Appetizers Recipes

Find appetizer recipes including cheeses, dips, spreads, and salsas to start your meal or dinner party off right.

    Wild Mushroom Toast

    A perfect side for steak or grilled veal or lamb chops is this Wild Mushroom Toast.

    Watermelon Sweet Onion Salsa

    Serve his recipe for Watermelon Sweet Onion Salsa with tortillas chips or use as a topping for grilled fish or chicken breasts.

    Vegetarian Habanero Chile Chili

    You'll get a kick out of this recipe for vegetarian habanero chile chili. Use just one of the habanero chiles if you like chili with a bearable kick; add more if your diners are eager to sweat!

    Vegetable Cheese Terrine

    A vegetable side dish with eggplant, zucchini, red, yellow and and orange bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, and shredded Jarlsberg cheese and tomato juice.

    Chicken Wings Gorgonzola

    Homemade chicken wings taste so much better with a creamy gorgonzola dressing. Try preparing this easy chicken wing recipe as an appetizer or for your next party.

    Prosciutto and Salami Wrapped Fruits

    Elegant and simple, this appetizer recipe for sweet and salty Prosciutto and Salami Wrapped Fruits offers suggestions for an infinite variety of fruit variations.

    Beef Crostini with Pepper

    Put the goat cheese mixture on a piece of toasted Italian or French bread, add a piece of roast beef, and top with pepper jelly to make this event-worthy beef crostini recipe.

    Watermelon Salsa

    Serve this watermelon salsa as a bed for grilled fish or chicken or mix with canned black beans for a quick bean salad.

    Roasted Edamame

    Edamame are a favorite at sushi bars. Serve this Roasted Edamame recipe hot as a vegetable side dish or cooled as a snack.

    Potato and Apple Pancakes with Creme Fraiche

    Perfect for Hanukkah these Potato and Apple Pancakes with Crème Fraiche are a perfect way to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Try pairing it with applesauce in addition to the crème fraiche.

    Caraway Cheese Spread

    This recipe for Caraway Cheese Spread is an ideal mixture for a cocktail spread; simply surround it with crackers and sliced apples and serve.

    Mushroom and Spinach Potstickers

    Savor the flavor in these dumplings in this Mushroom and Spinach Potstickers recipe.

    Soy Nut Apricot Spread

    A fabulous substitute for peanut butter, this Soy Nut Apricot Spread can be used on whole-grain bread, crackers, or on apple or pear slices.

    Mango Dessert Sauce

    Enjoy this Mango Dessert Sauce recipe warm or chilled over ice cream desserts, fresh fruit, cheesecake, pancakes or waffles, or spooned over a dessert souffle.

    Quince Chutney

    Serve this delightful recipe for Quincy Chutney as an accompaniment to roast pork or stir a few tablespoons together with some cooked chicken and mayonnaise for a quick chicken salad.

    Black-eyed Pea Habanero Dip

    Spicy and exotic, enjoy this recipe for Black-eyed Pea Habanero Dip. If elephant garlic is unavailable, substitute 2 cloves of regular garlic.

    Braised Fennel with Pancetta

    Savor the taste with this recipe for Braised Fennel with Pancetta. Pancetta is the Italian version of bacon, although less smoky.

    Braised Fennel With Shallots and Mushrooms

    Mushroom lovers will savor this recipe for Braised Fennel With Shallots and Mushrooms. You can use just about any type of dried mushrooms for this dish.

    Garlic and Dried Tomato Bruschetta

    Tantalize your tastebuds with this recipe for garlic and dried tomato bruschetta. To soak the sun-dried tomatoes, place in a bowl with boiling water to cover and let soak until softened.

    Hot Mushroom Salad

    For an exotic Asian flavor, savor this mushroom salad dish. This hot salad could be a first course or a side dish to chicken or fish.

    Japanese Vegetable Tempura

    For a delicious appetizer, enjoy this recipe for Japanese vegetable tempura. Serve with soy sauce or purchased tempura sauce for dipping. Make sure all the vegetables are cut in bite-sized pieces for quick frying and easy eating.

    Sauteed Jerusalem Artichoke Medley

    Tantalize your taste buds when you stir up this recipe for sauteed Jerusalem artichoke medley. Jerusalem artichokes, also called sunchokes, discolor quickly after cutting so keep them in the water-lemon juice mixture until you're ready.

