As a sophisticated host, you want your cocktail parties to be the epitome of elegance and refinement. But let’s face it – impressing your guests with delicious and visually stunning dishes can be overwhelming, especially when you’re short on time. Fear not! We’ve curated 18 exquisite cocktail party recipes that are sure to wow your friends and family. From savory bites like mini crab cakes with lemon aioli and bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, to sweet treats like crostini with fig jam and prosciutto, these mouthwatering morsels are the perfect blend of flavor and flair.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a reason to get together with friends, these elegant cocktail party recipes will take your gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. So go ahead, put on your hostess hat, and get ready to impress!
Mini crab cakes with lemon aioli
Elevate your appetizer game with these bite-sized crab cakes, perfectly balanced by a tangy lemon aioli.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon aioli ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 minced clove of garlic
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break up the lumps.
3. Divide mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten slightly into patties.
4. Place mini crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Meanwhile, mix lemon aioli ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Serve warm crab cakes with lemon aioli and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese
Sweet and Savory Delight: Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese
These bite-sized treats combine the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of goat cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy bacon package.
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted dates
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 6 slices of bacon
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Stuff each date with about 1 tablespoon of crumbled goat cheese.
3. Wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed date, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche and dill
A delicate and flavorful twist on traditional blinis, this recipe combines the richness of smoked salmon with the tanginess of crème fraîche and the freshness of dill.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 6 blinis (store-bought or homemade)
– 6 slices smoked salmon
– 1/2 cup crème fraîche
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, beating until smooth.
3. Beat in egg.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into oil; fry until bubbles appear on surface (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
7. Assemble blinis by spreading crème fraîche, topping with smoked salmon, and sprinkling dill.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Truffled mushrooms on toasted brioche
Elevate your brunch game with this decadent recipe, featuring earthy truffle flavors and rich mushroom goodness atop crispy toasted brioche.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), cleaned and sliced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tsp truffle oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 slices of brioche, toasted
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add truffle oil, salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.
4. Meanwhile, toast brioche slices by placing them on a baking sheet and baking for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
5. Assemble the dish by spreading a spoonful of truffled mushroom mixture onto each toasted brioche slice, then garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crostini with fig jam and prosciutto
Elevate your party with this sweet and savory bite-sized treat, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (about 24-30 slices)
– 1/2 cup fig jam
– 6-8 prosciutto slices
– Fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted and crispy.
4. Spread about 1 tablespoon of fig jam on each crostini.
5. Top with a prosciutto slice, folding slightly if needed to fit the jam.
6. Garnish with chopped thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 24-30 crostini
Coconut shrimp with spicy mango dipping sauce
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of coconut-crusted shrimp paired with a spicy mango dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, unsweetened shredded coconut, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini beef wellingtons with mushroom duxelles
Elevate your dinner party with these bite-sized mini beef wellingtons, packed with earthy mushroom duxelles and tender beef. Perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef tenderloin, sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
– 1/2 cup mushroom duxelles (see below)
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mushroom Duxelles:
– 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mushroom duxelles ingredients.
3. Lay puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 12 equal squares.
4. Place a beef strip in the center of each square. Top with a spoonful of mushroom duxelles.
5. Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg. Fold pastry over filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Place mini wellingtons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush tops with remaining egg and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Rosemary skewered lamb meatballs
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these aromatic and flavorful lamb meatballs, perfectly seasoned with rosemary and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and rosemary. Mix well with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Divide the mixture into 20-25 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
4. Thread 2-3 meatballs onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each one.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill or bake for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Brie and cranberry phyllo cups
Elevate your appetizer game with these buttery, flaky phyllo cups filled with creamy Brie cheese and sweet cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 8 oz Brie cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the softened Brie cheese, cranberries, honey, salt, and thyme.
4. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto the center of each phyllo square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the phyllo squares into triangles by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
6. Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cucumber bites with herbed cream cheese and smoked salmon
Elevate your appetizer game with these refreshing cucumber bites, topped with herby cream cheese and smoky salmon. Perfect for a summer gathering or cocktail party.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 seedless cucumbers
– 1 block of cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1/4 cup smoked salmon, flaked
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, and chopped chives until well combined.
