Appetizers/25 recipes

Buttery shrimp seasoned with chili powder, paprika, and cumin served on golden toasted bread with fresh watercress. A quick Mexican-inspired appetizer ready in 25 minutes.

Cheesy asparagus Boboli pizza tops a pre-baked crust with cooked asparagus and a souffle-light mayo, Parmesan, and egg-white topping that puffs golden in the oven. A 25-minute spring appetizer pizza.

Crispy fried tofu served with a Thai-style peanut dipping sauce made from garlic, cilantro root, chili, and rice vinegar. A spicy, tangy vegetarian appetizer or snack ready in 25 minutes.

Asparagus spears roasted with olive oil and rosemary get wrapped in ribbons of smoked salmon for an elegant appetizer that's ready in 25 minutes.

Crispy fried asparagus won tons stuffed with chopped asparagus and water chestnuts. A crunchy, golden appetizer ready in 25 minutes. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Crispy baked chicken livers dipped in butter and bread crumbs, served with a tangy ketchup-mustard dipping sauce. A retro party appetizer ready in 25 minutes.

Baked clams on the half shell topped with a crispy tasso and Parmesan crust, drizzled with saffron sabayon. An elegant Cajun-inspired appetizer ready in 25 minutes.

Oysters warmed in a buttery sherry and steak sauce with lemon juice, lightly thickened and served from a chafing dish. A retro cocktail party appetizer ready in 25 minutes.

Boiled shrimp marinated overnight in a fiery herb oil with hot sauce, Old Bay, garlic, basil, oregano, and thyme. A bold, zesty appetizer that feeds a crowd. Makes 25.

Herbed chicken blended with Swiss, Parmesan, and mayo spread on English muffins, baked until bubbly and golden, then cut into quarters. A hot, savory appetizer ready in 25 minutes.

Bacon walnut feta focaccia tops a pre-baked flatbread with crisp bacon, toasted walnuts, briny feta, and green onions. A 25-minute appetizer or wine-night snack from a store-bought crust.

Roasted red pepper cheese toasts with herbed mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan on whole wheat bread. A quick vegetarian appetizer or snack ready in 15 minutes.

Open faced Reuben sandwiches baked with sauerkraut, corned beef, and melted Swiss cheese on dark rye toast. A quick appetizer or party snack ready in just 15 minutes.

Sausage balls with sharp cheddar and Bisquick, shaped walnut-sized and baked in 15 minutes. The classic Southern party appetizer with just 4 ingredients.

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

Broiled tomato mozzarella bruschetta with Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, capers, and balsamic vinegar on toasted Italian bread. Ready in 15 minutes as an appetizer or light meal.