76 appetizer recipes

Classic Scandinavian gravlax cured with kosher salt, sugar, crushed white peppercorns, and fresh dill. No cooking required. The salmon cures in the fridge for 48 to 72 hours under a weighted press.

Savory garlic coeurs a la creme with goat cheese, cottage cheese, roasted garlic puree, and yogurt. A French-style molded cheese appetizer drained overnight, served with smoked salmon and toast.

Olive oil marinated mushrooms simmer button mushrooms in herbed wine vinegar with thyme, garlic, and brandy. A make-ahead antipasto that gets better after a night in the fridge.

Pickled shrimp boiled in crab boil spices, layered with onion and bay leaves, and marinated 24 hours in a tangy vinegar-celery seed dressing. A classic Southern cocktail appetizer.

Salmon pate made with fresh salmon, whitefish, white wine, cream, and warm spices, baked in a water bath until silky smooth. An elegant make-ahead appetizer for crackers or toast.

Cheddar sage and walnut torta: a layered no-bake cheese mold with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, fresh sage, and toasted walnuts. An elegant make-ahead appetizer for the holiday board.

Liptauer cheese spread with cream cheese, butter, sweet paprika, capers, anchovies, shallot, and caraway seeds. A bold Austrian appetizer that chills overnight for deep flavor.

Mititei are traditional Romanian skinless beef sausages seasoned with garlic, rosemary, cloves, and baking soda for a tender bite. Grilled until crisp and brown on the outside.

Sharp cheddar sesame cheese ball with Worcestershire sauce, pimentos, and scallions, rolled in toasted sesame seeds. A make-ahead appetizer for parties and holidays.

Liptauer cheese spread with cream cheese, butter, anchovies, capers, and caraway seeds. A bold Austrian appetizer that chills overnight for the deepest flavor.

Concia is a Roman Jewish dish of fried zucchini layered with garlic, fresh basil, and white wine vinegar. A make-ahead antipasto that improves overnight.

Marinated olives steeped with lemon, fresh thyme, rosemary and slivered garlic in good olive oil. A no-cook, make-ahead appetizer that gets better as it sits. Serve with warm crusty bread.

Classic Greek tyropites (cheese triangles) with feta, ricotta, and nutmeg wrapped in buttery phyllo dough and baked golden. Makes 60 crispy, flaky appetizers for parties and holiday gatherings.

Roman-style concia: zucchini slices fried golden in olive oil, then layered with garlic, basil, and vinegar. An old-world Italian appetizer that improves as it sits.

Homemade salami from ground beef with curing salt, mustard seeds, coarse black pepper, and hickory liquid smoke. A three-day process baked low and slow.

Greek-style marinated mushrooms in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, made quickly in the microwave. Chilled for 24 hours for a tangy, herbaceous cold appetizer or meze.