Valerie Bertinelli's Perfect Party Recipes

Take a few tips from Valerie's Home Cooking and impress your guests with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails perfect for your next event.

Save Collection

Related To:

Photo By: yia thao

Photo By: Rob Pryce

Photo By: yia thao

Photo By: Brandon Dickson

Photo By: yia thao

Photo By: Rob Pryce

Southwestern Egg Rolls with Salsa Dipping Sauce

Add a Tex-Mex spin to a classic Asian-food appetizer by filling egg rolls with cheese, corn, beans and chiles and serving with fresh homemade salsa.

Get the Recipe: Southwestern Egg Rolls with Salsa Dipping Sauce

Prosciutto Bruschetta

Valerie’s twist on a quintessential Italian appetizer takes just 15 minutes to make and is perfect for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Bruschetta

Crusty Tostada Ensalada

These crispy tostadas — topped with homemade refried beans and roasted beets — are a great party snack.

Get the Recipe: Crunchy Tostada Ensalada

Muffuletta Bruschetta

Valerie turns the classic New Orleans sandwich into a perfect party food.

Get the Recipe: Muffuletta Bruschetta

Smoky Orange Margarita

Toast the weekend with this mezcal- and orange liqueur-infused beverage rimmed with margarita salt and garnished with a clementine wheel.

Get the Recipe: Smoky Orange Margarita

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Romesco Sauce

Romesco is made with almonds, garlic, smoked paprika, roasted red peppers, olive oil and sherry vinegar. It's the perfect accompaniment to grilled shrimp.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Romesco Sauce

Steak Towers

Make these stacks of cucumber, steak, tomato and cream cheese for a perfect grab-and-go bite for your next party.

Get the Recipe: Steak Towers

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

After partially cooking the turkey, spoon on warmed cranberry sauce, then return it to the oven, leaving you with patties that are browned, glazed and cooked through.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Glazed Short-Rib Crostini

Layer sweet glazed short rib and a decadent blue cheese spread for an hors d’oeuvre that is sure to impress your guests.

Get the Recipe: Glazed Short Rib Crostini Stack

Key Lime Pie Martini

Have your dessert and drink it too! This sweet drink comes with a graham cracker crumb rim and is infused with coconut milk creamer, vodka and vanilla liqueur, making it pie in the palm of your hand.

Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie Martini

Goat Cheese and Asparagus Crostini

Slices of toasted baguette are topped with goat cheese, garlic and asparagus, drizzled with olive oil to make the perfect party bite.

Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese and Asparagus Crostini

Aperol Spritz Martini

For the coldest drinks possible, be sure to freeze your martini glasses in advance. And use a cocktail shaker with ice to chill and combine the Aperol and vodka before topping with chilled Prosecco.

Get the Recipe: Aperol Spritz Martini

Potato Skins with Beer Cheese

Perfect for a game-day snack, these potato skins are stuffed with beer-infused cheddar cheese and topped with bits of bacon and chopped scallions.

Get the Recipe: Potato Skins with Beer Cheese

Everything Snack Mix

If you can't decide between pretzels, crackers, peanuts and the rest of your cocktail snacks, why not toss them all together for the ultimate snack mix? Valerie seasons hers with grated Parmesan and a packet of ramen noodle seasoning.

Get the Recipe: Everything Snack Mix

Cucumber Vodka Spritz

Valerie's elegant spritz combines cucumber juice, lime, agave nectar, vodka and seltzer for a fresh summer cocktail.

Get the Recipe: Cucumber Vodka Spritz

Valerie's Italian Veggie Pie

The secret to this Italian veggie pie is using a tube of refrigerated crescent rolls. The topping is as easy as sauteing together mushrooms, shallots and spinach before combining it with cheese and eggs.

