Appetizers

Get a perfect hard-boiled egg every time with these simple tips. With hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator, you always have the components of a satisfying meal.

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.

From classy three-ingredient canapés for a cocktail party to lightning-fast dips for game day, we're sharing a selection of super-easy appetizers guaranteed to get any party started. All have either six-ingredients or fewer, take less than 15 minutes to prep, or can be made-ahead (sometimes, it's all three!).

Think of this finger food as mini loaded baked potatoes. Peewee potatoes are boiled, smashed, and roasted until crispy and golden, then finished with a flavorful mix of all your favorite toppings: sour cream, scallions, bacon, and cheddar. They're just the thing for an Oscar-night or Super Bowl party.

Crostini are perfect spooned high with your pick of toppings.

Whip up these egg gems for a satisfying hors d'oeuvre. Have your mini-muffin tins ready.

Pass a platter loaded with these elegant small savory bites next time you entertain.

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.

Crunchy potato croquettes, a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, flatter any meal.

Ask your butcher to cut a chicken into pieces and give you the backbone—it makes for a richer broth.

This reinterpretation of meatballs combines breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and onion for a very flavorful holiday appetizer, enough for a crowd of hungry folks.

Make way for little squares of heaven -- these fried morsels are sure to be voted most popular at any party. You can (and should) prepare the stovetop macaroni and cheese a few days ahead, since it will firm up in the refrigerator, for easier cutting. Then follow a two-step breading process, using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crust that's crisp yet light. Don't be put off by the yield; the squares fry quickly, in three or four batches, and you can reheat replenishments over the course of the evening -- whenever the platter is wiped clean (which will be often).This recipe originally appeared in "Martha Stewart's Appetizers" (Clarkson Potter).

Inspired by Indian samosas, here’s an appetizer to feed a crowd and—most importantly—avoid a vat of oil. Store-bought puff pastry crisps up beautifully in the oven, and a mixture of cumin, mustard seeds, and coriander spices up a basic potato and broccoli filling. The pastry is formed into a long rectangular package so there is plenty of surface area for maximum crunch.

Relish adds a sweet, tangy kick to the classic deviled egg.

Everything you love about deviled eggs but deconstructed into an easier-to-make bite! Spread rice crackers with mayo and mustard, then top with a slice of hard-boiled egg, smoked sweet paprika, and fresh dill.

The acid in the tomatillos will keep your guacamole bright green even if not serving right away.

For this surefire crowd-pleaser, we singled out the best part of a stuffed-crust pizza: the crust, of course. Load an easy dough up with thinly sliced low-moisture mozzarella, then give it a generous flurry of garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, sesame seeds, and grated Parmigiano. After baking, seal the deal with a side of marinara sauce.

Our secret to making this classic finger food extra irresistible? Brush the puff pastry with honey mustard before baking these pigs in blankets.

These savory little mini muffin-size quiches have family-friendly appeal and an easy crust made simply from slices of buttered white bread.

Serve sausages and cheeses with crackers, grainy mustard, cornichons, apricot jam, and olives.

This starter of smoky, savory shrimp-and-sausage gravy comes from renowned Southern chef Scott Peacock. He likes to serve it up in individual cups, with a side of palate-cleansing quick-pickled crudité and his legendary biscuits that help to sop up every last drop of gravy goodness.

Antipasto means "before the meal," and this antipasto recipe doesn't disappoint. Serve up this antipasto of cured meats, fresh cheeses, and herbs that will satisfy guests until the next course is ready.

In less than 15 minutes, you can prep this roast chicken wing recipe from Emeril Lagasse with help from the kids. Serve it with your family's favorite dipping sauce.

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.