Appetizer recipe collection

Parmesan squash cakes pan-sear crispy-edged patties of shredded yellow squash, shallot, parsley, and grated Parmigiano, then finish in the oven. A low-carb vegetarian side or brunch bite.

Classic Chex party mix with mixed cereal, pretzel sticks, and salted nuts baked in melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt. The original addictive holiday snack mix.

Spicy roasted almonds glazed with sherry, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Angostura bitters, then tossed with cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. An addictive cocktail party snack.

Russian chicken liver pate (pashtet) with butter, onions, garlic, and white bread baked into a smooth, rich spread. Served cold as an elegant appetizer.

Pâté de poulet en gelée layers poached chicken, broiled chicken livers, poached vegetables, and apple in individual aspic molds. Elegant French cold starter set in savory gelatin.

Pea and carrot salad with lovage tosses steamed fresh peas and baby carrots in a creamy mayo-yogurt dressing with Dijon mustard. The herb lovage adds a celery-like depth you won't get from parsley.

Pepperoni onion quiche with slow-cooked Vidalia onions, Swiss cheese, and a creamy egg custard made with half-and-half and yogurt in a pre-baked pastry shell.

Pheasant pate made from slow-roasted birds ground fine with hard-cooked egg, butter, sour cream, and grated onion. A smooth, spreadable game bird pate that freezes beautifully for hunting season.

Quick microwave pickled beets and cucumbers: canned beets, fresh cucumber, and onion in a sweet-tangy pickling spice brine. Refrigerator pickles ready for the table tomorrow.

Polish stuffed mushrooms filled with sauteed onion, chopped stems, hard-boiled egg, sour cream, and breadcrumbs, topped with Gouda cheese and baked until bubbly.

Crispy pinto bean cakes with jalapeno, cumin, cilantro, and liquid smoke, coated in cornmeal and pan-fried golden. A vegetarian main or appetizer served with fresh salsa.

Pistachio-stuffed mushrooms: mushroom caps filled with chopped stems, toasted pistachios, breadcrumbs, and marjoram, then broiled until golden and bubbling. A crunchy, nutty party appetizer in under half an hour.

Italian marinated sun-dried tomatoes preserved in olive oil with basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. A homemade antipasto topping for bread, pasta, and charcuterie boards.

Pon pon shredded chicken, the classic Sichuan cold dish: poached chicken shredded by mallet or hand, served over bean paste strips with a peanut butter, sesame, and chili oil dressing.

Pork and mung bean spring rolls: ground pork stir-fried with bean sprouts and onion, wrapped in egg roll skins, dipped in a Bisquick batter and deep-fried golden. American-Chinese style.

Raw rice mixed into ground beef meatballs creates porcupine-like spikes as they bake in tomato sauce. The rice cooks right in the sauce, soaking up flavor.