Get the Recipe: Valerie's Italian Veggie Pie

Roasted Carrot Hummus

Forget the chickpeas and reach for some carrots. Valerie's hummus is a blend of carrots, garlic, tahini and cumin, and it's topped with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkled with cilantro.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Hummus

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuff mushroom caps with sauteed veggies and pecorino cheese before broiling, for a delicious and elegant hors d’oeuvre.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Ginger Beer Lime Rickey

Brighten up the table with this simple and delicious kid-friendly mocktail made from ginger beer, seltzer, grenadine and lime juice.

Get the Recipe: Ginger Beer Lime Rickey

Valerie's Cheesy Salami Pie

Valerie once again uses the tried-and-tested crescent roll dough to create this pizza topped with salami, Parmesan and mozzarella.

Get the Recipe: Valerie's Cheesy Salami Pie

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Eggplant Caviar and Creme Fraiche

Upgrade an average potato into an elegant appetizer with Valerie's eggplant caviar. A dollop of creme fraiche and a pinch of black sesame seeds on top add a polished finishing touch.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Eggplant Caviar and Creme Fraiche

Pepperoni Pizza Bites with Marinara Sauce

Use store-bought pizza dough to create these mini pizza bites. But don't take shortcuts on the sauce, Valerie's recipe is a classic.

Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Bites with Homemade Marinara Sauce

Limeade and Mint Soda

Lime juice, mint leaves, sugar and sparkling water are blended to make the perfect tart and sweet sip.

Get the Recipe: Limeade and Mint Soda

Mrs. Van Halen's Gado Gado

Elevate your usual veggies and dip spread by blanching the vegetables and serving them alongside this flavor-packed peanut sauce.

Get the Recipe: Mrs. Van Halen's Gado Gado

Cream Cheese Crab Spread with Homemade Crostini

This spread made from fresh crab and cream cheese gets even better when it's topped with homemade cocktail sauce and slathered on garlic-coated crostini.

Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Crab Spread with Homemade Crostini

Mom's Onion Rings

Valerie uses hot cayenne and sweet paprika in her batter to amp up the flavor in these classic onion rings. Serve them fresh from the fryer with the condiment of your choice.

Get the Recipe: Mom's Onion Rings

Grapefruit Mojito

The light combination of grapefruit, mint and lime will have you ready for warm weather.

Get the Recipe: Grapefruit Mojito

Crispy Pancetta Crostini with Arugula-Lemon Pesto

This simple appetizer starts with frying pancetta slices, which top homemade arugula-lemon pesto spread on toasted slices of baguette.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Pancetta Crostini with Arugula-Lemon Pesto

Rosemary and Pepper Crackers

Upgrade any cheese course by serving homemade Parmesan, rosemary and pepper crackers that take only 30 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe: Rosemary and Pepper Crackers

Tomato Bruschetta, Valerie Style

Valerie’s version of this classic hors d’oeuvre combines garlic, basil and olives with fresh heirloom tomatoes for a simple, flavorful appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Valerie Style

Watermelon and Mint Spritz for Kids

Liven up your next barbecue with a kid-friendly concoction; everyone can enjoy this summery mocktail made from fresh watermelon, mint and lime juice.

Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Mint Spritz for Kids

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

A spicy peanut dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these skewers marinated in curry and coconut milk.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Rumaki Teriyaki

Valerie creates this unique Japanese-inspired canape by coating chicken livers and water chestnuts in teriyaki sauce and wrapping in bacon before broiling.

Get the Recipe: Rumaki Teriyaki

Valerie's Homemade Limoncello

You only need four ingredients (lemons, vodka, water and sugar) to make limoncello at home. With a bit of patience you'll have a drink that's better than store-bought.

Get the Recipe: Limoncello

Grilled Lamb Meatball Flatbread

These flatbreads are topped with grilled mini Middle Eastern-spiced lamb meatballs and a cinnamon-spiced tomato sauce.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Lamb Meatball Flatbread with Grilled Tomato Sauce

Homemade Potato Chips with Chicken Salt

What's a party without chips? Thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes are deep-fried in vegetable oil and finished off with a sprinkling of chicken salt, which is all the rage Down Under.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Potato Chips with Chicken Salt

LOL Martini

For a triple citrus kick try this cocktail made with lemon vodka, limoncello and orange liqueur. Valerie rims the glasses in citrus zest and sugar.

