Spice Up Your Appetizers: Recipes for Savory Tarts

When planning a dinner party or gathering, we usually focus on main dishes and desserts. Appetizers tend to be an afterthought: a store-bought platter of shrimp cocktail, or a vegetable tray with predictable dip. Frozen appetizers are convenient, but they're highly processed and don't often turn out like the picture on the box.

It might surprise you how simple it can be to make and serve impressive appetizers, like these savory tarts we're featuring today. All of these recipes call for seasonal vegetables, so fresh ingredients should be easy to find. Consider trying one of these ideas for your next get-together, whether you're the host or a guest.

Savory Tarts: Ricotta and Squash Tart

We love how this tart recipe from Food and Wine shows off the shape and texture of acorn squash. To safely slice the squash into thin rings, be sure you have a sharp chef's knife at hand. Keep it ready for the shallots too. Likewise, remember to sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Savory Tarts: Leek, Potato and Gorgonzola Tart

When we saw this tart on Delicious Magazine, we were struck by both the lattice crust and unusual combination of ingredients. If you've never cooked with leeks before, this tart is a fine place to start.

For this recipe, we recommend using a kitchen scale because the ingredient quantities are in metric format. Of course, a kitchen scale is good to have anyway, since it's essential to measuring flour properly.

Savory Tarts: Chanterelle Tart

Finally, this tart from Jessica Burns is perfect for mushroom lovers. It also includes caramelized onions and a Mediterranean cheese called lebni or labne. You can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for lebni if you prefer. Watch the baking time carefully and pull it from the oven when the cheese mixture has spread and the chanterelles are browned.