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Top 9 Mail Order Appetizer Companies

By , About.com Guide

When planning a party, especially a large one, using prepared foods can be a huge time saver. Cooking for 5 or 6 people is one thing, but what about cooking for 12 or 20 or 50! Talk about stress. If you can make it yourself, great. Other options are recruiting some help (good luck) or hiring a caterer (not cheap) or buying the food premade. Here are some companies that will deliver high quality appetizers right to your door. Just heat and serve.

1. The Appetizer Store

The Appetizer Store

Very delicious, high-quality appetizers hand made for your enjoyment! I love this company and the attention to detail. They offer a wide variety of appetizers from elegant to casual. For your next New Year's party or Governors Ball try the Caramel Apple with Goat Cheese 'Purses', Lobster mini-pot pies, or the Arancini (Italian rice balls) with a gooey, Gouda cheese center. For a casual family get together or football party I recommend the Mini Cheeseburgers, Butter Pecan Shrimp, or Asian Short Rib mini-pot pies. Their cheesecake pops are absolutely scrumptious!

I was very impressed with everything I tasted. Shipped frozen and you bake, but everything tastes very fresh and restaurant quality. They also have a very tempting Appetizer of the Month Club. The prices are reasonable and the customer service is excellent! It's like have an entire kitchen of trained chefs working for you. It's hard to find anyone better at the mail-order appetizer business. Highly recommended.

2. Dean & Deluca

One of the best around. Sometimes pricey, but they have great customer service and always deliver. Great overall selection: caviar, smoked fish, herbs and spices, truffles, oils, artisan cheeses, premium meats and seafood, foie gras, chocolates, honeys, sauces, pre-made hors d'oeuvres, and more.

3. Appetizers To Go

Huge variety of appetizers to choose from. Examples: duck spring rolls, beef wellington, bluecheese apple bacon chutney bouchee, salmon and pistachio brochette, citrus infused crabcakes, coconut shrimp, wild mushroom gorgonzola and pecan filo triangles, and a lot more. Most appetizers sold in large quatities for parties of 10 or more, but you can freeze the excess for smaller gatherings.

4. Big Chef

A world of flavors - American, Asian, Brazilian, Latin, Mediterranean, Fusion! A huge variety of delicious treats for your party guests, all delicious - tastes like homemade! "To keep up with food trends and per requests of our clients and chefs, we are constantly creating innovative products in authentic styles and out-of-the-ordinary flavors. Our multi cultural staff with a variety of talents and backgrounds is a key ingredient and differentiating factor to our competitive advantage. Our eclectic classic and ethnic gourmet products satisfy the most distinguished palates."

5. Mackenzie Limited

Specializing in smoked salmon (which they do a fantastic job with), Mackenzie's also has a wide selection of gourmet appetizers, caviar and cheeses.

6. D'Artagnan

D'Artagnan is one of the top companies in the country for foie gras and game. Great variety of high-end quality gourmet appetizers such as Duck Pot Au Feu with Foie Gras, French Pates, Vol Au Vent with Foie Gras and Truffles, Black Truffle Mousse, Wild Boar Terrine, more.

7. Williams-Sonoma

Small collection of very nice appetizers. Dim Sum, Hand-made Tamales, Spring Rolls, Coconut Prawns, Crab Cakes, Gougeres, Potstickers. A little more expensive than other companies per piece.

8. Alaskan Harvest

Great seafood appetizers. Smoked Salmon Spread, Crab Puff Pastries, Dungeness Crab Cakes, New Orleans Crayfish Cakes, Shrimp Cakes, King Salmon Cakes, Razor Clam Cakes, Seafood Sausage, Smoked Salmon Terrine, and Oyster Shooters. Most appetizers sold in two different quantities, with added savings when you buy more. Also sell great seafood and have a wide selection of other prepared foods.

9. Di Bruno Brothers

Try some stuffed olives from this Philadelphia landmark, all hand-stuffed in house. Try Anchovy Stuffed, Blue Cheese Stuffed, Garlic Stuffed, Hot Pepper, or Cherry Poppers (stuffed with the house Provolone and Prosciutto di Parma). Lots of other good party treats here, too. Cheeses, pates, caviar, smoked fish, and charcuterie.

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