294 appetizer recipes

Crisp steamed asparagus on baby lettuce with toasted hazelnuts and a tarragon-Dijon vinaigrette made with hazelnut oil. An elegant make-ahead salad or appetizer.

South African samoosa filling with mixed vegetables, curry leaves, cumin, turmeric, and green chili. A fragrant, spiced vegetable mixture ready to stuff into pastry triangles for traditional Indian-style samosas.

Crisp mixed greens meet crunchy vegetables in a creamy sesame-peanut dressing spiked with lime and ginger. Roasted peanuts add texture while brown rice syrup brings subtle sweetness to balance the tangy, garlicky Asian-inspired flavors.

Cashew nut risotto with basmati and wild rice, mushrooms, red pepper, peas, and Parmesan. A British-style rice dish from legendary cook Marguerite Patten.

Gateaux piments, Mauritian chilli cakes made from soaked chana dal, green chilies, turmeric, and fresh herbs. Deep-fried into crispy golden fritters.

Sicilian-style caponata with tender eggplant, olives, capers, and tomatoes in a tangy vinegar sauce. Make it ahead and serve cold as a rustic Italian appetizer.

A bright Moroccan salad from Essaouira with smoky grilled green peppers, ripe tomatoes, cool cucumber, and hot chilies dressed in olive oil, lemon, and cumin. Refreshing, bold, and unmistakably North African.

A golden, puffy soufflé filled with tender zucchini (or spinach), nutty Gruyère, and fresh parsley. Vegetarian, elegant, and easier than you think. Serve it straight from the oven for maximum wow factor.

Paupiettes de bananes: whole bananas wrapped in ham, baked in cream with Parmesan and paprika until golden. A surprising French appetizer ready in 30 minutes.

Fresh cucumber rounds hollowed out and filled with roasted eggplant paté blended with almonds, garlic, and parsley. A cool, elegant vegetarian appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.

Peppery mozzarella salad with beefsteak tomatoes, avocado, and shallots in a crushed green peppercorn and lemon dressing. Marinated one hour for bold flavor.

Orange appetizers layered with thin red onion, parsley, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. A fresh, no-cook Moroccan-inspired citrus salad starter.

Candied spiced walnuts or pecans coated in orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and powdered sugar, then baked until dry and crunchy. A festive holiday snack or handmade gift.

Curried beef meatballs with almonds and water chestnuts, fried crisp and served in a sweet-and-sour pineapple curry sauce. A crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties.

Try something quick and new for breakfast with this scrumptious dish that's tasty down to the last bite.

Layered Tex-Mex dip with bean dip, guacamole, taco-seasoned sour cream, tomatoes, olives, and sharp cheddar. A no-cook party platter that feeds a crowd in 15 minutes.