    Salsify With Curry Sauce

    Served with roast pork or another favorite, this recipe for salsify with curry sauce will salsify. Salify has a light brown skin with a creamy interior and is slightly larger than a carrot. If unavailable, this recipe could be made with parsnips.

    Chicken and Black-Eyed Pea Chili

    This recipe for chicken and black-eyed pea chili is a nifty twist on the same old chili.

    Broccoli & Wild Rice Casserole

    Comfort your taste buds when you prepare this recipe for broccoli and wild rice casserole.

    Cheese-Stuffed Chiles

    For a spicy appetizer treat, try this recipe for cheese-stuffed chiles. Make sure the chiles and filling are very cold before attempting to slice them, or the filling will ooze out.

    Roasted Corn & Chile Relish

    Serve this roasted corn and chile relish recipe as a vegetable, side salad, or as an accompaniment to meat or chicken.

    Salsa Cascabel

    Cascabel chiles are a small, round dried chile with seeds that rattle when the chile is shaken, hence the name cascabel or "jingle bell." Use this spicy salsa recipe on poultry or seafood.

    Tabasco Chile Salsa

    Use this basic tomato salsa on tacos, burritos, tostadas or grilled chicken or fish. If Tabasco chiles are not available, use crushed red pepper flakes or another small red dried chili.

    Bulgur-Stuffed Hubbard Squash

    Use half of a 3 to 4 pound Hubbard squash for this hearty autumn recipe. Bake the other half of the squash and use later in the week for a puree or soup.

    Fresh Mushroom-Onion Tart

    Maui onions add a wonderfully rich, sweet flavor to this savory Fresh Mushroom-Onion Tart recipe. Cut the pie into thin wedges for an appetizer, or serve as a sensational first course.

    Kabocha Squash with Tomato, Olives and Mozzarella

    Kabocha squash are a winter squash variety, with a dark green to black skin and weigh about 3 pounds. Try this easy recipe for Kabocha Squash topped with tomato, olives and mozzarella.

    Marinated Pearl Onions

    For a unique appetizer or side dish, enjoy and share this recipe for marinated pearl onions. Make this recipe fancier by serving the marinated onions on skewers.

    Potatoes with Shallot-Garlic-Onion Relish

    This flavor-filled relish is a fabulous condiment not only for potatoes, but also for roast beef, cold sandwiches, burgers and steaks, grilled meats and poultry or to stuff omelets.

    Roasted Squash with Blue Cheese Butter

    Use a heartier winter squash to pair with the robust flavor of the blue cheese in this roasted squash recipe.

    Butternut Squash Fritters

    This recipe for Butternut Squash Fritters can be made with any type of sweet winter squash including acorn, Kabocha, Hubbard or sugar pumpkin. Serve with spicy chutney for dipping.

    Spinach-Stuffed Polenta

    Serve these delicious morsels of spinach-stuffed polenta as a first course, or an unusual side dish recipe with a meat, poultry or fish entree. If serving as a first course, you can make it more elegant by spooning some heated marinara sauce.

    Quick Vegetarian Potstickers

    Using prepared veggie burger patties cuts down the preparation time for this recipe for quick vegetarian potstickers.

    Sweet Corn and Pork Skewers

    You can make creative substitutes when you enjoy this recipe for Sweet Corn and Pork Skewers.

    Corn on the Cob with Barbecue Butter

    Create a tangy spin on a tradition with this recipe for corn on the cob with barbeque butter.

    Sweet Pepper Salad

    Serve this recipe for sweet pepper salad as a quick lunch with some crusty bread or warm pitas or as a first course for an Italian-themed dinner party.

    Roasted Garlic

    This recipe for Roasted Garlic can be used in any of your favorite dishes.

    Three Onion Tart

    Taleggio is an Italian dessert cheese, but here Nancy Harmon Jenkins uses it to make a rich sauce for a savory three onion tart.

    Onion, Pancetta and Gorgonzola Tart

    Nick Stellino serves thin slices of this rich Onion, Pancetta and Gorgonzola Tart at the beginning of the meal, or larger slices with a green salad for a light main course recipe.

    Sausage and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms

    You can't make too many of these cocktail hour favorites. This recipe for Sausage and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms also make an elegant accompaniment for a holiday pork roast.

    Pork Apple Meatballs

    Serve this recipe for Pork Apple Meatballs as an hors d'oeuvres or even a main course, over buttered noodles.

