Appetizer recipe collection

Baked potato skins filled with chopped smoked salmon, sour cream, and topped with red or black caviar. An elegant four-ingredient appetizer that turns a humble potato into something luxurious.

Herb-marinated snails dipped in a light egg-white batter and fried golden. A crispy French appetizer with tarragon, chervil, chives, and parsley.

Beignets d'escargots: snails soaked in herbed olive oil, coated in airy egg-white batter, and fried until shatteringly crisp. A classic French appetizer worth the effort.

Classic British soused herrings slow-baked in a tangy bath of white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Marmite, and pickling spices. Served cold as a traditional pub-style appetizer.

Vegan soya bean paté with sautéed onions, tomato paste, black olives, parsley, and toasted sesame seeds. A high-protein spread for crackers or toast.

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.

A hearty grain salad of pinto beans and wild rice tossed with mixed greens in a punchy chive-garlic vinaigrette, garnished with chive blossoms. Vegan, filling, and full of texture.

Thick-cut potato spears brushed with mayonnaise and baked until golden and crispy. Just four ingredients and the crunchiest oven fries you'll ever make.

Smoky roasted eggplant mashed with fresh tomato, garlic, and a splash of red wine vinegar. This Odessa-style eggplant caviar is a rustic Russian appetizer that's just as good spread on pita as it is on dark rye bread.

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.

Crispy sesame-crusted cheese crackers made with just 3 ingredients: cheddar spread, Bisquick, and toasted sesame seeds. Slice-and-bake snacking at its easiest.

Marinated shrimp cocktail kebabs threaded with red bell pepper, green olives, and scallion daisies. The zesty lemon-garlic marinade with mustard and horseradish packs a bright punch. No cooking needed.

Orange ginger cream cheese dip blends cream cheese with sour cream, fresh orange juice, zest, and ground ginger. A sweet-savory five-ingredient dip for fruit, gingersnaps, or graham crackers. Ready in 10 minutes.

Note: In lieu of fresh trout, 1/2 lb cooked and flaked fish may be used. Make smaller protions and serve as an appetizer. Oatcakes that have been gently warmed in the oven go well with this dish.

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.

Tired of bringing the same thing to every party or event? Break out of your rut with this delicious festive herring spread!