Appetizer Recipes

Otak otak: Southeast Asian fish mousse with a lemongrass-galangal-chili spice paste and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. Each packet holds a shrimp inside a fragrant, spiced fish paste.

Impossible cheddar and broccoli appetizers made with Bisquick, eggs, broccoli, corn, and walnuts. A self-crusting baked appetizer topped with melted cheddar, cut into bite-sized pieces.

Pickled red eggs steeped in beet juice, apple cider vinegar, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, and fresh ginger. Vibrant magenta with tangy, spiced flavor.

Veal chops Italienne: seared veal chops finished in a quick microwave tomato, oregano, and red wine sauce with a parmesan crust. Italian-style weeknight veal in under 30 minutes.

Hot crab meat canapes on crackers with lemon-cayenne mayo, warmed in the microwave until bubbly. A quick, elegant appetizer ready in 15 minutes.

Molded crab dip with cream cheese, cream of celery soup, scallions, and gelatin for a sliceable appetizer. Vintage party fare made for crackers.

Ham balls with Hawaiian Punch sauce: ground ham and pork meatballs in a sweet-tangy sauce built on the nostalgic red fruit punch, mustard, and dark corn syrup. Retro potluck gold.

Crispy baked Creole chicken wings rubbed with garlic, paprika, cayenne, and thyme, served with a sweet-tangy peach mustard dipping sauce. Game day gold.

Microwave cauliflower au gratin with a quick cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch. Ready in under 20 minutes using just a microwave, no oven needed.

Tuna pate blended with butter, lemon juice, and Tabasco, folded with minced shrimp, pimentos, and capers. A rich seafood spread that chills 24 hours and unmolds for serving.

Chinese cold jellyfish salad tossed with shredded rainbow vegetables, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. A banquet-style appetizer famous for its crunchy texture and minimalist dressing.

Tofu Caesar salad dressing made creamy with silken tofu instead of egg yolk and oil. Anchovy, garlic, lemon, and parmesan keep the classic Caesar punch with a fraction of the fat.

Creamy crab and clam dip with cream cheese and a kick of Tabasco, spread on melba rounds and warmed in the microwave. Ready in 10 minutes for easy party snacking.

Individual mushroom souffles built on a Parmesan bechamel with sauteed mushrooms, shallots, and a hint of mace. Baked in ramekins and served straight from the oven.

Greek stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) filled with ground lamb, pine nuts, fresh mint, parsley, and lemon juice, then baked in water until tender. A classic Mediterranean appetizer.

Crispy phyllo pastry nests filled with sauteed mushrooms, walnuts, soy sauce, and a hint of nutmeg. Elegant bite-sized appetizers that can be prepped weeks ahead.