Appetizer Recipes

Daube glace: the classic New Orleans cold beef aspic from Louisiana Creole tradition. Shredded pot roast suspended in jellied savory consomme with celery, lemon, and Tabasco. A summer Creole appetizer.

Deviled eggs with chunky salsa and crumbled bacon mixed into the yolk filling. A Southwestern twist on classic deviled eggs with just 4 ingredients and no cooking needed.

Thai-inspired crab salad tossed with lemongrass, fish sauce, lime juice, and cilantro, spooned into cool hollowed-out cucumber cups. A no-cook appetizer that's fresh, light, and packed with bright Southeast Asian flavors.

Devilled crabs with fresh-picked crab meat in a creamy mace-seasoned sauce with hard-boiled eggs, stuffed back into the shells and baked or deep-fried golden.

Dill pickles brine whole cucumbers in a hot vinegar, water, and salt solution with garlic and fresh dill. Old-fashioned canning jar pickles ready to crack open in 3 to 4 weeks.

Chickpea dip with 6 cloves of garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice pureed smooth. A tahini-free hummus-style appetizer served with pita bread, scallions, crackers, or red cabbage.

Chilled two-tone melon soup with cantaloupe and honeydew poured side by side for a striking orange-and-green presentation. A refreshing no-cook summer appetizer with sherry, citrus, and fresh mint.

Dried tomato crostini with sun-dried and fresh tomatoes, olives, capers, balsamic vinegar, and garlic on toasted baguette. An Italian bruschetta-style appetizer with optional melted cheese.

Orange fruit dip whipped from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange juice concentrate, lightened fluffy with whipped topping. A sweet, citrusy five-minute dip for apples, berries, and melon.

Easy quesadillas layer refried beans, Mexican cheese blend, and taco sauce between flour tortillas, microwaved until melty. A 10-minute snack or appetizer for game day, kids, or late-night cravings.

Four-ingredient salmon dip with canned sockeye, cream cheese, fresh lime and chopped onion. Easy make-ahead appetizer ready for crackers in five minutes of prep.

Sicilian eggplant caponata, a sweet-and-sour relish of roasted eggplant, onion, celery, tomato, capers, and raisins. Vegetarian, low-fat, and a classic Mediterranean antipasto.

This makes a dip that is delicious on raw vegetables or spread on French bread, and is good as an appetizer, snack or light lunch.

Roasted eggplant caviar dip with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a splash of soy sauce. A smoky, rustic Middle Eastern-style spread for pita or crackers.

Imam bayildi, Turkish stuffed eggplant braised in olive oil with a tomato, onion, currant, and allspice filling. Served cold after chilling overnight.

Smoky roasted eggplant spread with cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs. This low-fat appetizer dip is baked until silky smooth and packed with warm Middle Eastern spices.