Appetizer Recipes

Crostini topped with roasted red pepper strips and smoked mozzarella, broiled until the cheese melts into toasted baguette. Four ingredients for an easy Italian appetizer where the smoky cheese steals the show.

Layered Mexican dip with refried beans, mashed avocado, taco-seasoned sour cream and yogurt, cheddar, and fresh tomatoes. No-cook party appetizer ready in 10 minutes.

Pizza muffins top split English muffins with sauce, cheese, ham, and pineapple, then broil until bubbly. A 5-minute after-school snack or lazy-night dinner.

Garlic cheese and walnut dip with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, curry, paprika, chili powder, and fresh dill. An unexpectedly spiced party dip with real crunch from chopped walnuts. No cooking needed.

Marinated grilled portobello mushrooms in an olive oil vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. Three cooking methods included: grill, broil, or bake.

Guacamole with serrano heat, white onion, and a surprise hit of pureed zucchini for body. Mexican-style avocado dip finished with tomato, green onion, and cilantro garnish.

Polenta triangles with green chiles, roasted red peppers, corn, and sharp cheddar. Cooked polenta set in a pan, sliced into triangles. Stovetop or microwave method.

Pumpkin ravioli stuff fresh egg pasta with a Parmesan, amaretti, and nutmeg pumpkin filling, then toss in browned butter. Northern Italian Mantua-style autumn pasta with sweet-savory crumbs.

Homemade jalapeno cheese crackers with cheddar, cornmeal, and chili powder. Crispy, spicy, and buttery with real jalapeno pieces baked right into the dough.

Onion and mushroom bhajis are Indian-style fritters dipped in spiced yogurt batter and deep-fried golden. Crisp, vegetarian appetizer with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili. Makes 10 fritters.

Louse Ma Thoom is a Lebanese mushroom and almond pate: earthy sauteed mushrooms, garlic and thyme ground with toasted almonds into a rich, vegan spread for crackers, pita and crusty bread. A meatless meze star.

Mini crab cakes baked in muffin tins with a panko-parmesan crust and creamy cream cheese filling. Lemon-orange-scented appetizer bites for cocktail parties, showers, and holiday gatherings.

Pita pizza bites loaded with mushrooms, red onion, bell pepper, and melted mozzarella. Split, top, and bake in 20 minutes for a quick vegetarian appetizer.

Creamed lobster and clams in a white wine cream sauce with mushrooms and a touch of cayenne. Served in warm pastry shells for an elegant appetizer.

Microwave-steamed globe artichokes with a zesty mustard dipping sauce made with brown mustard, Italian dressing mix, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.

A simple and scrumptious salsa dip that doesn't take a lot of effort to make or even enjoy!