146 appetizers tomato recipes

Belgian endive leaves filled with whipped cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, piped into elegant rosettes. A make-ahead appetizer that looks stunning on any party platter.

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.

Plum tomato tart on crisp phyllo layers with Dijon mustard, Parmesan, and fresh thyme-parsley-garlic oil. A shatteringly light French-style appetizer with dramatic tomato mosaic presentation.

Roasted red pepper spread with cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Vidalia onion, cumin, garlic, and cilantro. A smoky, creamy no-cook appetizer blended in the food processor and served chilled with crackers.

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.

White Castle sliders chopped and layered with salsa, nacho cheese, cheddar, and black olives, then baked and loaded with fresh toppings. The ultimate game day nacho casserole.

Homemade herb cheese spread with cream cheese, butter, parsley, chives, marjoram, and thyme. A simple make-ahead spread for crackers or veggie sandwiches.

Sun-dried tomato tapenade with capers, garlic, lemon, and herbes de Provence. Rehydrated, oil-cured for a week, then pulsed into a coarse Provencal spread.

Turkish-style cucumber and tomato salad with paper-thin onion, fresh dill, green chili peppers, and a lemon-vinegar dressing. A bright, crisp side dish.

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.

A stunning layered terrine of baked eggplant, ripe tomato wedges, and buffalo mozzarella set in a light tomato gelatin. Chilled, pressed, and sliced for an elegant appetizer.

Tiny baby zucchini halves hollowed out and stuffed with a sauteed filling of garlic, shallot, Roma tomatoes, and fresh parsley. An elegant room-temperature appetizer from the Silver Palate.

Classic Rotel cheese dip with just 2 ingredients: processed cheddar and a can of Rotel tomatoes with chiles. The ultimate game day queso ready in 15 minutes flat.

Littleneck clams steamed open in a quick garlic, crushed tomato, and fish stock sauce with oregano and fresh parsley. A Neapolitan classic that takes just 25 minutes from stovetop to table.

Vegan stuffed mushrooms filled with a fresh tomato, garlic, scallion, and chive salsa dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Light, bright, and no cheese needed.

Lamb tartare made from hand-ground loin mixed with bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, scallions, and red pepper flakes. A Lebanese-inspired kibbeh nayyeh appetizer.