Put a new twist on takeout food to impress your guests.
By Melissa Clark
Tiny-Size Pizza Pies
Start with: A large cheese pizza. (Ask for it unsliced and, if possible, slightly underbaked.)
To make: Avoiding the crust, cut out mini pizzas with round cookie or biscuit cutters. Heat the rounds at 400º F for about 5 minutes. Top with slices of olives, marinated mushrooms, chopped prosciutto, an anchovy fillet, or fresh herbs (such as basil, flat-leaf parsley, rosemary, thyme, or oregano).
See More: 10 Instant Hors d'Oeuvres
Mediterranean Bruschetta
Start with: Garlic bread from your favorite Italian spot.
To make: Slather slices with prepared marinara or pesto sauce. Top with mozzarella or goat cheese, a marinated pepper, or an oil-packed sun-dried tomato, then toast in the oven.
Also try: Hummus po' boys. Spread hot garlic bread with hummus and top with coleslaw or lettuce and tomato. Cap with more hot, crunchy bread.
Chicken- or Shrimp-Boat Hors D'Oeuvres
Start with: Your favorite chicken or shrimp Chinese stir-fry.
To make: Mound spoonfuls of stir-fry into the cuplike center leaves from a head of Boston lettuce. If desired, top the boats with chopped nuts or scallion slices.
Also try: Asian-Mexican fusion. Roll the dish with rice and some soy sauce in a giant tortilla. Slice into single-serving pieces.
See More: 24 Nutritious and Tasty Snacks
Chicken Pasta With Blue Cheese and Walnuts
Start with: A golden-brown rotisserie chicken.
To make: Toss thin slices of chicken with hot pasta, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped walnuts.
Also try: Quick chicken salad. Stir Dijon mustard, mayo, and chopped onion and herbs into shredded chicken meat. Season with salt and pepper and spoon onto whole-grain bread for sandwiches.