Get the Recipe: LOL Martini

Dominic's Salsa

Upgrade the standard chips-and-salsa appetizer by making your own fresh salsa with tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno and cilantro, all doused with a healthy dose of lime juice.

Get the Recipe: Dominic's Salsa

Lemon Moscow Mule

Valerie's Moscow Mule recipe uses her homemade limoncello. Vodka and ginger beer round out the drink.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Moscow Mule

Tuscan Kale Pesto Pizza with Shrimp Scampi

For this recipe, Valerie turns her own Tuscan Kale Salad into a pesto that she spreads on naan bread. It's topped with fontina cheese and shrimp scampi to create a welcomed party appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Tuscan Kale Pesto Pizza with Shrimp Scampi

Jalapeno-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Cherry Cola Barbecue Sauce

Stuff a jalapeno slice inside each bacon-wrapped shrimp. It'll give them an unexpected kick your guests will go crazy for.

Get the Recipe: Jalapeno-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Cherry Cola Barbecue Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

This homemade hummus takes only 15 minutes to make and is the perfect dip to serve with fresh veggies and pita chips.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Buttery Manhattan

Valerie uses homemade butter-infused bourbon for her take on this classic cocktail.

Get the Recipe: Buttery Manhattan

Deviled Eggs, Three Ways

Try one of Valerie’s flavorful twists on deviled eggs: pickles and capers, wasabi and ginger, or sesame carrot.

Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs, Three Ways

Crab-Boil Sliders with Homemade Coleslaw

Ditch the mess of a crab boil without ditching the flavor. Crab meat, andouille sausage and panko breadcrumbs make up the base of this crab cake, which is topped with homemade coleslaw and served on a brioche bun.

Get the Recipe: Crab-Boil Sliders with Homemade Coleslaw

Berry Kir Royale

This simple cocktail made with Prosecco, creme de cassis and fresh raspberries is an elegant drink option for any celebration.

Get the Recipe: Berry Kir Royale

Pureed Artichoke Crostini with Lime Salt

Top fresh garlic-coated crostini with spinach-artichoke spread and lime salt for a flavor-packed appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Pureed Artichoke Crostini with Lime Salt

Sweet and Spicy Popcorn

Whether it's for a party or movie night, a bowl of this spiced popcorn will make your family and friends happy.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Popcorn

Cheesy Sausage Snacks

These bite-sized snacks combine cheddar, spicy sausage and hot sauce for a tasty treat that takes only 30 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Sausage Snacks

Tom's Special Negroni

This gorgeous orange cocktail combines gin, orange liqueur, sweet vermouth and freshly squeezed orange juice for a refreshing and beautiful drink.

Get the Recipe: Tom's Special Negroni

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs

Marinating the veggies in olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper before grilling adds a layer of flavor to these easy kebabs.

Pull-Apart Garlic Bread with Asiago Cheese

Use your favorite loaf of bread to make this recipe. All you need are butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley and cheese.

Get the Recipe: Pull-Apart Garlic Bread with Asiago Cheese

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Romesco Sauce

Romesco is made with almonds, garlic, smoked paprika, roasted red peppers, olive oil and sherry vinegar. It's the perfect accompaniment to grilled shrimp.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Romesco Sauce

Spicy Margarita with Jalapeno and Ginger

Spice up cocktail hour with this margarita recipe of muddled jalapeno and ginger mixed with tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and homemade simple syrup.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Margarita with Jalapeno and Ginger

Smoky Cheddar Cheese Crackers

These savory bites are the perfect finger food for your guests. Valerie makes the dough from flour and sharp cheddar cheese, then seasons it with paprika, cayenne and salt.

Get the Recipe: Smokey Cheddar Cheese Crackers

BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Tequila Lime Cilantro

Perfect for an outdoor summer party, the chicken on these kabobs is infused with a tequila, cilantro and red pepper flake marinade, grilled, and served on a stick with zucchini and red and yellow bell peppers.

Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Tequila Lime Cilantro

Italian Spritz

Valerie makes the classic Italian cocktail with Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water, then garnishes it with slices of citrus fruit.

Get the Recipe: Italian Spritz

English and Italian Finger Sandwiches

For a quick party snack you can make without preheating the oven, try these finger sandwiches made of sliced meats, roasted red peppers, basil and more between two slices of fresh Italian bread.

Get the Recipe: English and Italian Finger Sandwiches

Blackened Catfish Tacos

Bring some Southern flavor to your average tacos by replacing the meat with grilled catfish dipped in a Cajun blackening seasoning.

Get the Recipe: Blackened Catfish Tacos

Rosemary Gin Fizz

Simple syrup infused with rosemary sprigs is the star of this refreshing cocktail. Made with gin, seltzer and citrus juice, it's finished off with a fresh sprig of rosemary to tie all the flavors together.

Get the Recipe: Rosemary Gin Fizz

Sweet and Salty Pepitas

Baked pepitas — pumpkin seeds — coated in sugar, cinnamon and ginger make for a delicious sweet and salty snack for guests to munch on.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Salty Pepitas

Ham, Apple and Cheddar Sliders

Easy to make without turning on the stove, these sliders are ready to serve in just 20 minutes, and they deliver a fresh bite thanks to thin apple slices and a drizzle of lemon juice.

Get the Recipe: Ham, Apple and Cheddar Sliders

Spiked Strawberry Lemonade

Frozen strawberries, lemon juice, lemonade vodka and elderflower liqueur combine to create this refreshing and summery cocktail.

Get the Recipe: Spiked Strawberry Lemonade

Salsa Verde

Perfect for dipping some chips or drizzling over a taco, this simple salsa recipe gets an Italian twist with capers and fresh garlic.

Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde

Cheese and Caramel Popcorn

It’s true: Caramel and cheese popcorn go together as well as peanut butter and jelly. Make your own version of this mix by using Cheddar cheese and a homemade caramel sauce.

Get the Recipe: Cheese and Caramel Popcorn

Blueberry Cheesecake Filo Cups

Frozen filo cups make it quick to assemble delicious bite-sized treats. Valerie heats blueberries with sugar and cinnamon to make her easy compote, which she dollops on top of her lemony mascarpone cheesecake bites.

Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Filo Cups

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Olives Martini

Add a cheesy twist to a classic martini by stuffing a garnish of olives with blue cheese.

Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese-Stuffed Olives Martini

Kale Chips, 3 Ways

For a lighter snack option, these three kale chip recipes will satisfy all your cravings.

Get the Recipe: Kale Chips, Three Ways

Cinnamon Sugared Walnuts

These spiced and candied walnuts are great to have on hand for a cocktail party.

Get the Recipe: Cinnamon-Sugared Walnuts

Grilled Citrus Lemonade

Grilling lemons, limes and oranges brings out their inherent sweetness and adds a unique smoky flavor to this beverage. Vodka is an optional addition.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Citrus Spiked Lemonade

Brisket Sliders with White Barbecue Sauce

For these sliders, beef brisket goes low and slow for six hours until it’s tender and juicy. The meat is then loaded onto potato buns and topped with a white barbecue sauce.

Get the Recipe: Brisket Sliders with White Barbecue Sauce

Hatch Chile Cream Cheese Dip

Hatch green chiles are the star of this fantastic dip that is sure to be a hit at your next party.

Get the Recipe: Hatch Chile Cream Cheese Dip

Poppy Seed Crackers with Egg Mousse and Caviar

Creamy egg mousse, caviar and fresh chives top these incredible hors d’oeuvres. The poppy seed crackers provide a great crunch and can be made a day ahead for an easier preparation.

Get the Recipe: Poppy Seed Crackers with Egg Mousse and Caviar

Mini Corn Dogs

Mini Corn Dogs make for the perfect kid-friendly option for a children’s birthday party or family gathering. And the best part? They can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Mini Corn Dogs