    Pork and Crab Dumplings

    Wonton wrappers can be found in the produce section of the supermarket. Try this Pork and Crab Dumplings recipe and make these elegant and irresistible appetizers.

    Peachy Ham Kabobs

    This recipe for Peachy Ham Kabobs is perfect for the kids to put together, and no cooking is involved. A great snack for after school or for cocktail hour.

    Pork Pot Stickers

    The aroma and flavors of these addictive appetizers are worth the many steps involved in making them. Enjoy this recipe for Pork Pot Stickers.

    North Beach Pork Bocconcini

    This recipe for North Beach Pork Bocconcini features "Little bites" redolent of Mediterranean flavors become an easy favorite for hot appetizers. North Beach is the renowned San Francisco Italian neighborhood.

    Ham Fruit Bites

    Tropical fruits like papaya and kiwi marry nicely with mild ham in this delicious recipe for Ham Fruit Bites.

    Pork Liver Pate

    This subtly flavored Pork Liver Pate recipe is easy to pull together and will become a classic in your hors d'oeuvres repertoire.

    Easy Sausage Empanadas

    This recipe for Easy Sausage Empanadas will disappear quickly from the appetizer table, so plan for a double batch.

    Barbecued Ribs

    This delicious recipe for Barbecued Ribs packs an extra punch with a touch of cayenne pepper.

    Quick and Easy Cornish Pasties

    Perfect for tailgates, picnics, or dinner, this recipe for Quick and Easy Cornish Pasties is of oversized turnovers that hit the hungry spot. Accompany with cole slaw, chips and brownies.

    Cocktail Ham Sandwiches

    Revive this favorite appetizer for Cocktail Ham Sandwiches from the '50s for your crowd.

    Chinese-Style Spareribs

    You will love the juicy, sweet flavor that this recipe for Chinese-Style Spareribs delivers.

    Cheesy Sausage Bites

    This easy hors d'ouevres recipe for Cheesy Sausage Bites take just minutes to prepare.

    Sausage-Stuffed Mushroom Caps

    This recipe for Sausage-Stuffed Mushroom Caps is easy to put together, stunning on the appetizer table and likely to disappear quickly.

    Cajun Grilled Ribs

    Spice up your grill with the delicious flavor of this recipe for peppery Cajun Grilled Ribs.

    Bacon Wrapped Dates

    Smoky, salty bacon enrobes a sweet, earthy date for a flavor combination that is irresistible in this recipe for Bacon Wrapped Dates.

    Apricot Sauced Ribs

    Serve this recipe for Apricot Sauced Ribs with cole slaw, watermelon, and cornbread for a tasty summer meal.

    Rice Balls with Four Cheeses (Arancine)

    Enjoy a Mediterranean taste sensation when you prepare this recipe for Rice Balls with Four Cheeses (Arancine).

    Cheese Wafer Crisps

    This simple recipe for Cheese Wafer Crisps couldn’t be easier to make.

    Calypso Strawberry Mango Salsa

    This easy-to-make recipe for Calypso Strawberry Mango Salsa is a creative alternative to tomato salsa.

    Strawberry Chutney

    This fresh recipe for Strawberry Chutney is quickly made. It makes a refreshing, light appetizer for lunch or serve it as a snack.

    Strawberry Nachos

    This low-fat recipe treat for Strawberry Nachos makes a pretty summer dessert or a simple afternoon snack.

    Rosy Strawberry Soup

    This beautiful recipe for Rosy Strawberry Soup makes a wonderful first course, dessert or snack.

    California Skinny Dips

    Serve this low-fat recipe for California Skinny Dips at your next dinner party.

    Strawberry Brie

    This simple cheese-based appetizer recipe for Strawberry Brie is made sweet with the addition of ripe strawberries.

    Strawberry Chicken Salad

    This recipe for Strawberry Chicken Salad is a variation to a good, basic salad.

    Sparkling Strawberry Wine Soup

    This elegant recipe for Sparkling Strawberry Wine Soup can be served before the main course.

    Strawberry Soup with Strawberry Sorbet and Pound Cake Croutons

    This recipe for Strawberry Soup with Strawberry Sorbet and Pound Cake Croutons is a delightful low-fat summer dessert.

    Summertime Fruit Salad

    Serve this recipe for Summertime Fruit Salad as an appetizer or a refreshing side dish.

    Strawberry and Stilton Salad

    Serve this recipe for Strawberry and Stilton Salad as an appetizer or a refreshing side dish.

