90 starter recipes

Spicy red chili sourdough biscuits with cheddar cheese, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and dried chilies. A tangy, fiery twist on classic drop biscuits.

Miniature pumpkin soup served in hollowed roasted pumpkin shells with sage, onion, and Parmesan. Dramatic individual-portion fall starter that doubles as edible tableware.

These quick and easy salmon patties are the perfect starter dish for any dinner party. With just a few ingredients, these golden brown and crispy patties are sure to impress.

Mary Rogers's sourdough biscuits use an overnight starter sponge for a tender, tangy biscuit with a soft crumb. A pioneer-style overnight rise that beats any quick biscuit hands down.

Mushroom focaccia tops plain focaccia bread with sauteed portobello slices, salty anchovy strips, fresh rosemary, and melted mozzarella. A 20-minute upgrade from store-bought bread to bistro-worthy starter.

Prosciutto-wrapped sea scallops broil on skewers over a bed of quickly wilted baby spinach in a bright lemon-zest vinaigrette. A sophisticated seafood starter that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Chilled carrot soup blended with orange juice, fresh nutmeg and chicken broth. A bright, low-calorie warm-weather starter served cold with an orange slice and mint. Six ingredients, blender-easy.

Sri Lankan clay pot curd, traditional set yogurt made from just milk and a spoonful of starter, cultured overnight in a clay pot for a thick, creamy curd. Drizzle with treacle for a classic dessert.

Friendship brandied fruit is a perpetual fermented fruit compote built over months by adding peaches, pineapple, cherries, sugar, and brandy to a starter. Spoon over ice cream, pound cake, or yogurt for an instant dessert.

Sourdough muffins made from an overnight sponge starter mixed with flour, sugar, and melted shortening. A simple way to use sourdough starter in muffin form.

Jellied consomme: a chilled, clear beef broth set with unflavored gelatin and spiked with sherry. An elegant retro summer starter served in cups with curried whipped cream.

Chinese spring rolls with ground pork, cabbage, bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots in crisp fried egg roll wrappers. A classic takeout starter you can pull off at home.

Excellent as a cold remedy and as a starter to an Indian meal.

This quick and tantalizing chicken stock is the perfect starter for soups and gravy.

These savory snacks are made with phyllo pastry sheets are great appetizers and conversation starters.

Having some friends over? Try this quick and tasty recipe that is a great conversation starter.