Appetizer Recipes

Avocado Torey is a quick no-cook avocado appetizer with scooped avocado balls on romaine, drizzled with a garlic-oregano vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine, and vinegar.

Avocado and scallop ceviche cures finely chopped scallops in lime juice and green peppercorns, then folds in mashed avocado and chives. Stuffed into raw mushroom caps brushed with garlic-lemon oil for a striking party appetizer.

Oven-baked risotto with peas, scallions, brown rice, and rosemary. A no-stir, hands-off Italian-style rice dish with no constant ladling required. Done in 45 minutes.

Crispy toast topped with a savory mix of crumbled bacon, chopped olives, sharp cheddar, and a hint of curry, then broiled until bubbly. A make-ahead appetizer that freezes beautifully.

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.

Greek-style phyllo triangles stuffed with seasoned ground beef, shallots, wine, mint, parsley, tomato, and cheese. Crisp, buttery kreatopitakia appetizers served hot from the oven.

Bay Head cream cheese spread with curry powder and garlic, mounded and topped with sweet Chinese duck sauce. A 5-minute cocktail party appetizer with surprising sweet-savory complexity.

Creamy, cheesy, satisfying! This quick and easy bean dip is my family's favorite go-to comfort food.

Beef and Cheese Log: a vintage cocktail party cheese log with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, dried beef, and a pecan crust. Sliced thin onto crackers. Make-ahead party staple.

Yeasted buckwheat blini made with whipped cream and egg whites folded into the batter for a light, fluffy pancake. Serve topped with caviar and creme fraiche.

Crispy, golden Indian potato bondas made with a genius shortcut: instant mashed potatoes! Spiced with mustard seeds, turmeric, ginger, and green chilies, then dipped in gram flour batter and fried until irresistibly crunchy.

Fiery Mexican-style roasted peanuts coated in egg whites, cayenne, and Worcestershire, then baked low and slow until crunchy and addictive. A spicy bar snack that disappears fast. Only 5 ingredients.

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.

Pork-stuffed cucumber rounds deep-fried until crisp, then braised in a savory soy-sherry sauce with sesame oil. A stunning Chinese appetizer or main dish.

Brandied cheddar spread blends sharp aged cheddar with brandy, butter, and cream for a smooth, boozy cocktail spread. Hints of nutmeg and cayenne add warmth. Makes about two cups for crackers.

Just vegetables, very healthy, especially when you are eating some meat!