    Strawberry Summer Salad

    Serve this recipe for Strawberry Summer Salad as an appetizer or a refreshing side dish.

    Strawberry Antipasto

    This recipe for Strawberry Antipasto is a low-fat version that substitutes fruit for the vegetables.

    Strawberry Fruit Skewers

    Consider this refreshing recipe for Strawberry Fruit Skewers as an addition to your picnics and barbecues.

    Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad

    Serve this recipe for Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad as an appetizer or a refreshing side dish

    Strawberry Chef's Salad

    Serve this recipe for Strawberry Chef's Salad as a refreshing lunch with French bread.

    Strawberry Breakfast Pizza

    Using refrigerated biscuits makes this recipe for Strawberry Breakfast Pizza a cinch to make.

    Strawberry and Cottage Cheese Pockets

    Serve these Strawberry and Cottage Cheese Pockets as a recipe for a light lunch or a healthy snack.

    Herbed Pork Rillettes

    A classic French country favorite, rillettes is a meat-or-game-based country pate. This recipe for Herbed Pork Rillettes is an easy version.

    Maple Mustard Pork Ribs

    The ingredient list is short but this recipe for Maple Mustard Pork Ribs is long on flavor.

    Jumbo Potstickers

    Make your own dough with this Graham Kerr recipe for Jumbo Potstickers and fill these dumplings with shrimp or other filling of your choice.

    Jumbo Potsticker Disks in Thai Hot and Sour Soup

    This fast soup recipe for Jumbo Potsticker Disks in Thai Hot and Sour Soup from Graham Kerr is a great way to use up left-over dumplings.

    Stuffed Swiss Chard Leaves

    Graham Kerr uses this recipe for Stuffed Swiss Chard Leaves as a versatile smoked turkey stuffing.

    Oxtail and Barley Soup

    Graham Kerr prepares this recipe for Oxtail and Barley Soup with an array of vegetables to create a rich hearty winter soup.

    Beautiful Soup

    This recipe for Beautiful Soup is a great winter soup filled with grains, beans, and vegetables, courtesy of Graham Kerr.

    Warm Spinach Salad with Jarlsberg Cheese

    Enjoy the wide-spaced eyes and nutty flavor of a special cheese when you enjoy this recipe for Warm Spinach Salad with Jarlsberg Cheese.

    JoAnna Lund's Shrimp Caesar Salad

    This easy and low-fat recipe for JoAnna Lund's Shrimp Caesar Salad only has 9 ingredients.

    Ham Spinach Dip

    This JoAnna Lund recipe for Ham Spinach Dip is a low-fat version of the traditional spinach dip we all know.

    Vegetable Dip

    You'll never miss the fat from the traditional dip when you prepare this delicious JoAnna Lund recipe for Vegetable Dip.

    Citrus and Sweet Onion Salad

    Enjoy the unique flavor of sweet onions when you enjoy this recipe for Citrus and Sweet Onion Salad.

    Italian Kidney Bean Salad

    If you like kidney beans and pasta, you will love this JoAnna Lund quick recipe for Italian Kidney Bean Salad.

    Caramelized Garlic

    The smoke from the grill gives the garlic added flavor in this recipe for Caramelized Garlic.

    Hirsch's Grilled Corn On The Cob

    The herbs and spices liven up the flavors and add an interesting spin on basic roasted corn in this delicious recipe for Hirsch's Grilled Corn On The Cob.

    Grilling Clams

    Grilling clams is easier than you think - they will simply pop open when ready. You can also use the technique with other mollusks such as mussels.

    Mushroom Bruschetta

    This Mushroom Bruschetta is an easy appetizer recipe to make for an outdoor party.

    Grilled Tomatoes

    George Hirsch uses cilantro for this recipe for Grilled Tomatoes, but you can use any fresh herb.

    Salmon Spring Rolls

    George Hirsch creates a twist on the classic spring roll with this recipe for Salmon Spring Rolls.

    Sesame Ginger Soup With Scallops

    Scallops are gently poached and flavored with garlic, ginger and soy in this George Hirsch reciipe for Sesame Ginger Soup With Scallops.

    Mushroom Chowder

    A combination of grilled, fresh and dried mushrooms are cooked together to form a hearty and healthy stew in this George Hirsch recipe for Mushroom Chowder.

    Andouille Sausage Fritatt

    You may use the filling of your choice when you try this recipe for Andouille Fritatta from George Hirsch.

