Appetizer recipe collection

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Greek stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) filled with ground lamb, pine nuts, fresh mint, parsley, and lemon juice, then baked in water until tender. A classic Mediterranean appetizer.

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.

Pecan cheese crisps made with sharp cheddar, dry mustard, and cayenne. A slice-and-bake savory cracker that makes 84 crispy, cheese-packed rounds.

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.

Classic Cantonese siu mai with ground pork, dried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and green onions, wrapped in open-top dumpling skins and steamed until juicy. Dim sum at home.

Red-cooked eggs simmered in dark soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil until deeply colored. A Chinese appetizer served with a hoisin and oyster sauce dip.

Microwave roast stuffed turkey cooks a whole 12-pound bird in a fraction of the oven time: breast-down first, then flipped, then rested to reach safe temperature.

Microwave roast turkey with pan gravy cooks a 12-pound bird in under 90 minutes using the breast-down, breast-up method. A speedy small-kitchen solution for holiday dinner without tying up the oven.

Whole garlic heads roasted in chicken broth with fresh thyme until soft and spreadable. Served with creamy goat cheese and toasted sourdough bread.

Baked salmon and whitefish pâté with cream, eggs, wine-softened onions, coriander, and nutmeg. A classic French-style terrine cooked in a water bath and served cold with toast or crackers.

Chilled Scandinavian raspberry soup, a silky cold fruit soup brightened with orange and lemon and a splash of white wine. Served cold over fresh orange sections with a swirl of sour cream and mint.

Cold seafood dip built on the surprise of sea cucumber, blended into a fluffy mix of cream cheese and whipped heavy cream. Three ingredients, served chilled with potato chips or crackers.

Sharp cheddar sesame cheese ball with Worcestershire sauce, pimentos, and scallions, rolled in toasted sesame seeds. A make-ahead appetizer for parties and holidays.

Smoky mushroom tart with sauteed shiitake and button mushrooms layered over smoked mozzarella in a blind-baked butter pastry shell, topped with Asiago and walnuts.

Smoky salmon cheese ball made with canned salmon, cream cheese, horseradish, and liquid smoke, rolled in pecans and parsley. A no-cook make-ahead appetizer for parties.