3. Spread a small amount of the herbed cream cheese onto each cucumber round.
4. Top with flaked smoked salmon, dividing it evenly among the cucumber bites.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time only)
Mini caprese skewers with balsamic glaze
A refreshing twist on the classic caprese salad, these bite-sized skewers are perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (see below)
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Balsamic Glaze:
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thread a cherry tomato, mozzarella slice, and basil leaf onto each skewer.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the skewers and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tomatoes are tender.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the balsamic glaze by whisking together the vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Remove the skewers from the oven and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy tuna tartare in avocado cups
Elevate your appetizer game with this refreshing and spicy tuna tartare, served in creamy avocado cups. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
– 250g sushi-grade tuna, diced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Scoop out the avocado flesh, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
2. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently with a fork until just combined.
3. Spoon the tuna mixture into the avocado cups, mounding slightly in the center.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
6. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Parmesan crisps with whipped ricotta and honey
Elevate your snack game with these crispy, cheesy bites paired with a sweet and creamy accompaniment.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out the mixture into thin sheets, about 1/16 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes or strips.
4. Place the Parmesan crisps on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
5. In a separate bowl, whip the ricotta cheese with a fork until smooth. Add honey and mix until combined.
6. Serve the warm Parmesan crisps with a dollop of whipped ricotta and a drizzle of honey. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gougeres (French cheese puffs)
These buttery, cheesy puffs are a classic French appetizer or snack, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated Gruyère or Cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, combine milk and melted butter. Gradually add dry ingredients; stir until smooth.
4. Stir in grated cheese.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each puff.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini lobster rolls with tarragon mayo
Elevate your sandwich game with these bite-sized lobster rolls, perfect for a special occasion or a indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound lobster meat, diced
– 4 mini buns (about 3 inches long)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons tarragon mayonnaise (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh tarragon leaves for garnish
Tarragon Mayo:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter the inside of each mini bun.
3. Divide the lobster meat among the buns, placing it in the center of each one.
4. Top with a dollop of tarragon mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the buns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh tarragon leaves.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Stuffed mini peppers with feta and olives
A flavorful and colorful appetizer or snack that combines the sweetness of mini peppers with the tanginess of feta cheese and the savory flavor of olives.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini sweet peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the mini peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix together feta cheese, olives, garlic, and olive oil.
4. Stuff each pepper with the feta-olive mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until peppers are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pulled pork sliders with apple cider slaw
A deliciously tender pulled pork piled high on a soft bun, paired with a tangy and crunchy apple cider slaw. Perfect for a casual gathering or game day celebration.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 8 hamburger buns
– Apple Cider Slaw (see below)
– Optional: pickles, onions, and mustard for toppings
Apple Cider Slaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup diced Granny Smith apples
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour in apple cider.
5. Cook for 8 hours or until tender.
6. Shred the pork with two forks.
7. Assemble sliders by placing a generous amount of pulled pork onto each bun.
8. Top with Apple Cider Slaw, pickles, onions, and mustard (if using).
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Grilled peach and burrata bruschetta
Elevate your bruschetta game with this sweet and savory combination featuring grilled peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 1 ball of burrata cheese
– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch slices
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush peach wedges with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, toast baguette slices by grilling for 30 seconds on each side or baking at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble bruschetta by spreading a slice of toasted bread with burrata cheese, topping with grilled peaches, and finishing with chopped basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Elevate your cocktail party game with these 18 sophisticated recipes. From savory to sweet, these elegant appetizers and snacks are sure to impress your guests. Mini crab cakes with lemon aioli, bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese, and smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche and dill are just a few of the mouthwatering options. There’s something for everyone, including truffled mushrooms on toasted brioche, crostini with fig jam and prosciutto, and even pulled pork sliders with apple cider slaw. Get ready to wow your friends and family with these refined and delicious recipes.
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