    Beer and Onion Soup

    The addition of beer to this classic George Hirsch recipe for Beer and Onion Soup adds another dimension of flavor which compliments the caramelized onion.

    Duck Tostadas

    George Hirsch uses duck for this recipe for Duck Tostadas but you can use leftover chicken or turkey.

    Cilantro Shrimp Nachos

    This recipe for Cilantro Shrimp Nachos is great to kick off a summer party.

    Jerk Chicken Wings

    George Hirsch combines a medley of spices to entice in this recipe for Jerk Chicken Wings.

    Polenta with Sausage

    Enjoy the taste of carmelized garlic when you savor this George Hirsch recipe for Polenta with Sausage.

    Herb and Goat Cheese Souffle

    In this recipe for Herb and Goat Cheese Souffle, Jacques Pepin's secret to serving a soufflè is the timing.

    Apple and Potato Puree

    Jacques Pepin suggests mashing the apples and potatoes by hand for a chunky texture in this recipe for Apple and Potato Puree.

    George Hirsch's Spicy Sauteed Shrimp

    Treat you guests to a hot and saucy treat with this recipe for George Hirsch's Spicy Sauteed Shrimp.

    George Hirsch's Pizza Roll

    Enjoy a delightful combination of prosciutto, mozzarella and basil with this recipe for George Hirsch's Pizza Roll.

    George Hirsch's Pizza Salad

    George Hirsch's Pizza Salad is a fun way to serve a salad. The un-garnished pizza dough in this recipe serves as a platter for a crisp salad.

    Shrimp Risotto with Basil

    Chef George Hirsch adds fresh basil and whole shrimp to a basic risotto to make a hearty first course or light main in this recipe for Shrimp Risotto with Basil.

    Grilled Ribs with Cajun Rub

    Add a little kick to your mixed grill when you enjoy this George Hirsch recipe for Grilled Ribs with Cajun Rub.

    George Hirsch's Quick Bro

    This tasty George Hirsch recipe for George Hirsch's Quick Broccoli Slaw makes a nice alternative to the usual shredded cabbage slaws.

    George Hirsch’s Fusilli with Conch and Calamari

    To prepare this recipe for George Hirsch’s Fusilli with Conch and Calamari, Look for both conch and scungilli (most likely frozen) in Italian, Chinese or fish markets.

    Grilled Scallop and Pineapple Kebobs

    In this recipe for Grilled Scallop and Pineapple Kebabs, George Hirsch calls these sweet and tangy kebabs “Candy on a Stick.”

    Crepes with Berries

    George Hirsch’s recipe for Crepes with Berries createsa meal topped with vanilla yogurt and toasted sliced almonds.

    Portuguese Green Soup

    The combination of potatoes and sausage is Nick Stellino’s nod to Portuguese cooking in this recipe for Portuguese Green Soup.

    Onion Soup with Gorgonzola and Prosciutto

    Nick Stellino’s pungent recipe for Onion Soup with Gorgonzola and Prosciutto was inspired by soup he tasted while on a trip to Northern Italy, a stone’s throw away from the Austrian border.

    Min's Roll

    Sushi lovers will savor this recipe for Min's Roll. This type of sushi dish is called a “maki roll,”

    Potato and Rutabaga Bisque

    In this recipe for Potato and Rutabaga Bisque, a delicious combination makes a tasty bisque soup topped with salmon tartar.

    Kaiso Toybox Seaweed Salad

    This Kaiso Toybox Seaweed Salad is presented in a box created with white asparagus - a unique recipe.

    The Gloucester House Boiled Lobster

    The famous Gloucester House Restaurant has been serving this recipe for The Gloucester House Boiled Lobster and other seafood dishes since they opened in 1946.

    Mussels with a Caribbean Flair

    Savor this recipe for Mussels with a Caribbean Flair from Julie Geary of Classic Cooks Catering. The key ingredients include sazon seasoning, Ranchero Sauce and fresh cilantro.

    Caprese Antipasto

    This recipe for Caprese Antipasto is a perfect appetizer or side salad when you have fresh tomatoes from the garden or from the store.

    Thai Chicken Salad

    This recipe for Thai Chicken Salad is considered to have a combination of "bright, balanced flavors" typical in much of Thai cooking.

    Chile Rellenos

    The secret to this recipe for Chile Rellenos is choosing a good poblano pepper and preparing it properly.