Entree vs. Appetizer — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 24, 2023
An entree is a main course in a meal, usually more substantial and served after the appetizer. An appetizer is a small dish served before the main course to stimulate the appetite.
Difference Between Entree and Appetizer
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Key Differences
An entree is often the main focus of a meal, typically comprising meat, vegetables, and accompanying sides. This dish is substantial and is intended to be the most filling part of the meal.
Conversely, an appetizer is designed to be a smaller dish, served prior to the main course. The purpose of an appetizer is to stimulate the appetite and to offer a taste of what's to come in the main course, but not to fill you up.
In most American dining settings, the entree is listed towards the end of the menu, while appetizers are usually listed at the beginning. This helps diners navigate the courses of their meal in a logical order, beginning with lighter fare and moving towards heavier, more substantial dishes.
The entree is generally more expensive than the appetizer, reflecting its larger portion size and often more complex preparation. Both dishes can vary widely in terms of ingredients, cooking methods, and presentation, but the entree is typically the culinary highlight of the meal.
While entrees and appetizers serve different purposes in a meal, they are both essential to the dining experience. An appetizer can set the tone for the meal, while the entree is usually the dish that leaves the most lasting impression.
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Comparison Chart
Course in Meal
Main course
Starter
Portion Size
Larger
Smaller
Menu Placement
Typically listed towards the end
Usually listed at the beginning
Grammar
Noun
Noun
Purpose
To be the main, filling part of the meal
To stimulate the appetite before the entree
Compare with Definitions
Entree
The main course in a meal.
The steak entree was cooked to perfection.
Appetizer
A small dish served before the main course.
The shrimp cocktail appetizer was delicious.
Entree
Typically includes meat, vegetables, and sides.
The entree consists of grilled chicken, steamed veggies, and rice.
Appetizer
Usually smaller in portion size.
The appetizer was just enough to whet my appetite.
Entree
Served after the appetizer.
Once we finished the appetizer, the server brought out the entree.
Appetizer
Intended to stimulate the appetite.
The tangy appetizer got me excited for the main course.
Entree
More expensive than an appetizer.
The entree costs $25, while the appetizer is only $10.
Appetizer
Less expensive than an entree.
The appetizer was only $7, so I ordered two.
Entree
The main course of a meal.
Appetizer
Served before the entree.
The appetizer arrived quickly, soon followed by the entree.
Entree
The right to enter or join a particular sphere or group
Her beauty and charm rapidly gained her entrée to high society
An actress with an entrée into the intellectual society of Berlin
Their connections and relative wealth gave them entree to all of the most select entertainments
Appetizer
A food or drink served usually before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Entree
The main dish of a meal.
Appetizer
A small, light, and usually savory first course in a meal
Entree
A dish served in formal dining immediately before the main course or between two principal courses.
Appetizer
Something that creates or increases excitement for what is to follow.
Entree
The act of entering.
Appetizer
Something which creates or whets an appetite.
Entree
The power, permission, or liberty to enter; admittance.
Appetizer
Food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course)
Entree
An opening or introductory movement at the beginning of a dance such as a pas de deux.
Entree
A coming in, or entrance; hence, freedom of access; permission or right to enter; as, to have the entrée of a house.
Entree
In French usage, a dish served at the beginning of dinner to give zest to the appetite; in English usage, a side dish, served with a joint, or between the courses, as a cutlet, scalloped oysters, etc.
Entree
The dish which comprises the main course of a meal, especially in a restaurant; as, there were many entrees on the menu.
Entree
The principal dish of a meal
Entree
The right to enter
Entree
Something that provides access (entry or exit);
They waited at the entrance to the garden
Beggars waited just outside the entryway to the cathedral
Entree
The act of entering;
She made a graceful entree into the ballroom
Entree
Generally larger in portion size.
The entree was so large, I had to take half of it home.
Common Curiosities
Where can I find entrees and appetizers on a menu?
Entrees are usually listed towards the end, and appetizers at the beginning.
What is an entree?
An entree is the main course in a meal.
What is commonly included in an entree?
It often includes meat, vegetables, and sides.
How does an entree differ from an appetizer in portion size?
Entrees are generally larger in portion size than appetizers.
Can an appetizer be a meal?
While smaller, multiple appetizers could make a meal, but they are not intended to be the main course.
What kinds of foods are served as appetizers?
Options may include soup, salad, shrimp cocktail, and more.
What is an appetizer?
An appetizer is a small dish served before the main course.
Is the entree more expensive?
Yes, entrees are generally more expensive than appetizers.
Is the appetizer always served first?
Yes, it's served before the entree to prepare the palate.
What's the purpose of an appetizer?
To stimulate the appetite before the entree.
Can I skip the appetizer?
Yes, the appetizer is optional.
What kinds of foods are served as entrees?
Options may include steak, fish, pasta, and more.
Can I have more than one entree?
While uncommon, some people do order multiple entrees.
Can I make a meal out of appetizers?
You can, but appetizers are designed to be starters, not full meals.
Which is usually more elaborately prepared?
The entree is typically more complex in terms of ingredients and preparation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
