Quick Reference Best for: Holiday roasts, special dinners, and summer grilling Make ahead: Yes — up to 1 week refrigerated Serves: About 1 cup glaze; enough for 2 duck breasts or a 4–5 lb lamb roast Key tip: Reduce to a syrupy ribbon that clings to a spoon — not […]
Fall fruit, cut ahead without browning, arranged so it looks like something, with a dip that makes it a dessert or a snack. The light thing on a heavy day.
Quick Reference Best for: Weekend smokers, tailgates, and holiday brisket spreads Make ahead: Yes — mix up to 1 month ahead and store airtight Serves: Enough rub for 1 whole packer brisket (12–16 lb) Key tip: Grind coffee extra-fine and crack pepper coarsely for layered flavor Espresso and Black Pepper […]
Three ingredients or fewer, no cooking, or a smart use of one can of crescent dough. The appetizers for when the meal is the project and the starter is not.
Quick Reference Best for: Prime rib, ribeyes, tri-tip, and beef tenderloin at cookouts Make ahead: Yes — up to 5 days in the fridge Serves: About 1 1/2 cups (8–10 servings) Key tip: Bloom the horseradish off heat to keep its kick alive If you love rich beef, this Horseradish […]
One bite, no plate, no fork. The appetizers you can eat while holding a drink and talking. Sorted by hot, cold, and slow-cooker, with make-ahead notes on each.
Quick Reference Best for: Grilled corn, steak, and weeknight cookouts Make ahead: Yes — up to 5 days in the fridge or 2 months frozen Serves: Yields about 1 cup; finishes 8–10 ears or 4–6 steaks Key tip: Brush on in the last 60 seconds of grilling for gloss and […]
The one appetizer with no oven, no dairy risk, and something for everyone. Cut the vegetables ahead, hold them in water, and build a dip worth dipping into.
Quick Reference Best for: Weeknight grilling, backyard cookouts, and mixed-protein platters Make ahead: Yes — 3 to 5 days chilled; flavor improves by day 2 Serves: About 1 cup (sauces 6–8 portions) Key tip: Chop herbs by hand for better texture and color; don’t puree Argentinian Chimichurri for Grilled Steak […]
Quick Reference Best for: Weeknight grilling, summer cookouts, and meal prep bowls Make ahead: Yes — marinade keeps 3 days; marinated chicken up to 24 hours Serves: 4–6, or about 2 pounds of chicken Key tip: Pound lemongrass to a paste for better flavor infusion and less charring Cambodian Lemongrass […]