495 appetizer recipes

A South African-style spiced mince filling for samoosas: beef or mutton braised dry with jeera, ginger, garlic, turmeric, fresh coriander and mint. The keep-it-dry method that stops samoosas from going soggy.

Spanish pan con tomate with Serrano ham slow-roasts plum tomatoes for a sweet, garlicky spread piled onto toasted baguette and topped with thin slices of jamón. A classic tapas party platter.

Shrimp stuffed mushrooms with tarragon, cracker crumbs, and a buttered breadcrumb topping baked golden. A classic seafood appetizer that fills 24 caps in 35 minutes.

Chinese-style fried shrimp balls with minced shrimp, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and ginger, bound with egg white and cornstarch then deep-fried golden and crispy.

English muffin mini pizzas with mozzarella, tomato sauce, oregano, and your choice of pepperoni, sausage, anchovy, or mushroom toppings. Ready in 15 minutes in the microwave.

Sauteed mushrooms in garlic-sherry sauce, a Spanish tapas-style appetizer of mushrooms seared with garlic and chili, splashed with sherry, and finished with lemon and parsley. Quick, garlicky, and vegetarian.

Steak and shrimp wonton filling with marinated beef, lemon-kissed shrimp, water chestnuts, and cilantro. A surf-and-turf twist for fried or boiled dumplings.

Gefilte fish from a jar upgraded with fresh beets, carrots, and onions layered and simmered for 45 minutes. Bubbe's shortcut for holiday fish that tastes almost homemade.

Salsa de Linda is an easy, no-cook salsa: a coarsely blended tomato base loaded with chopped onion, peppers, and green chilies, then spiced with cumin, oregano, garlic, and cayenne. Ready for chips in 10 minutes.

Hamaguri Sakami are sake-seasoned clams served at room temperature in their shells with lemon. A minimalist Japanese appetizer that highlights the clean, briny sweetness of littleneck clams.

This tasty twist on salsa will have everyone coming back for more!

Smoky roasted eggplant spread with cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs. This low-fat appetizer dip is baked until silky smooth and packed with warm Middle Eastern spices.

Low-calorie stuffed mushrooms with Parmesan, Italian breadcrumbs, and parsley. No butter or oil needed. The moist caps roll in cheese crumbs for a crispy coating that bakes in 10 minutes.

Lobster chunks poached in herbed chicken broth with fresh mushrooms and garden vegetables, finished with lime juice. A light, elegant seafood dish ready in 30 minutes.

Sweet potato phoenix nests deep-fried between two sieves into crispy, golden lattice bowls. Just 3 ingredients and a stunning presentation for stir-fries or salads.

French style herbed cheese spreads softened cream cheese with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk into a five-minute Boursin-style appetizer for crusty bread or crackers.