Appetizers/5 recipes

Easy bacon cheddar cheese ball with cream cheese, scallions and pimentos. Make-ahead New Year's party appetizer ready in 15 minutes, chill overnight.

Bell pepper rajas broiled with melted Monterey Jack cheese, black olives, and red pepper flakes. A colorful Mexican appetizer ready in 15 minutes flat.

Spicy peanut chili dip with soy sauce, lemon, garlic, and honey. A no-cook appetizer ready in 15 minutes, great with raw veggies or crackers.

Baked brie topped with spiced cranberry sauce, brown sugar, pecans, and a hint of rum extract. A gooey, 15-minute holiday appetizer that disappears fast.

Lemon-marinated shrimp and thick mushroom slices threaded on picks with a tangy tarragon-Dijon dressing. A low-fat party appetizer ready in 15 minutes.

Fresh pear halves filled with Roquefort cream blended with white wine and cayenne. An elegant no-cook appetizer or cheese course ready in 15 minutes.

Crostini topped with sweet pea pesto and halved cherry tomatoes. A 15-minute vegetarian appetizer that swaps frozen peas for basil, no blanching or expensive pine nuts required.

A bold Scottish appetizer: creamy Roquefort cheese pounded smooth with whisky, then chilled in earthenware pots. Just 2 ingredients, 15 minutes prep, and pure Highland flavor.

Marinated fresh mushrooms in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and tarragon. A make-ahead appetizer that improves over 1-2 days in the fridge.

Saucy franks in cranberry chili sauce made in the microwave with just three ingredients. A sweet-tangy hot dog appetizer ready in 15 minutes for parties and game days.

Fresh pear halves filled with raspberry liqueur cream cheese, topped with crushed pistachios and mint. An elegant no-cook appetizer or light dessert ready in 15 minutes.

Shrimp cheese pate with tiny Danish shrimp, soft cheese, sherry, and black pepper beaten until smooth. A no-cook Scandinavian-style appetizer spread ready in 15 minutes.

Pumpernickel pus lumps: a gross-out Halloween appetizer with whipped cream cheese and capers on toasted pumpernickel. Three ingredients, 15 minutes, and guaranteed to make kids squeal.

Cherry tomatoes stuffed with smoked oysters for an easy no-cook appetizer. Two ingredients, no cooking, and a smoky-sweet bite-sized snack ready in 15 minutes.

Classic 7-layer Mexican dip with jalapeño bean dip, guacamole, seasoned sour cream, and cheddar. A no-cook party appetizer ready in 15 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Hot crab dip with cream cheese, half-and-half, lemon, and Worcestershire warmed together in 15 minutes. Old-school chafing dish appetizer that pairs perfectly with buttery Ritz crackers.