501 appetizer recipes

Shrimp cheese pate with tiny Danish shrimp, soft cheese, sherry, and black pepper beaten until smooth. A no-cook Scandinavian-style appetizer spread ready in 15 minutes.

Low fat yogurt onion dip blends plain yogurt with grated onion, lemon juice, parsley, horseradish, and a dash of hot sauce. A lighter alternative to sour cream onion dip with the same satisfying tang.

Low-calorie stuffed mushrooms with Parmesan, Italian breadcrumbs, and parsley. No butter or oil needed. The moist caps roll in cheese crumbs for a crispy coating that bakes in 10 minutes.

Fish samoosa filling with flaked fish, green chilies, lemon juice, and fresh coriander. A spicy South African-style filling for about 30 samoosas.

These were easy and so cute! I made 1/2 a recipe piped with tip 12 and got 25 mushrooms.

Romesco-style roasted pepper dip made with broiled red and yellow bell peppers, roasted garlic, almonds, and sherry vinegar. A low-fat vegetarian appetizer with a striking two-tone presentation.

Fruity gazpacho with blended tomatoes, peaches, apple, blackberries, cucumber, and yellow bell pepper in vegetable stock. A chilled summer soup with fresh fruit and no cooking required.

Savory pumpkin spread mixes canned pumpkin puree with nutritional yeast, marjoram, dry mustard, and garlic salt. Vegan, no-cook, and ready in minutes. Thin with water for a dipping sauce.

Chili cheese roll made with American cheese, cream cheese, and pecans, coated in chili powder. A no-cook appetizer that slices into 40 rounds for crackers and Melba toast.

Howard Karten's salsa is a Mediterranean-leaning chunky tomato dip: peeled tomatoes, red onion, black olives, cumin, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar. No chiles, no cilantro, all flavor.

Wine fruit cup with sliced plums, nectarines, and golden raisins soaked in a spiced white wine syrup infused with anise, cinnamon, and lemon. A chilled starter that doubles as a light summer dessert.

Pesto stuffed mushrooms filled with basil pesto, Italian bread crumbs, and horseradish. Serve hot from the oven or cold with pimento for a versatile party appetizer.

Dill pickles brine whole cucumbers in a hot vinegar, water, and salt solution with garlic and fresh dill. Old-fashioned canning jar pickles ready to crack open in 3 to 4 weeks.

Middle Eastern sesame soup made with tahini, lemon juice, and stock in just 5 ingredients. A creamy, nutty, tangy vegetarian soup that comes together in minutes. Serve with crusty bread.

Salmon cucumber rounds with canned salmon, yogurt cheese, lemon zest, and tarragon piped onto crisp cucumber slices. A light, make-ahead party appetizer.

Garlic garbanzos are roasted chickpeas tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh thyme, then served warm on toothpicks like a Spanish bar snack. A fast, low-fat, vegan appetizer that's ready in about 30 minutes.