Ranch dressing pairs up well with sturdy lettuces, not delicate ones, which droop under its heft. Ours also makes a refreshing dip for blanched vegetables such as these mixed beans.
This taco dip is actually a combination of several different recipes I received from friends. I just experimented until I came up with my favorite. It's always a hit, no matter where I take it. -Faye Parker,...
Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and oregano make a savory spread for chopped tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil in this fun twist on a favorite appetizer. This grilled bruschetta gets rave reviews every time I...
Bring the bistro home with this classic recipe for steak tartare. The key to serving a restaurant-quality appetizer at your kitchen table is two-fold: First, buy the best quality beef tenderloin you can...
This spicy shrimp appetizer is a hit at every buffet I host. The fiery sauce clings to the succulent shrimp, which look so pretty arranged on a festive platter. Best of all, the shrimp can be easily prepared...
This shrimp appetizer couldn't be easier to make. Simply poach the shrimp in water, then tossed them with butter and Old Bay Seasoning, which provides the spark.
Simple-to-make appetizers are the key to easy entertaining. A five-ingredient marinade flavors these juicy and tender chicken wings. -Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida
My guests peeled rubber getting to the table to munch on Champion Chicken Puffs. These tender bites are made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream-cheese filling....
These cute kabobs from Pat Schmidt of Sterling Heights, Michigan will lend a little Italian flavor to any get-together. Cheese tortellini is marinated in salad dressing, then skewered on toothpicks along...
Three types of ground meat, aged cheese, and fresh herbs converge for a meatball that's light yet super flavorful, especially when paired with fresh tomato sauce.
We love finger foods in the South. For parties, I make mini burgers in advance and then wrap them in pastry, bake them and serve them with assorted sauces. -Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee
This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. -Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
These tangy cheese balls are guaranteed to spread cheer at your next gathering. The ingredients create a colorful presentation and a savory combination of flavors. -Shirley Hoerman, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Generous chunks of swordfish and salmon line up with cherry tomatoes in this easy seafood dinner recipe. Basil oil provides the extra flavor for the grilled kebobs.
Because I live in an area where there aren't many Chinese restaurants, I developed this Asian-inspired starter. A combination of soy and plum sauces, red wine, garlic and ginger create a full-bodied marinade...
Don't let the sinister name throw you -- these bacon-wrapped dates couldn't be more delicious. Martha takes them to the next level by stuffing the dried fruit with pungent Stilton.
I first served this dip during a Super Bowl party, and boy, did it disappear fast. It's a great addition to a snack table because it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to pop...
These golden brown plantain fritters are a favorite in West Africa, where my aunt served as a missionary for 45 years. Make sure the plantains are very ripe, or substitute bananas instead. -Heather Ewald,...
This is one of my all-time favorite appetizers. Fast and easy, the golden bites are always a huge hit. I make and freeze batches of them during asparagus season for dinner parties throughout the year....
Tangy hummus is perfect for parties or as a quick and healthful snack when served with a colorful array of fresh vegetables. Roasted garlic, fruity olive oil, and sesame tahini enliven the flavor.
When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. -Catherine Hollie, Cleveland,...
A friend shared this recipe with me more than 25 years ago, and I still get raves when I serve them as part of an antipasto platter. -Jean Johnson, Reno, Nevada
If you love Chinese food as much as I do, you'll appreciate this shrimp egg foo young that features all the flavor without all the fat and calories. The secret lies in using just the egg white instead...
These bacon-wrapped meatballs are a hit at whatever kind of party I make them for. The appealing aroma while baking is irresistible.-Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. -Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Give twice-baked potatoes a rest this year and try these stuffed spuds. Smoked salmon and cream cheese blended with lemon juice and dill are simply piped into small red potatoes. Leftovers are even good...
Pretzels, chips and veggies all taste awesome with this creamy blend of salmon, cheese and herbs. Thanks to a food processor, it's always ready in a hurry. -Jill Campbell, Huntsville, Texas
Asparagus makes lovely finger food, especially wrapped in pastry and tasty filling. Easily assembled, it's perfect for weeknight noshing or something a little fancier for entertaining. -Linda Hall, Evington,...
On-the-go families will love these pizza-flavored goodies. They're made in a wink with convenient refrigerated biscuits and a jar of prepared spaghetti sauce. -Kimberly Ledon, St. Marys, Georgia