161 appetizer recipes

Oktapodi maratho krasato is Greek braised octopus with fennel and tomatoes in red wine. Pounded tender, then slow-simmered until fork-soft. Served warm or cold.

Lightened potato skins with crispy russet shells, sharp cheddar, turkey bacon, and fresh chives, served with low-fat sour cream. All the steakhouse appetizer flavor, way less guilt.

A tangy, jewel-toned tomato aspic loaded with crunchy celery, green peppers, and green beans. This vintage molded salad brings old-school Southern charm to any potluck or holiday spread.

Vegetarian Chinese boiled dumplings (shwei jow) with handmade wrappers and a tofu, mushroom, and lily bud filling. Served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. Makes 24.

Baked Brie with a homemade cranberry-pear compote, honey, currants, and pumpkin pie spice. A warm, bubbly holiday appetizer served with melba rounds or sliced fruit.

Homemade hummus made from scratch with dried chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Cooked from soaked beans for a smoother, more flavorful dip than canned versions.

Pearl barley gets the risotto treatment with tender cauliflower florets and a splash of red wine in this hearty grain bowl that delivers creamy comfort without the constant stirring of Arborio rice.

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Five-spice tofu simmered in soy sauce, star anise, and molasses for a deeply savory, aromatic Chinese-style appetizer. Make-ahead and keeps in the fridge for a week.

Hearty green lentils simmer with warm spices and bright lemon in this silky Mediterranean soup that's both nourishing and budget-friendly for busy weeknights.

Classic Oysters Rockefeller baked on the half shell under a buttery spinach topping spiked with Pernod and anchovy, layered with crisp bacon and a browned breadcrumb crust. The New Orleans appetizer, done right at home.

A classic Persian eggplant salad layered with golden fried slices and cool, garlicky yogurt. Topped with chopped walnuts and served chilled, this borani is a showstopping appetizer or mezze spread.

A Roman-style spicy bruschetta with fresh parsley, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in olive oil and red wine vinegar. No tomatoes here, just a punchy herb topping on grilled country bread. Vegetarian.

Salami roll-ups with cream cheese, avocado, tomato, and lettuce in flour tortillas. No-cook appetizer sliced into pinwheels, perfect for parties. Make ahead and chill.

The sauce here is no kin whatsoever to the ketchupy stuff that too often swamps cold seafood; it's a good bet with cold shrimp or crabmeat, too.

Traditional Greek dolmas stuffed with rice, pine nuts, fresh herbs, cinnamon, and allspice, simmered in olive oil and lemon juice. This recipe makes about 50 stuffed grape leaves served at room temperature.