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