15 Mouthwatering Recipes to Try Beginning with The Letter ‘A’
Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party and want to impress your guests with a delectable spread.
But where do you start? The answer is simple – look to the first letter of the alphabet for inspiration!
From appetizers to entrees and everything in between, dishes that begin with the letter ‘A’ offer an array of flavors and possibilities that will make your taste buds dance.
We’ll cover everything from crowd-pleasing appetizers like artichoke dip and apple pie to main courses such as adobo chicken and apricot-glazed pork tenderloin.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 amazing recipes featuring ingredients and dishes that start with the letter ‘A.’
Get ready to elevate your cooking game and impress your guests with these delightful dishes, which prove that sometimes the best things in life start with ‘A.’
Whether you’re an adventurous foodie looking to try new flavor combinations or a home cook searching for classic comfort dishes, this article has something for everyone.
Top Delicious Dishes That Begin with ‘A’
1. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast has become a trendy breakfast and brunch staple in recent years, and for a good reason.
This simple yet satisfying dish features creamy, mashed avocado spread generously over a slice of toasted bread.
The avocado is often seasoned with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
Many enjoy topping their avocado toast with a poached egg, which adds a rich and velvety texture to the dish.
Avocado toast is delicious and packed with healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients, making it a nutritious choice to start your day.
2. Artichoke Dip
Artichoke dip is a classic appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
This warm, creamy dip is made with tender artichoke hearts blended with a base of mayonnaise, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Some recipes include cream cheese, garlic, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
The mixture is baked until golden and bubbly, creating a rich and indulgent dip perfect for scooping up with crackers, bread, or vegetable crudités.
Artichoke dip is a versatile appetizer that can be served at casual gatherings or elegant parties alike, and it’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
3. Arepas
Arepas are a beloved staple in Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine.
These small, round cornmeal cakes are made by mixing precooked corn flour (masarepa) with water and salt, then shaping the dough into patties and grilling or frying them until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Arepas can be served as a side dish, but they’re often split open and stuffed with various fillings to create a hearty meal.
Popular fillings include shredded meat, black beans, cheese, avocado, and plantains.
4. Apple Pie
Apple pie is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations.
This sweet, comforting pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples.
The apples are usually peeled and sliced, then tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices like nutmeg or allspice.
The filling is piled into a pie crust, topped with another layer of crust or a crumb topping, and baked until the crust is golden brown and the apples are soft and caramelized.
Apple pie is often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, making it the perfect ending to any meal.
5. Asparagus Quiche
Asparagus quiche is a savory and elegant dish perfect for a spring brunch or light lunch.
This custardy pie features a buttery crust filled with eggs, cream, and cheese studded with tender, blanched asparagus spears.
Some recipes include herbs like chives and tarragon and vegetables like mushrooms or leeks.
The quiche is baked until the crust is golden and the filling is set, creating a creamy, satisfying, flavor-packed slice.
Asparagus quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead option for entertaining.
6. Adobo Chicken
Adobo chicken is a popular Filipino dish that features tender chicken pieces marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black peppercorns.
The chicken is simmered in the marinade until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with the sauce’s delicious flavors.
Adobo chicken can be made with bone-in or boneless pieces. It is often served with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
This dish is a staple in Filipino households and has gained popularity worldwide for its bold and comforting flavors.
7. Acorn Squash Stuffed with Wild Rice
Acorn squash stuffed with wild rice is a hearty and nutritious vegetarian main course for fall and winter.
To make this dish, acorn squash is halved and roasted until tender, then filled with a mixture of cooked wild rice, vegetables like mushrooms and onions, and nuts like pecans or walnuts.
The filling is often seasoned with herbs like sage or thyme and sometimes includes dried cranberries or apples for a touch of sweetness.
