appetizers
All Recipes

Steak Towers
Grilled steak cut into neat squares and stacked on cucumber rounds with piped herbed cheese, garnished with tomato and onion. A polished, bite-sized appetizer that makes a stunning presentation for an upscale wine tasting evening.

Vegetable Potstickers
Homemade gyoza wrappers filled with Napa cabbage, cilantro, ginger, and sesame oil, pan-fried until golden and steamed to tender, served with ponzu. A satisfying cheat day treat that's crispy on the bottom and delicately chewy on to

Cream Cheese Log with Sweet-and-Spicy Cranberry Relish
A cream cheese and Mexican cheese log seasoned with cilantro and lime zest is coated in a vibrant food-processor cranberry-jalapeno relish. This sweet-and-spicy appetizer is a festive, make-ahead crowd-pleaser ideal for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings.

Italian Tuna Salad
A flavorful Italian-style tuna salad mixed with capers, olives, and spicy cherry peppers. Served on crustless white bread quarters and sesame crackers for an easy, elegant appetizer.

Football Cheeseball with Herbed Crackers
A blend of cream cheese, sharp Cheddar, and hot sauce is shaped into a football, coated in toasted walnuts, and detailed with string cheese laces, served alongside homemade rosemary-thyme crackers. This playful, savory appetizer is the ultimate centerpiece for a football watch party spread.

Dom's Salsa and Guacamole
A versatile fresh salsa made with Roma tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, and lime, divided into two servings. Half is served as classic salsa and the other half is mixed with mashed avocado for instant guacamole.

Crunchy Manchego Fig Straws
Puff pastry is spread with fig jam and grated Manchego cheese, cut into strips, twisted into elegant straws, egg-washed, and baked at 400 degrees until flaky and golden. These sweet-savory, crunchy pastry straws make a stunning yet effortless appetizer that pairs beautifully with cocktails and conversation.

Fried Bologna Bites
Thick bologna rounds are pan-fried in butter until caramelized, then served on toast rounds with mustard and tangy quick-pickled squash in a vinegar-dill brine. These crispy, nostalgic bites elevate a Midwestern childhood favorite into a fun party appetizer.

Sausage and Pepper Sliders
Sweet Italian sausage patties topped with sauteed bell pepper, shallot, and garlic in a quick tomato sauce on soft slider buns. A mini version of the Italian street fair classic that's perfect for passing around at parties.

Pureed Artichoke Crostini with Lime Salt
Smooth artichoke and spinach puree spread on garlic-rubbed toasted baguette rounds and garnished with thinly sliced radishes. Finished with a bright lime sea salt for a sophisticated appetizer.