It's tempting to go all Martha Stewart on your party and overdue the homemade food. But as we've gotten wiser about our party hosting we've learned to buy some excellent cheeses, superb charcuterie, and concentrate on a handful of homemade appetizers that knock it out of the park.
Here are more than 30 recipes that fit the bill:
Opening photo by Cameron Whitman
nut free
Souffles, Croque Monsieurs, omelettes, when it comes to making cheese reach regal heights, the French are total masters. So it's no wonder that these Gougères aka cheese puffs are always a hit at our cocktail parties.
nut free, vegetarian
Another no brainer? Making some fresh baked bread topped with all sorts of deliciousness. We vote for these sweet-pungent grape and blue cheese mini focaccia that pair well with anything from bubbles to a classic cocktail.
gluten free, nut free
Imagine your favorite lox and schmear combo did a semester abroad in France and you've got an idea of how this effortlessly elegant Smoked Salmon & Herbed Creme Fraiche Spread tastes.
gluten free, nut free
When you're looking for something elegant, easy, and doable for everyone from your gluten-free friends to the low carb people? These crab bites are the perfect choice.
dairy free, gluten free, nut free
Why we love the South? Because they pickle things we'd never imagine pickiing — from watermelon rinds to shrimp — and it always tastes amazing. This riff on a classic pickled shrimp recipe is a bit citrusy, spicy, and way more interesting than any storebought ring of shrimp and cocktail sauce.
dairy free, gluten free, nut free
For something a little more laidback, turn to this Mexican twist on ceviche known as Aguachile. Shrimp marinated in a bright herb and chile sauce and you serve it with tostadas!
dairy free, gluten free, nut free
Like the little black dress of cocktail appetizers, we turn to these Bresaola Hand Rolls over and over and never tire of them.
dairy free, gluten free, nut free
Yes, we make this because it's an excuse to eat popcorn chicken without seeming all white trash about it. But also because this Taiwanese version has tons of spices and fried basil for a twist that's totally unexpected but equally addictive.
gluten free, nut free
Yes, these are just an excuse to eat potato skins in a fancy setting, but they're also a perfect appetizer recipe because they can be made way ahead.
nut free, vegetarian
Normally we're anti fried food or anything that keeps you in the kitchen for a dinner party (unless it's popcorn chicken, of course) but these risotto balls are a major exception. You can 100% make them ahead (even fry them) and then just reheat them in the oven right before serving!
nut free, vegetarian
The best thing about this recipe? If you have leftovers (you probbaly won't btw), they're as tasty for breakfast with a cup of coffee as they are as a cocktail party app.
gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegetarian
It is our firm belief that any party with popcorn is only made more delicious. This stovetop kettle corn takes a second to make and gets eaten even faster!
gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegetarian
A veggie-filled slightly smoky twist on hummus, we keep this around for everything from a healthy gift wrapping session snack to cocktail parties.
gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian
Not so much caviar as a smooth, sweet, nutty beet dip, we first tried a version of this on a trip to Israel and recreate it whenever beets are in season.
gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian
If you combined your favorite chocolate mole and ChexMix, we imagine you'd end up with something like this spicy sweet snack mix!
nut free, vegetarian
Slowly caramelizing the fennel and pairing them with creamy mascarpone cheese makes these little puff pastry bites totally addictive.
nut free, vegetarian
We've all had that classic holiday appetizer of cranberry brie bites, yes? Well, here we modernize it with just 5 minutes extra cooking time by adding in sage-scented pears, pomegranate seeds, and a hot honey garnish.
dairy free, gluten free, nut free
We don't know about you but we can never get enough of prosciutto and melon in our lives. When the melon is no longer in season, we switch to persimmons and top it with this inky sweet-tart balsamic honey glaze.
gluten free, nut free, vegetarian
If ever there was an appetizer that was as equally impressive as it was low fuss, this would be it. Fry the sage days ahead and then just assemble when you're party starts and you're good to go!
vegetarian
If you're looking for a total curve ball of an appetizer, this is it. We take gougeres (aka French cheese puffs) and layer into them some fresh mint, whipped goat cheese, and a date spread for a sweet-salty bite that is totally addictive!
dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, vegan
Nothing screams chic like cold-cut cheese and fruit! Spice up your appetizer platters with a batch of these impressive Blistered Balsamic Concord Grapes.
nut-free, dairy free, gluten free
Speaking of pulling out the stops, pulling out some uber fresh seafood pretty much always impresses guests. If you have access to great scallops, this crudo with a spicy tart topping is a must make.
nut-free, dairy free, gluten free
Yes, great oysters are incredible with nothing more than a squeeze of lemon. But, when you want to up the ante, turn to this sweet, tangy, tart pomegranate mignonette granita that's as tasty as it is beautiful!
dairy-free, nut-free
When it comes to simple and easy, ceviche is at the top of our list. With quality ingredients and just a little bit of patience, this recipe uses fresh shrimp & juicy watermelon comes together in no time.
dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan
What’s the best way to keep your hands busy during a conversation? Peanuts! This spicy, thai-inspired version is our go-to for a chic twist on the classic party snack.
nut-free, vegetarian
Whenever we want to impress, we go for the roll of all-butter puff pastry sitting in our freezer. And trust us, this classic French pastry never disappoints.
nut-free, gluten free
If you adore Spanish tortillas as much as we do, then you'll love this version of the classic recipe made much easier thanks to storebought potato chips!
nut-free, gluten free
ISO an app that's more of a meal but still simple and make ahead? Then you'll be all about this recipe of slow cooked shredded chiptole chicken tostadas!
nut-free, vegetarian
Creative crostinis? Check. Our version consists of creamy burrata topped with sweet & savory figs for a delicious party appetizer finish.
vegetarian, gluten free
Healthy-ish, loaded with fall flavors, and totally elegant, these salad cups do take some time to assemble but they're well worth the effort. And the Maple Lemon Cream sauce is so fabulous, we insist you make it even if you never make these salad cups!
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Salt & Wind Travel is a boutique travel company for the discerning food and lifestyle traveler. Through our food-first travel planning services, including private day tours, custom itinerary planning, small group trips, and our Digital City Guides For Food Lovers, we provide you with the resources to travel in good taste. Founded by food and travel expert, Aida Mollenkamp in 2015, Salt & Wind Travel is owned by Aida and filmmaker and travel expert, Kristen Kellogg.
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