cassava flour) or beans, and is a popular choice among meat lovers.
13. Quibebe
Quibebe is a traditional Brazilian soup made with squash, onions, garlic, and spices.
It is often served as an appetizer or first course, and is a popular choice among vegetarians and those looking for a hearty and flavorful meal.
14. Acarajé
This unique looking yet popular Brazilian dish is made with black-eyed peas that are mashed and formed into balls, then deep-fried in palm oil.
The balls are then split in half and filled vatapa, a creamy paste made from finely ground peanuts, shrimp and coconut milk.
Acarajé is often served as a snack or appetizer, and is a popular choice among street food vendors in Brazil.
15. Casquinha de Siri
Casquinha de Siri also known as siri crab, is a traditional Brazilian seafood dish.
It is made with crab meat and spices, typically stuffed into the crab’s empty shell and baked until golden and crispy.
Casquinha de Siri is often served as an appetizer or snack, and is a popular choice among seafood lovers.
16. Queijo Coalho
Queijo Coalho is a beloved Brazilian snack or app, particularly popular at beachside kiosks, street food stalls, and churrascarias (Brazilian steakhouses).
Made from cow’s milk, this semi-firm, lightly salty cheese is known for its high melting point, allowing it to be grilled without losing its shape.
Typically skewered and cooked over an open flame or on a barbecue, Queijo Coalho forms a crispy, golden-brown crust while staying soft and slightly gooey inside.
It’s often served with a sprinkle of oregano or brushed with a bit of honey for a delightful balance of savory and sweet.
The smoky, caramelized exterior and the chewy texture make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike, embodying the essence of Brazil’s love for grilled foods.
17. Polenta Frita
Polenta Frita, or fried polenta, is a popular Brazilian appetizer and side dish that brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors to the table.
Made from yellow cornmeal cooked until it thickens into a creamy consistency, polenta is then spread into a pan to cool, firm up, and be sliced into sticks or squares.
These pieces are then deep-fried or pan-fried until they’re golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft, warm center.
Polenta Frita is often enjoyed with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, herbs, or a dash of salt, enhancing its mild corn flavor.
Sometimes served with dipping sauces like aioli or marinara, these crispy sticks make for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing snack, showcasing Brazil’s creativity in blending European influences with local ingredients.
Final Brazilian Appetizers Thoughts
In conclusion, Brazilian appetizers are a delicious and exciting way to add some flavor to your meal.
From crispy pastels and savory coxinhas, to refreshing bolinhos de bacalhau and hearty empadas, these tasty treats are sure to satisfy your appetite and leave you wanting more.
So why not give them a try and discover the delicious world of Brazilian appetizers for yourself? You won’t be disappointed. Bom appetit!
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.