The Timeless Appeal of Deviled Eggs
Picture this: you walk into a party and immediately scan the spread, looking for those familiar white ovals topped with golden yolk filling. Deviled eggs were a hit in the 60s, 70s and 80s, and they’re still a cocktail party staple today! Deviled eggs: This is the number one holiday appetizer hands down.
There’s something deeply comforting about these simple yet satisfying bites. A great deviled egg recipe is something that every cook needs in their appetizer line-up. You can dress them up with fancy toppings or keep them classic – either way, they disappear faster than you can make them.
Shrimp Cocktail’s Enduring Elegance
Few appetizers carry the same air of sophistication as shrimp cocktail. During the ’60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It’s the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals.
It’s not New Year’s Eve without a shrimp cocktail! The beauty lies in its simplicity – perfectly cooked shrimp paired with that tangy cocktail sauce that somehow manages to taste both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Shrimp Cocktail: It’s a timeless holiday appetizer with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce.
Stuffed Mushrooms: The Earthy Crowd-Pleaser
Stuffed mushrooms are always a holiday favorite! They’re the perfect cheesy mushroom bite with hints of onion, herbs, and pecans. Something magical happens when you hollow out a mushroom cap and fill it with savory goodness – it transforms from humble fungi into party gold.
Stuffed mushrooms are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether for a dinner party or just a casual weeknight, these sausage and cheese-filled bites are a breeze to whip up and absolutely irresistible. Absolutely wonderful appetizer that can be made way ahead of time. Flavor to the max!
The Irresistible Pull of Spinach Artichoke Dip
The ultimate party app, spinach artichoke dip deserves to be perfect. That’s why I spent so much time making sure this one was creamy, cheesy perfection. This dip has achieved legendary status at parties – it’s the one dish that somehow manages to bring together vegetables and cheese in perfect harmony.
If spinach artichoke dip wasn’t already a winner, this recipe takes it to the next level. First, feta gets added to the mixture, which adds a creamy texture and salty flavor. Then, the dip gets baked until golden brown, resulting in a great crispy top layer. This is the easiest spinach artichoke dip you’ll ever make! Everything goes into a baking dish and straight into the oven all at once – even the frozen spinach and artichokes.
Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Comfort Bite
Ever since I was a kid, pigs in a blanket have been one of my favorite finger foods. The bread is so warm and tasty, and the little weenies are delicious. Let’s be honest – these little wrapped sausages shouldn’t be as good as they are, but somehow they’ve mastered the art of nostalgic perfection.
If you’re not serving pigs in a blanket at your party, save a stamp (or a text). I’m not coming. The best part of this twist on pigs in blankets isn’t the roasted Brussels sprouts, buttery puff pastry or even the pleasantly salty prosciutto: It’s the Parmesan cheese that is cleverly pressed into the dough while rolling, then sprinkled on top before baking.
Cheese Balls: The Retro Revival Star
While others may have forgotten about them, cheese balls continue to hold a special place in the hearts of appetizer lovers everywhere. A handful of simple ingredients that go together in minutes, three fun flavorful options…these creamy cheese balls from our Test Kitchen are a darling, do-ahead delight for busy holiday hostesses! Why not whip up several batches?
There’s something wonderfully theatrical about rolling that perfect sphere and coating it with nuts or herbs. The anticipation builds as guests approach with crackers in hand, ready to discover what magical combination of cheeses lies within. It’s interactive eating at its finest.
Buffalo Chicken Wings: The Game Day Champion
Although there have been price fluctuations, wings are not going anywhere. In fact, this dish is on 44% of all U.S. menus and has continued to grow. Aside from the popularity of wings-centric places like Buffalo Wild Wings, they are now gracing other establishments, like pizza delivery chains and family diners.
The sauce-to-meat ratio on a perfectly cooked wing creates an almost scientific balance of heat, tang, and satisfaction. These chicken wings may be messy, but they taste so good, no one will mind. The chicken is juicy, tender, and fried to perfection. The buffalo sauce has that great tangy flavor we all know and love, but thanks to the hot pepper sauce, it has a bit of heat to it, as well.
Loaded Potato Skins: The Hearty Favorite
When you want something that straddles the line between appetizer and meal, potato skins deliver every single time. Picture this: crispy potato shells loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and that dollop of cool sour cream on top. It’s comfort food dressed up for a party.
These cheesy spuds are the perfect make-ahead appetizer! Learn how to make the very best version, complete with a gooey cheese filling, bacon, and sour cream. The contrast between the crispy skin and creamy topping creates textural magic that keeps people coming back for more.
Mozzarella Sticks: The Crispy Cheese Dream
While we’re on the subject of deep-fried deliciousness, I thought I’d go ahead and add mozzarella sticks, as well. Most people are surprised to find out how easy these are to make. (You can thank the string cheese stick distributors for that!)
The moment you bite into that golden breading and hit the molten cheese center – that’s pure appetizer bliss. There’s something primal about the cheese pull that follows, creating Instagram-worthy moments before smartphones even existed. In addition, nachos, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks and onion rings continue to be favorites among guests, offering bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: The Elegant Indulgence
When you want to elevate your appetizer game without going full gourmet, bacon-wrapped scallops are your secret weapon. The sweet, tender scallop paired with salty, crispy bacon creates a flavor combination that feels both rustic and refined.
These little bundles represent everything we love about surf-and-turf dining condensed into one perfect bite. The bacon fat renders down and bastes the scallop as they cook together, creating layers of flavor that make guests pause mid-conversation to savor the moment.
Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers: The Perfect Heat Balance
Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a big hit at any gathering, so be sure to make lots. The caramelized sugar coating of this sweet and spicy take on the classic finger food balances their heat, so even guests with timid palates can enjoy them.
The beauty of a well-made popper lies in its balance – enough heat to make things interesting, enough cream cheese to cool things down, and that perfect bacon wrapper that ties it all together. It’s like a flavor adventure in miniature form, offering just enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
