Irresistible Individual Appetizers, Sides, and Desserts for Holiday Meals
Whether you choose to serve cheesy fondue bites as an appetizer, individual potato gratins alongside dinner, or mini Bundt cakes or lemon tarts for dessert, these pre-portioned recipes are sure to delight and help keep everyone safe.
22 Amazing Last-Minute Appetizers
Sometimes the best parties aren't planned at all. When friends descend unexpectedly, you'll just need a few pantry ingredients to create these deceptively sophisticated snacks.
How to Assemble the Cheese Board of Your Dreams
It's the easiest and most impressive party appetizer ever! Here, our tips and tricks for putting it all together.
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
One of Martha's favorite entertaining strategies is to serve a pared-down—but still special feeling—menu. Her classic shrimp cocktail is a perfect example: it's an easy but elegant starter that shines because it calls for the very best ingredients—including a quick homemade cocktail sauce. When preparing this spread, use high-quality, sustainably sourced shrimp, and plan on about three to six shrimp per guest.
25 Easy Crostini and Bruschetta Recipes
Featuring a combination of vegetables, seafood, and cheese, these crunchy bites are a delicious way to start a meal.
How to Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Make perfect hard-boiled eggs every time with our simple two-step recipe that cooks up to a dozen eggs at once. All you need are eggs, a pan large enough to hold them, and water to cover. Follow our tips for peeling hard-boiled eggs, and then enjoy as a protein-packed snack, or in deviled eggs and egg salad.
Easy Steamed Artichokes
These leafy, mild-flavored veggies get at the heart of spring. Our method for steaming artichokes could not be easier, but the result is an impressive, delicious side dish.
Deviled Egg with Relish
Take your deviled eggs to the next level with this recipe's subtle spin on the classic party appetizer. You can't go wrong with this sweet, tangy version, which adds relish to the mustardy filling for a subtle kick.
Simple Crostini
Crostini couldn't be simpler to make or more versatile to use. Meaning "toasts" in Italian, they are the perfect base for your pick of toppings. All you need is a loaf of white bread, such as a simple Italian loaf or a baguette. Slice it evenly, brush with a little olive oil on both sides, and toast just enough to crisp, not darken, the slices. Pair with one (or more) of our favorite toppings for your next party.
Potato Croquettes
It's worth setting aside some mashed potatoes just to make these potato croquettes the next day. This finger food is a crowd pleaser and makes an ideal hors d'oeuvres for entertaining or a fun side dish. All it takes is dressing up mashed potatoes with some chopped parsley before shaping the mixture into logs and then breading and frying to golden perfection. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley before serving and maybe even a dusting of grated parmesan or manchego cheese for a special touch.
Basic Empanadas
These tasty and convenient Latin-American-style turnovers can be frozen for up to three months, individually wrapped in plastic and placed in resealable plastic bags. There's no need to thaw before baking, they can go right from the freezer to the oven.
