Food

Stuffed Starters and Sides

August 10, 2013

Upgrade any meal with the addition of a flavor-packed stuffed appetizer or side dish. Onions turn into vehicles for fragrant spiced rice, while tomatoes get a boost from fresh herbs and bread crumbs. Try stuffed jalapenos with a twist, or quirky hollowed dill pickles spread with pimiento cheese. Here are more than fifteen globally-inspired stuffed dishes.

See the RecipeChristopher Hirsheimer

Homemade pimento cheese spread is the filling or the unusual appetizer. See the Hickory Stuffed Pickles RecipeChristopher Hirsheimer

See the RecipeMaura McEvoy

Vegetables stuffed with a hearty filling of salt pork, lamb, and rice—then topped with cheese and bread crumbs—make a satisfying appetizer. See the recipe for Niçoise-Style Stuffed Vegetables »Antoine Bootz

Stuffed artichokes — Virginie Blachere

See the RecipeAndré Baranowski

This dish is based on the crab-stuffed jalapeños found on menus throughout southeast Texas. We found that chilling the chiles after stuffing them makes them easier to coat with bread crumbs and fry.André Baranowski

Stuffed Tomatoes — Herbs, garlic, and bread crumbs add a savory topping to tomatoes in this simple Tuscan side dish.Maxime Iattoni

This meze is made in Macedonia with sweet Florina peppers, though Fresno or Anaheim chiles (the former being hotter than the latter) can be substituted.Todd Coleman

Toltott Tojas (Chicken Liver-Stuffed Eggs)
Halved hard-boiled eggs are a great vehicle for scoops of chopped liver. See the Toltott Tojas (Chicken Liver-Stuffed Eggs) RecipeLandon Nordeman

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Holishkes) — These beef-stuffed cabbage rolls in a tangy sauce are oven-braised until tender.Todd Coleman

Stuffed Mussels (Cozze al Pomodoro) — Thyme and white wine bring out the sweet flavor of mussels in this classic dish.Todd Coleman

Stuffed Cherry Peppers (Peperoni con Acciughe) — Capers, tuna, and anchovies balance the heat in these small, stuffed cherry peppers.Todd Coleman

Stuffed Zucchini (Zucchine Ripiene) — This dish of zucchini stuffed with prosciutto, tomatoes, and cheese is a hearty finger food.Todd Coleman

Artichoke-Stuffed Mushrooms — Simple and easy to assemble, these retro-inspired, two-bite hors d'oeuvres can be assembled up to two days ahead of time and baked off before guests arrive.Todd Coleman

Iraqi Stuffed Onions (Dolma Mahshi) — Pomegranate molasses, coriander, and curry powder perfume the filling for these tender stuffed onion rolls.Todd Coleman

Robiola-Stuffed Figs with Pomegranate — Pungent Robiola cheese can be substituted with brie, ricotta, or any other soft cheese in this simple no-cook appetizer.Maxime Iattoni

Cheese and Mint Stuffed Dumplings (Khinkali Qvelit) — These Georgian dumplings are traditionally made with a spiced meat filling; this cheese and herb version, once meant for religious fasting days, is now enjoyed year-round.Landon Nordeman

See the RecipeHelen Rosner

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