Retro One-Bite Holiday Appetizers

Energize your holiday party by serving beloved, retro appetizers with a modern twist.

Related To:

Festive Throwback Snacks

Revamp classic party bites like shrimp cocktail, sausage balls and clams casino into fresh new appetizers for this holiday season.

Cumin-Roasted Shrimp with Green Chile Cocktail Sauce

Who doesn't love shrimp cocktail? Give this classic app a modern spin by roasting the cumin-dusted shellfish to concentrate the flavors, then pairing it with a zesty chile-cilantro dip. It's an addictive combination you can serve hot, chilled or at room temperature.

Get the Recipe: Cumin-Roasted Shrimp with Green Chile Cocktail Sauce

Asian Clams Casino

Many recipes for classic clams casino call for shucked raw clams, which can be tricky to open without a proper clam knife (and a bit of muscle). For this recipe, take a shortcut and steam the bivalves on the stovetop just until they open up. Be sure to save any leftover clam juice for chowder or Bloody Marys!

Get the Recipe: Asian Clams Casino

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Figs

This version of the retro hors d'oeuvre rumaki — bacon-wrapped water chestnuts and chicken liver — substitutes figs, goat cheese and pesto for a fruity, tangy twist. Consider it rumaki 2.0.

Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Figs

One-Bite Baked Brie with Grape-Pecan Compote

Baked Brie wrapped in phyllo is a perennial party favorite because of the perfect combination of gooey-good baked cheese and crisp, buttery pastry. Try serving it modern and mini, baking the Brie in individual phyllo cups (easier than working with sheets of phyllo) and adding a compote made with toasted pecans and red grapes roasted to intensify their flavor.

Get the Recipe: One-Bite Baked Brie with Grape-Pecan Compote

Italian Sausage Balls

This version of sausage balls, a traditional Southern appetizer, gets an Italian twist. Pickled cherry peppers add a touch of acid and spice that complements the richness of the sausage and the mozzarella.

Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Balls

Smothered Pork Chops

Pork, Veggie and Rice Noodle Lettuce Wraps with Sweet Chili Sauce

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Turkey Lasagna

Juicy Chicken Breasts (Baked from Frozen)

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