18 Iconic Appetizers That Have Stood the Test of Time

Nothing brings people together quite like a spread of classic appetizers. These iconic bites have been loved for generations, and it’s easy to see why—they’re simple, satisfying, and packed with flavors that everyone enjoys. Let’s dive into some of the most timeless, crowd-pleasing starters that never fail to set the perfect mood.

Deviled Eggs

A classic party favorite, deviled eggs are hard-boiled eggs halved and filled with a seasoned yolk mixture. To prepare, boil 6 eggs until hard-boiled, then cool and peel them. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise, removing the yolks into a bowl. Mash the yolks with 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of mustard, a pinch of salt, and a dash of paprika. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites and garnish with additional paprika or chives.

Bruschetta

Originating from Italy, bruschetta features toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. Dice 4 ripe tomatoes and mix with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Slice a baguette into 1/2-inch pieces, brush with olive oil, and toast until golden. Rub each toast with a cut garlic clove, then top with the tomato mixture. Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the bread.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are savory bites filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Remove the stems from 12 large mushrooms and chop them finely. Sauté the chopped stems with 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion until soft. Mix in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Fill the mushroom caps with the mixture, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until tender.

Shrimp Cocktail

A timeless appetizer, shrimp cocktail consists of chilled shrimp served with a tangy sauce. Boil 1 pound of large shrimp in salted water with a lemon wedge until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to cool. For the sauce, combine 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. Serve the chilled shrimp with the cocktail sauce on the side.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This creamy dip combines spinach, artichokes, and cheeses, perfect for pairing with bread or crackers. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of thawed and drained frozen spinach, 1 cup of chopped canned artichoke hearts, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Pigs in a Blanket

A popular party snack, pigs in a blanket are mini sausages wrapped in dough and baked until golden. Unroll a can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and cut each triangle into three smaller triangles. Place a cocktail sausage at the wide end of each triangle and roll up. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm, optionally with mustard or ketchup for dipping.

Cheese Ball

A retro favorite, the cheese ball is a mixture of cheeses and seasonings, shaped into a ball and coated with nuts. In a bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, and a pinch of garlic powder. Form the mixture into a ball and roll in 1 cup of chopped pecans to coat. Chill for at least an hour before serving with crackers.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Also known as devils on horseback, these sweet and savory bites feature dates stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon. Slice 12 pitted dates lengthwise and fill each with a small piece of blue cheese or almond. Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Serve warm as a delightful appetizer.

Guacamole

A staple in Mexican cuisine, guacamole is a creamy dip made from mashed avocados and seasonings. Mash 3 ripe avocados in a bowl. Stir in 1 diced tomato, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, and salt to taste. Mix until combined, leaving some chunks for texture. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Chicken Wings

A favorite at gatherings, chicken wings can be baked or fried and tossed in various sauces. For classic buffalo wings, toss 2 pounds of chicken wings in a mixture of 1/2 cup of hot sauce and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.

Hummus

Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, providing a creamy, savory spread. In a food processor, blend 1 can of drained chickpeas, 1/4 cup of tahini, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Add a little water, if needed, to reach your preferred consistency. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkling with paprika if desired. Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Mini Quiches

These bite-sized quiches are filled with eggs, cheese, and optional mix-ins like ham or spinach, and baked in a mini muffin tin. Whisk together 4 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into greased mini muffin cups, filling each halfway. Add small pieces of cooked ham or spinach to each cup, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until set. These are perfect for breakfast or as appetizers.

Antipasto Skewers

Inspired by Italian antipasto platters, these skewers feature cured meats, olives, cheese, and vegetables. On each skewer, alternate ingredients like salami slices, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, marinated olives, and basil leaves. Arrange on a serving platter, adding a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor. These skewers offer a medley of textures and flavors in every bite. They’re a colorful, eye-catching addition to any appetizer spread.

Swedish Meatballs

Savory and tender, Swedish meatballs are mini meatballs served with a creamy, savory sauce. Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and allspice. Form into small balls and sauté in butter until browned. For the sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon of flour; simmer until thickened, then add the meatballs. Serve warm as a crowd-pleasing snack.

Jalapeño Poppers

These spicy bites are jalapeño halves stuffed with cheese and coated in breadcrumbs, offering a crispy, cheesy experience. Slice 6 jalapeños in half and remove the seeds, then fill each half with a mixture of 4 ounces of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Dip each jalapeño half in flour, then beaten egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.

Mini Sliders

Mini sliders are small burgers topped with cheese and condiments, making them ideal finger food. Form 1 pound of ground beef into 8 small patties, seasoning with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry until cooked to your liking, adding a slice of cheese on top to melt. Serve on mini buns with lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings. These bite-sized burgers are always a hit at parties.

Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a delicacy, made with lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then fried until golden. In a bowl, mix 1 pound of crab meat with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning. Form into small patties and cook in a skillet with a bit of oil until crispy and golden on each side. Serve with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.

Caponata

Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant dish with tomatoes, olives, and capers, served as a spread or side. Sauté 1 diced eggplant in olive oil until tender, then add 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup of green olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, and a splash of vinegar. Simmer until everything is well combined, creating a savory and slightly tangy mixture. Transfer to a bowl, allowing the flavors to meld as it cools. Serve at room temperature with crusty bread or crackers.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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