Appetizer recipe collection

Norwegian sardine pate blends mashed sardines with cream cheese, lemon juice, and hot sauce into a smooth spread. Garnished with capers and served with toast.

Homemade Nuts and Bolts party mix with almonds, three cereals, pretzels, and cheese crackers baked in a Worcestershire-bacon dripping sauce. Makes 5 quarts for a crowd.

Nutty cheese brulee: warm Brie drizzled with fruit or chocolate ice cream topping and a scatter of toasted pecans, microwaved until soft and served with crackers and fresh fruit. A 3-minute appetizer.

Vegetarian brown rice and walnut pate with sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, and herbs baked in a loaf pan. Slice and serve chilled on lettuce for an earthy, satisfying appetizer.

Oktapodi maratho krasato is Greek braised octopus with fennel and tomatoes in red wine. Pounded tender, then slow-simmered until fork-soft. Served warm or cold.

Savory sherry cheese puffs: bite-size choux pastries filled with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, chopped green olives, and a splash of dry sherry. A retro cocktail-party appetizer.

Crispy onion bhaji with chickpea flour batter, cumin, cayenne, and fresh cilantro. A classic Indian street food appetizer fried golden and served with mango chutney.

Retro microwave hamburger casserole with ground beef, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, rice, soy sauce, and crunchy chow mein noodles. Classic 1970s weeknight comfort food.

Otak otak: Southeast Asian fish mousse with a lemongrass-galangal-chili spice paste and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. Each packet holds a shrimp inside a fragrant, spiced fish paste.

Plump oysters simmered in clam broth with cream, chili sauce, and butter, then ladled over crisp toast. This New York classic delivers rich, briny comfort in a single elegant bowl.

Cajun oyster pate with pimento-stuffed olives, bacon, hot sauce, and sweet relish blended into a smoky, briny spread. A bold appetizer served chilled on crackers.

Louisiana-style oyster and mushroom dip built on a blond roux with shallots, celery, garlic, and shucked oysters. Rich, briny, and ready for crackers or crudites.

Oysters in champagne sauce: plump shucked oysters cloaked in a silky butter-champagne sauce, broiled just until golden on a bed of rock salt. An elegant appetizer for New Year's Eve or any holiday table.

Oysters Lafitte: oysters on the half shell topped with crabmeat in dill cream and a tarragon béarnaise, broiled until golden. A French Quarter classic for the brave home cook.

Seafood lovers will love this tantalizing dish that is perfect for anytime of the year!

Oysters Rockefeller, the New Orleans classic appetizer with fresh oysters on the half shell topped with a rich spinach, scallion, and anchovy butter and broiled hot.