54 appetizer recipes

Layered cheese torta with pesto cream cheese, provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and toasted pine nuts. A stunning no-bake appetizer that chills overnight and keeps for weeks.

Tangy pico de gallo with a tropical twist, ripe Roma tomatoes, white onion, jalapeno, and cilantro brightened with sweet mango and creamy avocado. A fresh, no-cook salsa that doubles as a condiment.

Fresh tomatoes hollowed out and stuffed with mashed avocado, chili powder, alfalfa sprouts, and coriander. A light, no-cook Mexican appetizer or healthy snack.

Hot, cheesy chicken dip loaded with sauteed peppers, celery, and jalapeno, bound creamy with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar. A quick, crowd-pleasing party dip for chips and crackers.

Creamy corn and walnut dip with cream cheese, lime juice, cumin, and ground red chili. A no-cook Mexican-inspired party dip with crunch and heat, ready in 10 minutes flat.

Garlic-parsley finger sandwiches blend fresh garlic, chopped parsley, and mayonnaise into a tea-time spread on thinly sliced white bread. Four-ingredient party appetizer cut on the diagonal.

Fiery hot salsa fresca with diced tomato, onion, sweet yellow and green bell peppers, and three habaneros for serious heat. Brightened with cilantro, oregano, and fresh lime juice. No cooking required.

South American empanadas with a lard pastry and two filling options: spiced fruit dessert or savory beef carne in tomato sauce. Bake, fry, or grill.

Asparagus and crabmeat salad layers crisp-tender spears over butter lettuce, crowned with sweet lump crab folded into a tomato-Dijon mayonnaise. Elegant cold appetizer or light lunch that comes together in minutes with make-ahead dressing.

The perfect companion for sandwiches and crackers that is great for a picnic, or even a light snack.

Deep-fried pickles breaded in seasoned breadcrumbs and served with a tangy blue cheese, sour cream, and Dijon mustard dipping sauce. A Southern bar snack and fair food favorite ready in 15 minutes.

An easy lamb canape: crisp celery-seed toast strips spread with a quick cooked-lamb-and-mayonnaise mixture and topped with pimiento. A smart, retro party bite for using up leftover roast lamb.

Sun-dried tomato pesto: oil-packed sundried tomatoes blended with parmigiano-reggiano, toasted walnuts, garlic, and warm olive oil. A deeper, more savory alternative to basil pesto.

Cocktail crab dip blends flaked crab meat with cream cheese, ketchup, horseradish, and hot sauce for a creamy, tangy party dip. No cooking, ready in 15 minutes.

Moroccan-style sliced tomato and onion salad with olive oil, garlic, parsley, sweet paprika, and cumin. A simple no-cook side that captures North African market flavors.

Creamy beer cheese dip loaded with black beans, jalapeño cheddar, scallions, and chopped tomatoes. Melts together in 20 minutes. Serve warm or cold with pretzels or tortilla chips.