Try These 5 Appetizers For Your Next Cocktail Party
What distinguishes a classic cocktail party? For one and two, exceptional drinks and lively conversation. But there are also delicious bites to keep the conversation going and the alcohol from getting too intense. While chips and salsa may suffice for a mundane gathering, think bigger and better for a holiday celebration. With these classic cocktail party appetizers, you can party in style.
Feta stuffed shishitos in phyllo
Each bite of these golden bundles contains layers of flavor. Blistered shishito peppers are filled with a rich, salty feta and cream cheese mixture before being wrapped in phyllo dough and baked until puffed and golden. A sprinkling of sesame seeds adds a pleasant nutty finish to the finger food. The best part is that they can be made ahead of time and frozen, then baked right before the party.
Fried mac and cheese bites
How do you transform a comfort food classic into an easy-to-serve finger food that will please any and all crowds? Make it into squares and deep fry it, like this easy stovetop mac and cheese. You can make the stovetop macaroni and cheese ahead of time because it will firm up in the refrigerator, making it easier to cut. Then use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs in a two-step breading process for a crisp yet light crust. The squares cook quickly in three or four batches, and you can reheat replenishments throughout the evening as needed. These fried morsels will undoubtedly be the most popular at any cocktail party.
Pimiento-cornmeal croquettes
Croquettes originated in France, but similar breaded and fried snacks are popular all over the world. This version of the classic has a cornmeal base flavored with pimiento cheese and is breaded with panko instead of breadcrumbs. Tender-cooked cornmeal is filled with rich store-bought pimiento cheese before being breaded and fried until crisp, golden, and irresistible. Then each square is garnished with scallion, mayonnaise, and microgreens. It’s ideal for a cocktail party appetizer.
Meyer lemon and herb crab bites
Sometimes the simplest appetizers become your favorites, such as this Meyer lemon and herb crab bites appetizer, which is as familiar as your favorite crab salad but fancy enough for your holiday cocktail party. To make it, shred the crab meat and combine it with celery, sour cream, mustard, herbs, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and lemon zest, seasoning with salt and pepper. Then top each radish slice with a small spoonful of the crab mixture, and garnish with zest, herbs, and a pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately with pomegranate seeds and olive oil drizzle. These crab bites are a great option when you’re looking for something elegant, simple, and doable for everyone, from your gluten-free friends to your low-carb friends.
Caramelized onion butternut squash puff
Caramelized onion butternut squash puff is a simple appetizer that goes well with any cocktail party. The key to this dish is the layer upon layer of seriously delicious flavor. It starts with a buttery, flaky puff pastry topped with slow-cooked thyme-caramelized onions and two kinds of cheese tucked between paper-thin half-moons of butternut squash. These savory caramelized onion butternut squash puffs are not only perfect for finger food, but their slightly salty flavor makes them ideal for pairing with a cocktail.
