Appetizer recipe collection

Black-eyed pea and rice salad with a Dijon red wine vinaigrette, grated carrot, and fresh herbs. A make-ahead vegetarian salad served at room temperature.

Bombay cashews roasted with freshly ground coriander, cumin, hot paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg. An addictive Indian-spiced snack that keeps for two weeks.

Cold microwave borscht with grated beets, lemon juice, and a chilled overnight rest. A streamlined Eastern European soup ready in 12 minutes of cook time, finished with cold sour cream.

Bourekakia me kremithakia freska are Greek phyllo appetizers filled with fresh scallions, dill, and olive oil, rolled into golden tubes, sliced, and sprinkled with sesame. A rustic meze that disappears fast at any party.

Vibrant beet dip pureed with soft tofu, apple cider vinegar, shallots, and herbs. A creamy vegan appetizer with stunning magenta color and earthy flavor, ready in 10 minutes.

Low-fat broccoli and mushroom dip made with cottage cheese, plain yogurt, garlic, and sauteed mushrooms. A lighter vegetable-packed party dip with creamy texture and no sour cream or mayo.

Microwave broccoli spears topped with a creamy lemon-ginger butter sauce made from scratch. A fast vegetable side dish with bright citrus flavor.

Broiled potato skins loaded with pepper jack cheese and crispy bacon, cut into bite-size pieces for game-day appetizers. A quick broil melts the cheese in two minutes.

Broiled vegetable medley with zucchini, eggplant, red peppers, and onion brushed in garlic-rosemary olive oil. A simple Mediterranean-style appetizer or side ready under the broiler in 10 minutes.

Cinnamon candied pecans with a crunchy egg white and sugar coating baked low and slow at 225F. Five ingredients and utterly addictive for snacking or gifting.

Two-ingredient caramel fondue made from melted caramel candy squares and water. Serve warm with apple chunks, marshmallows, and fruit for dipping, then roll in chopped nuts.

Caribbean guacamole: a tropical twist on classic guac with diced avocado, sweet papaya, lime, red chiles, and toasted coconut, served with crisp bread points. Island sunshine on a cracker.

Beef carpaccio: paper-thin raw filet mignon slices with a lemon-caper-mustard sauce, marinated mushrooms, and shaved Parmesan. The iconic Venetian appetizer.

Microwave cauliflower scramble with frozen cauliflower in cheese sauce, zucchini, tomatoes, and thyme. A quick vegetable side dish ready in 30 minutes with no stovetop needed.

Caviar kisses with salmon caviar on cucumber rounds topped with dill sour cream, served with buttered heart-shaped toast points. An elegant two-bite appetizer for special occasions.

Cayenne pepper wafers with Gruyere cheese, butter, and chopped walnuts. A savory, spicy slice-and-bake cracker for cocktail parties and cheese boards.