28 Old-School Appetizers You Need to Try Today

You know how sometimes you want to bring a bit of nostalgia to your gatherings? Vintage appetizers are the perfect way to do that. These classic bites have stood the test of time and are still as delicious as ever. Whether you’re hosting a party, a family get-together, or just feel like trying something new, these vintage appetizers will hit the spot.

Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller is a classic appetizer created in the late 1800s. This dish consists of oysters on the half-shell topped with a rich sauce made of butter, parsley, and other green herbs, and then baked or broiled. The topping often includes bread crumbs and a splash of Pernod or absinthe. To prepare, shuck fresh oysters and arrange them on a baking sheet. Mix butter, parsley, and breadcrumbs, then spread over the oysters. Bake until the topping is golden and bubbly. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for added flavor.

Pimento Cheese Dip

Pimento cheese dip is a Southern classic that features a mixture of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It can be served with crackers, bread, or vegetables. To make, grate cheddar cheese and combine with mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and a touch of hot sauce for flavor. Blend until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve. This dip is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any gathering.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a retro favorite that has been enjoyed at gatherings for decades. Hard-boiled eggs are halved, and the yolks are mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices before being piped back into the egg whites. For a basic version, hard-boil eggs, then mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites and garnish with paprika. These are perfect for holiday parties or picnics.

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring poached shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce. To prepare, poach shrimp in a broth of water, lemon, and bay leaves until just cooked. Serve chilled with a sauce made of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. This dish is light, refreshing, and ideal for summer gatherings.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a versatile appetizer that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. A common filling includes breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and cheese. To make, remove the stems from mushrooms and chop them finely. Sauté the stems with garlic and herbs, then mix with breadcrumbs and cheese. Stuff the mixture into the mushroom caps and bake until golden. These are a hit at any party and can be prepped ahead of time.

Cheese Straws

Cheese straws are a crispy, cheesy snack that has been a party staple for generations. They are made by baking strips of dough mixed with cheddar cheese and spices. To prepare, combine grated cheddar cheese with flour, butter, and cayenne pepper. Roll out the dough, cut into strips, and bake until crisp. These make for an addictive snack that’s hard to stop eating.

Mini Quiches

Mini quiches are a bite-sized version of the classic French tart. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ham, cheese, and spinach. To make, prepare a basic quiche filling with eggs, cream, and cheese. Pour the mixture into mini tart shells, add desired fillings, and bake until set. These are perfect for brunches or as a sophisticated appetizer.

Chicken Liver Pâté

Chicken liver pâté is a rich and smooth spread made from cooked chicken livers blended with butter, onions, and brandy. To prepare, sauté chicken livers with onions and garlic until cooked through. Blend with butter, brandy, and spices until smooth. Chill before serving with toast or crackers. This pâté is a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are a sweet and savory appetizer that is sure to please. Dates are stuffed with cheese or nuts and then wrapped in bacon before being baked. To make, stuff pitted dates with blue cheese or almonds. Wrap each date with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Bake until the bacon is crispy. They are perfect for holiday parties or special occasions.

Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon is a fried wonton filled with a mixture of crab meat and cream cheese. This appetizer is popular in American Chinese cuisine. To prepare, mix crab meat with cream cheese, garlic, and green onions. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper, fold, and seal the edges. Fry until golden brown. Serve with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are small, savory meatballs typically served with a creamy gravy. They are often made from a mixture of beef and pork. To prepare, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, and spices. Form into small balls and fry until browned. Serve with a sauce made from beef broth, cream, and a touch of mustard. These are a comforting appetizer that’s perfect for winter gatherings.

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Smoked salmon deviled eggs are a sophisticated twist on the classic deviled egg. The filling includes smoked salmon, cream cheese, and dill. To make, hard-boil eggs and mix the yolks with cream cheese, smoked salmon, dill, and lemon juice. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites and garnish with additional dill. They add a touch of elegance to any party.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Prosciutto-wrapped melon is a refreshing appetizer that combines sweet and salty flavors. Cantaloupe or honeydew melon is typically used. To prepare, slice melon into wedges and wrap each piece with a thin slice of prosciutto. Secure with a toothpick if necessary. This simple yet delicious appetizer is perfect for summer gatherings.

Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail meatballs are a party favorite, often served with a sweet and tangy sauce. The meatballs can be made from beef, pork, or a combination of both. To make, mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices. Form into small balls and bake or fry until cooked through. Serve with a sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer made with spinach, artichokes, and cheese. To prepare, mix cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan. Bake until hot and bubbly, and serve with bread or crackers. This dip is always a crowd-pleaser at parties.

Sausage Balls

Sausage balls are a Southern classic made from a mixture of sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix. They are easy to make and perfect for any gathering. To prepare, combine sausage, grated cheddar cheese, and biscuit mix. Form into small balls and bake until golden and cooked through. These can be served warm or at room temperature.

Clams Casino

Clams Casino is an elegant appetizer featuring clams on the half-shell topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs, bacon, and bell peppers. To make, shuck fresh clams and arrange them on a baking sheet. Top each clam with a mixture of breadcrumbs, chopped bacon, bell peppers, and herbs. Bake until the topping is golden. This dish is a showstopper at any seafood-themed gathering.

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue is a fun and interactive appetizer where guests dip bread, vegetables, or fruit into a pot of melted cheese. To make, melt a mixture of Swiss and Gruyère cheese with white wine and a touch of garlic. Serve with cubed bread, blanched vegetables, and apple slices for dipping. It’s an enjoyable way to bring people together at a party.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern favorite, featuring slices of unripe tomatoes breaded and fried until crispy. To prepare, slice green tomatoes and coat with flour, cornmeal, and spices. Fry until golden brown and serve with a dipping sauce. They are a crunchy and tangy appetizer that’s perfect for summer.

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington bites are a miniature version of the classic dish, featuring beef wrapped in puff pastry. To make, sear small pieces of beef and wrap in puff pastry along with a mixture of mushrooms and pâté. Bake until the pastry is golden and flaky. These elegant bites are perfect for fancy parties.

Olive Tapenade

Olive tapenade is a flavorful spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, blended into a paste. To prepare, blend black and green olives with capers, anchovies, garlic, and olive oil. Serve with bread or crackers. This spread adds a Mediterranean touch to any gathering.

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters are a crispy and savory appetizer made from corn kernels mixed into a batter and fried. To make, mix corn kernels with flour, egg, milk, and spices. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce for added flavor.

Stuffed Celery

Stuffed celery is a simple and crunchy appetizer where celery stalks are filled with a flavorful mixture. Common fillings include cream cheese and pimento cheese. To prepare, fill celery stalks with a mixture of cream cheese, pimentos, and spices. Cut into bite-sized pieces before serving. These are a refreshing and crunchy snack.

Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomatoes

Tuna salad stuffed tomatoes are a refreshing appetizer where ripe tomatoes are hollowed out and filled with tuna salad. To make, prepare a tuna salad with canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onions. Hollow out tomatoes and fill with the tuna mixture. These are perfect for a light and healthy appetizer.

Eggplant Caponata

Eggplant caponata is a Sicilian appetizer made from eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers, cooked until tender. To prepare, sauté diced eggplant with onions, celery, tomatoes, olives, and capers. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the flavors meld together. Serve with crusty bread. This dish is a wonderful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Pickled Shrimp

Pickled shrimp is a tangy and flavorful appetizer made from shrimp marinated in a vinegar-based brine. To prepare, poach shrimp and then marinate in a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice, onions, and spices. Chill before serving. This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings.

Anchovy Toasts

Anchovy toasts are a savory and salty appetizer where bread is topped with a mixture of anchovies and butter. To make, blend anchovies with softened butter and spread onto toasted bread slices. Garnish with parsley or capers. These toasts are a flavorful and easy appetizer.

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Crab-stuffed mushrooms are a luxurious appetizer where mushroom caps are filled with a crab mixture and baked. To prepare, mix crab meat with cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices. Stuff the mixture into mushroom caps and bake until golden. These are sure to impress guests with their rich flavor.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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