The stuffed squash is then baked until the filling is hot and the top is crispy, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
8. Apricot-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Apricot-glazed pork tenderloin is a delicious and easy main course perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
To make this dish, lean and tender pork tenderloin is brushed with a sweet and tangy glaze made from apricot jam, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
The pork is then roasted in the oven until it’s cooked through and caramelized on the outside, creating a juicy and flavorful meat that’s sure to be a hit.
The apricot glaze adds a fruity and slightly spicy flavor to the pork, and it pairs well with various side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
9. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to a main course.
This salad features peppery arugula leaves tossed with a bright, citrusy dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey.
The dressing is whisked together until emulsified, poured over the arugula, and tossed to coat.
Some recipes include shaved Parmesan cheese, toasted nuts, or sliced fruit like pears or apples for added texture and flavor.
Arugula salad is a healthy and refreshing option packed with vitamins and nutrients.
10. Almond Butter Cookies
Almond butter cookies are a delicious and nutty twist on classic peanut butter cookies.
These soft and chewy cookies are made with creamy almond butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. They’re often topped with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate.
The almond butter gives these cookies a rich buttery flavor, while the texture is slightly crumbly and tender.
Almond butter cookies are a great option for those with peanut allergies. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner.
11. Amaretto Sour
Amaretto sour is a classic cocktail perfect for sipping on a warm evening or enjoying an after-dinner drink.
This sweet and tangy cocktail is made with amaretto liqueur, bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s often garnished with a maraschino cherry and a slice of lemon.
The amaretto adds a nutty and slightly bitter flavor to the drink, while the bourbon provides a smooth and warming base.
The lemon juice and simple syrup balance the flavors and add a refreshing tartness to the cocktail.
12. Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a colorful and inviting appetizer perfect for entertaining or a light meal.
This platter features a variety of cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, and capicola, as well as an assortment of cheeses, such as fresh mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
Other common components of an antipasto platter include olives, pickled vegetables like pepperoncini and artichoke hearts, and slices of crusty bread or crackers.
The platter is often drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.
An antipasto platter is a great way to sample a variety of Italian flavors and textures, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
13. Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
Ahi tuna poke bowl is a Hawaiian-inspired dish that features cubes of raw, sushi-grade tuna marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
The tuna is often served over a bed of rice, along with toppings like avocado, cucumber, seaweed, and pickled ginger.
Some recipes include edamame, mango, or crispy wontons for added texture and flavor.
Ahi tuna poke bowl is a healthy and flavorful dish for a light lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy the freshness and quality of high-grade tuna.
14. Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts are a fall favorite and are perfect for a crisp autumn day.
These fluffy, cake-like donuts are made with apple cider, which is reduced to syrup and mixed into the batter for a concentrated apple flavor.
The donuts are often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and they’re fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
After frying, the donuts are often rolled in cinnamon and sugar, creating an irresistible sweet and crunchy coating.
15. Apricot Chicken Tagine
Apricot chicken tagine is a flavorful and aromatic Moroccan-inspired dish that features tender chicken thighs simmered with sweet apricots, onions, and warm spices like ginger, cumin, and cinnamon.
The chicken is often browned first to develop flavor, then slow-cooked in a tagine (a traditional Moroccan clay pot) with the other ingredients until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender.
The apricots add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, while the spices provide a warm and complex aroma.
Apricot chicken tagine is often served over fluffy couscous, which soaks up the flavorful sauce and makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Wrapping It Up
When selecting appetizers for your next gathering, consider dishes that cater to various preferences and dietary restrictions to ensure everyone can enjoy the delightful start to their meal.
From avocado toast to antipasto platters, the possibilities are endless for delicious dishes that start with the letter ‘A.’
Offer a mix of hot and cold appetizers, as well as a variety of flavors and textures.
Remember to include vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options to accommodate guests with specific dietary needs.
Arrange your appetizers on attractive platters or boards, and provide appropriate serving utensils and napkins.
With some planning and creativity, you can create an impressive spread of ‘A’ appetizers to make your guests eager for more.
Drop in your views to help others make the best choice while selecting from the list above.
