Appetizer Recipes

Breaded and golden-fried goat cheese medallions are a great appetizer served with a drizzle of honey, garnished with sliced or diced peppers and spread on baguette slices. These little beauties would also be great atop a green salad.

This party mix is perfect for the holiday season or whenever you have company. It is subtly spiced with pops of sweetness from the raisins and combines corn, rice, and wheat boxed cereals for a flavor and texture combination that will surely be a hit at any gathering.

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.

Quick tuna rice casserole with cream of celery soup, carrots, and minute rice baked in 15 minutes. A fast pantry dinner when you need supper on the table now.

Loaded fajita nachos with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack, tomatoes, olives, and green onions. Broiled until bubbly. Serve as an appetizer or a full meal.

Chunky black bean dip with carrot, celery, garlic, and warm spices folded into sour cream. Half-mashed beans give body while whole beans add bite. No-cook party dip ready in 15 minutes.

Southern fried catfish, a classic with mustard-brushed fillets dredged in seasoned cornmeal and fried golden crisp. The crackling cornmeal crust is the whole point.

Silky duck liver mousse enriched with brandy, hazelnut liqueur, and a hint of nutmeg. Baked in a water bath until set, then spread on toasted French bread for an indulgent first course.

Button mushrooms simmered in a spicy Creole sauce with red wine, garlic, jalapeno, tomatoes, and oregano. A bold, low-calorie side dish ready in 25 minutes.

A dairy-free Greek spinach pie with homemade olive oil pastry, fresh spinach, curly endive, dill, scallions, and lemon zest. Traditional Lenten spanakopita, completely vegan.

Harvard beets in a sweet and tangy cornstarch glaze made in the microwave. Five ingredients, ready in minutes using canned beets. A classic New England side dish.

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

Savory mushroom strudel wrapped in crispy phyllo dough with Black Forest ham, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan. A golden, flaky appetizer that slices into elegant rounds.

Russian marinated herring (selyodka) layered in Mason jars with olives, dried chilis, coriander, mustard seeds, and a sweet vinegar brine. Ready after 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

Three mini cream puff fillings: smoked salmon mousse, curried caramelized onions, and a crab-cream cheese spread with red peppers. Ready to pipe into pate a choux for elegant hors d'oeuvres.

Bean fajitas: black beans, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion tossed with chili and cumin, rolled in warm tortillas with salsa, yogurt, and Monterey Jack. A vegetarian weeknight win.