222 appetizer recipes

Hamaguri Sakami are sake-seasoned clams served at room temperature in their shells with lemon. A minimalist Japanese appetizer that highlights the clean, briny sweetness of littleneck clams.

Smoky roasted eggplant spread with cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs. This low-fat appetizer dip is baked until silky smooth and packed with warm Middle Eastern spices.

Lobster chunks poached in herbed chicken broth with fresh mushrooms and garden vegetables, finished with lime juice. A light, elegant seafood dish ready in 30 minutes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beer-boiled shrimp chilled in a seasoned broth with bay leaf, peppercorns, and garlic. Serve cold with bowls of beer for dunking on a hot summer day.

Microwave tomato soup made from canned condensed tomato soup, finished with grated Parmesan. Ready in 8 minutes for a tureen or 3 minutes per mug, the easiest hot lunch in the recipe box.

Condimento Pugliese: roasted red pepper spread with olive oil and red pepper flakes. A chunky Italian condiment for crostini, pasta, or bruschetta. Five ingredients, no cook.

Quick pink pickled onions with red onion, white wine vinegar, and sugar. Ready in 30 minutes with no cooking, these tangy-sweet pickled onions brighten tacos, salads, and sandwiches.

Sugar puffs are crispy deep-fried dough squares dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon. Made from a simple egg and flour dough rolled paper-thin.

New Orleans crab canapes: buttered toast rounds topped with creamy crab and gruyere-parmesan cheese balls, baked until bubbly. A classic French Quarter party appetizer.