Classic Appetizers with a Twist

Published Dec 28, 2012 10:00 AM

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These poppers have a perfect marriage of textures and flavors—creamy, chive-flecked cheese cuts the bite of roasted jalapeños, while crispy bacon adds crunch. Maxime Iattoni

10 refreshing takes on traditional appetizers—from olives to crostini to shrimp cocktail—make exceptional finger food for your next party.

Beet “Tartare”

Earthy roasted beets are brightened by fresh orange zest and tangy balsamic for a clever appetizer, which looks beautiful presented in individual endive spears. To make this dish vegan, omit the Greek yogurt or use a non-dairy yogurt alternative.

Fried Cucumbers with Sour Cream Dipping Sauce

Sour cream and fines herbes make a great sauce for cooling down a spicy snack like our fried cucumbers. Get the recipe for Fried Cucumbers with Sour Cream Dipping Sauce »

Fried Olives

A salty, crunchy snack that will bring out the olive enthusiast in anyone. See the recipe for Fried Olives »
At Cap City Diner in Columbus, Ohio, they top potato chips with alfredo sauce, blue cheese, and chives. See the recipe for Ohio Nachos »

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

These poppers have a perfect marriage of textures and flavors—creamy, chive-flecked cheese cuts the bite of roasted jalapeños, while crispy bacon adds crunch.

Roasted Eggplant with Goat Cheese Tahini and Pine Nuts

These one-bite hors d’oeuvres are inspired by the ingredients of a classic Middle Eastern baba ganoush; they can be served either cool or hot out of the oven. Get the recipe for Roasted Eggplant with Goat Cheese Tahini and Pine Nuts »

Marinated Sardine Crostini with Salsa Verde and Fennel

Chef Tony Mantuano, of Chicago’s Spiaggia, combines the tangy flavors of tarragon and chive salsa verde with a zesty lemon and fennel salad in this marinated sardine crostini. See the recipe for Marinated Sardine Crostini with Salsa Verde and Fennel »

Herb Tempura

Classic tempura receives a creative twist thanks to fresh herbs. Serve these alongside a champagne cocktail. See the recipe for Herb Tempura »

Baked Feta with Roasted Red Peppers and Lemon Oregano Broth

Creamy feta’s pungent taste is rounded out by sweet red peppers and salty broth in this classic Greek dish. See the recipe for Baked Feta with Roasted Red Peppers and Lemon Oregano Broth »

Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado

Avocado and a light herbed mayonnaise add an elegant, unexpected touch to simple shrimp cocktail. See the recipe for Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado »

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