This artichoke ranch dip is a delightful blend of tangy and savory flavors.
Start by draining a jar of marinated artichoke hearts and reserving three tablespoons of the marinade.
In a food processor, pulse the drained artichokes along with three anchovy fillets, fresh parsley, and the reserved marinade until finely chopped.
Add Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, and pulse a few more times until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and serve with flatbread crisps or crackers for a delicious and easy appetizer.
This next dip offers a smoky and creamy taste that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Begin by charring three medium eggplants over a gas burner or grill until their skins are completely soft and charred.
Once cool, peel off the skin, chop the flesh, and drain in a colander for about an hour. In a bowl, mix the eggplant with minced garlic and salt to form a paste.
Stir in olive oil, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
A bean dip is a simple yet flavorful option for any gathering.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet and cook minced garlic and chopped red onion until tender.
Add ground cumin and chili powder, stirring briefly before removing from the heat. In a food processor, pulse the beans until chopped, then add the onion mixture and a bit of water, pulsing to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
This dip pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks and can be prepared in just minutes.
For a refreshing twist on classic guacamole, try this minty margarita version.
Lightly mash three ripe avocados in a medium bowl. Add fresh lime juice, grated orange zest and juice, chopped jalapeno, and fresh mint.
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix until well combined and serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one day.
Deviled eggs are a timeless appetizer; they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Begin by covering eight large eggs with an inch of water in a medium saucepan and bringing it to a boil.
Remove the pan from heat, cover, and let the eggs stand for 12 minutes. Drain and cool the eggs under cold water.
Peel the eggs, halve them lengthwise, and remove the yolks. Mash the yolks in a bowl and mix in mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and white-wine vinegar until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper, and use a pastry bag to pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites before serving.
Individual nachos are a fun and customizable appetizer that’s easy to prepare.
On a rimmed baking sheet, build six stacks of tortilla chips, alternating with your favorite toppings like black beans, salsa, sliced jalapeno chiles, and shredded cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted and the stacks are warm throughout. Garnish with sour cream and serve immediately.
Mixed olive tapenade is a flavorful spread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Start by mincing three anchovy fillets and mashing them into a paste with kosher salt. In a skillet, combine the anchovy paste with extra-virgin olive oil, capers, mixed olives, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves.
Cook over a medium heat until the mixture is fragrant and comes to a bare simmer, about two to three minutes.
This cheese ball is a retro favorite of ours that’s always a hit at parties.
In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ground pepper until well combined.
Mix in some finely chopped pecans, then cover the mixture with plastic wrap and chill for at least two and a half hours.
Once chilled, divide the mixture in half and shape each into a ball. Roll each ball in the remaining chopped pecans until fully coated.
Serve chilled with crackers for a creamy and nutty appetizer that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Sweet and savory cottage cheese tartines offer two delicious variations on a simple base.
Spread cottage cheese onto crackers, such as Wasa Thins. For a sweet tartine, top with thinly sliced plums or figs and a drizzle of honey.
For a savory version, top with sprouts or thinly sliced radishes and finish with freshly grated lemon zest, flaky sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Steak tartare is a classic, elegant appetizer that showcases high-quality beef.
Start by slightly freezing 8 ounces of beef tenderloin to firm it up, then cut into 1/4-inch pieces.
In a bowl, toss the beef with finely chopped shallots, capers, curly parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice.
Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread Dijon mustard onto a chilled plate, arrange the tartare in the center, and make a small indent on top to hold an egg yolk.
Serve with lightly toasted pumpernickel bread, salted butter, cornichons, and parsley sprigs for a sophisticated appetizer.
Antipasto skewers are a colorful and flavorful appetizer that’s easy to assemble.
On each of 16 four-inch skewers, thread one piece of giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), one pimento-stuffed green olive, one bocconcino (bite-sized fresh mozzarella ball), and one small piece of thinly sliced prosciutto.
These skewers offer a delightful combination of tangy, salty, and creamy flavors and are perfect for any gathering.
Final Thoughts
This delicious selection of Martha Stewart’s appetizer recipes is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal dinners.
They are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy your time with guests without spending all your time in the kitchen.
Each recipe offers a unique combination of flavors and textures, making them a hit with a variety of palates.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
