161 appetizer recipes

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.

Flaky puff pastry pinwheels filled with sauteed mushrooms, Parmesan, and chervil. A make-ahead appetizer you can prep days in advance and bake fresh for any gathering.

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

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

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.

Kobeba samakeyah are Lebanese fish-filled bulgur croquettes seasoned with cumin and cilantro, deep-fried golden, and served with homemade tahini sauce. A Middle Eastern classic.

Crystal-clear dumpling wrappers reveal a savory filling of shrimp, pork, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. These bite-sized dim sum gems steam in just minutes and disappear even faster from the plate.

Low-fat marinated vegetable platter with crisp broccoli, carrots, celery, red pepper, olives, and artichoke hearts in tangy Italian dressing. Make-ahead appetizer that gets better as it chills.

Dolmades yialandzi are Greek stuffed grape leaves filled with herbed rice, dill, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. A vegetarian meze served cold as an appetizer or light main course.

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Escargots a la Cauderan: petits-gris snails braised in a ham, shallot, and white wine sauce from the Bordeaux tradition. A rustic French appetizer cooked low and slow.

Homemade cheese crackers made with sharp cheddar, flour, and butter, rolled thin and baked until crispy. Customize with curry powder, garlic salt, celery salt, or black pepper toppings.

Crispy vegetable turnovers with potato, cauliflower, carrots, and peas in a matzo meal crust. These samoosi make 20 golden appetizers that are vegetarian-friendly.

Edible flower salad with nasturtium leaves and blossoms layered over Vidalia onions and tomatoes, finished with celery and vinaigrette. Stunning and peppery.

Smoky andouille bathed in tangy barbecue sauce spiked with Southern Comfort, slow-simmered for hours until thick and rich for the ultimate party appetizer.