162 appetizer recipes

Tired of bringing the same thing to every party or event? Break out of your rut with this delicious festive herring spread!

Peppered farmhouse pate with pork shoulder, liver, veal, green peppercorns, and brandy, wrapped in stretched bacon and baked in a water bath. A rustic French-style terrine for entertaining.

Crispy spring rolls filled with chorizo, Chinese mushrooms, rice sticks, cabbage, and bean sprouts in an oyster-sesame sauce. Double-fried for extra crunch and served wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Snails Cauderan is a traditional Bordeaux escargot recipe braised with country ham, shallots, white wine, and bouquet garni. Petit-gris snails cooked low and slow in a rich, savory sauce.

Fresh citrus and pineapple salsa with orange, jalapeño, cilantro, green onion, and lime zest. A bright, no-cook fruit salsa for grilled fish, chicken, or chips.

Mayo-free pasta salad with marinated artichoke hearts, alfalfa sprouts, black olives, and red wine vinegar. The artichoke marinade doubles as the dressing in this tangy, make-ahead side.

Lentil and yogurt soup with orange lentils, bacon, mushrooms, and ground coriander, finished with a swirl of low-fat yogurt. Hearty, warming, and lighter than it tastes.

Marbled herbed chicken pate with sweet leek and shallot, swirled with a spinach-basil layer. A silky French-style mousseline for elegant entertaining.

This no-cook SPAM dip blends minced SPAM with cream cheese, sour cream, dill, basil, and paprika for a savory spread that's ready after a quick chill. Scoop it up with crackers or Doritos for easy party snacking.

Melitzanosalata, a Greek roasted eggplant dip with garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Smoky, tangy, and rustic, served cold with bread or grilled meats.

Marinated fresh mushrooms in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and tarragon. A make-ahead appetizer that improves over 1-2 days in the fridge.

Chinese mixed fruit dessert with grass jelly cubes, lychee, and mandarin oranges. Refreshing 3-ingredient cold dessert, perfect for hot summer days.

A lighter cheese ball made with Neufchatel, reduced-fat cheddar and Swiss, spiked with horseradish and Dijon mustard. Rolled in fresh parsley and served with crackers. No cooking required.

Japanese pickled asparagus marinated in miso paste and dry mustard for a tangy, umami-rich side dish or appetizer.

A savory cheesecake appetizer with crumbled bacon and sauteed onions in a rich cream cheese filling on a walnut cracker crust. Serve with crackers for a showstopping starter.

Polenta crostini topped with a savory porcini and cremini mushroom sauce. Crisp broiled polenta rounds stand in for bread, making this Italian appetizer naturally gluten-free.