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Meredith Food Studio
Get your next party started on the right foot—with one of these tried-and-true vintage appetizers that will never go out of style. From potluck-perfect dips and cheese balls to bite-sized cocktail smokies and meatballs, you’ll find a new (old) favorite in this collection of retro apps that’ll please even the pickiest of eaters.
01
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Porcupine Meatballs
Qi Ai/Allrecipes
Porcupine meatballs, ground beef-rice balls cooked in tomato sauce, became a staple during the Great Depression. They get their name from their appearance to porcupines (the rice makes the balls appear prickly).
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02
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Classic Savory Deviled Eggs
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
You can't talk about vintage appetizers without mentioning deviled eggs. This simply seasoned version will quickly become a staple in your recipe box.
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03
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Pigs in a Blanket
This three-ingredient appetizer (made with just refrigerated biscuit dough, frankfurters, and Cheddar cheese) is impossible to resist.
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04
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Best Cheese Ball
If you don't already have a go-to cheese ball in your repertoire, bookmark this recipe ASAP. Bonus points: It's easy to freeze and give as gifts!
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05
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Sausage Balls
Meredith Food Studio
"These 3-ingredient sausage balls are a real crowd pleaser, whether you serve them as a breakfast or brunch treat, a party appetizer, a game-day nibble, or a holiday hors d'oeuvre. Savory sausage, store-bought biscuit mix, and sharp Cheddar cheese team up for a yummy savory flavor that can't be beaten!" —Stephanie
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06
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Cucumber Sandwiches
Baking Nana
A seasoned cream cheese-mayonnaise dip is sandwiched with sliced cucumbers between two slices of crustless bread in this timeless finger food recipe.
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07
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Southern Pimento Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This top-rated recipe has been a Southern staple for decades. Spiced with jalapeño and spiced with pantry staples, it's impossible to resist.
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08
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Oysters Rockefeller
"Absolutely amazing!! I've made this half a dozen times and it's always a hit. It's like having creamed spinach on top of an oyster!" —Abg0623
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09
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Cheese Fondue
dotdash meredith food studios
"I've been making this fondue since the early '70s. This recipe uses two types of cheese and always turns out super smooth. I like to serve it with cubes of crusty bread for dipping, but baby potatoes, bell peppers, and sliced apples also work great!" —Sheila
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10
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Stuffed Mushrooms
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Fresh mushrooms are stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and flavorful seasonings in this restaurant-worthy appetizer.
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11
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Rotel Dip
Nicole Russell
You need just three ingredients to make this decadent dip: sausage, processed cheese (like Velveeta), and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like RO-TEL).
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12
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Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
"This spinach artichoke dip is delicious. It's so cheesy and fragrant. If you don't like artichokes, don't worry — you'll never know they're in there! My only question is: Is it okay to eat it with a spoon right out of the dish?" —TIFFANY BRENNAN
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13
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Brown Sugar Smokies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Here's another three-ingredient appetizer your guests will love. Make it with bacon, little sausages, and brown sugar.
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14
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Sarah's Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Molly
"I made this for a baby shower today and it was a big hit! It was gone within minutes! Sooooo easy to make too. It's not only tasty, but appealing to the eye with the Mandarin orange and pastel colored marshmallows." —SGomez
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15
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Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese
Grocery Addict
Pitted dates are stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked to perfection in this classic dish.
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16
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Best Benedictine Spread
"Thirty years ago we moved to Texas from Louisville. No one here had ever heard of Benedictine…a Louisville staple! I've made this recipe several times and it is always a hit at parties." —Sandy Bauder
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17
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Chicken Liver Pâté
lutzflcat
"This chicken liver pâté makes a delicious spread for parties. Serve with assorted crackers or toasted, thinly sliced bread." —Miss Amy
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18
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French Onion Dip From Scratch
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
When it comes to this chip dip, there's no need for a seasoning packet. You can throw it together on a dime with sour cream, mayo, and other ingredients you more than likely have on hand.
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19
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Easy Mini Quiche
Linda
A muffin tin makes it incredibly easy to make bite-sized quiches for a crowd.
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20
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Grape Jelly Meatballs
My Hot Southern Mess
"I made these meatballs for a family gathering where we all brought a crockpot with something to share, absolutely delicious! They're a breeze to make and bring along." —Jennifer Ann Kipple
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21
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Cream Cheese Pickles
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Cream cheese is spread on lunch meat slices, wrapped around dill pickles, and sliced before serving.
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22
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Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"These are so good. For the first cooking, I cook them until the bacon is crisp. I save the little rolls of deliciousness and eat them cold as a snack." —Joseph Mariano
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23
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Olive Cheese Balls
Allrecipes Magazine
"I have been making this recipe for more than 30 years and it is one of my favorites. It is so simple to prepare and uses ingredients I always have on hand, which makes it a perfect last-minute appetizer or afternoon snack." —GoofyTaro5728
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24
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Stuffed Celery
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
Celery is stuffed with a walnut- and pimento-dotted cream cheese mixture.
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25
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Sweet, Salty, Spicy Party Nuts
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"This spiced nuts recipe is made using a much easier technique than the stovetop pan method. You'll get beautiful, perfectly frosted nuts roasted evenly, with no bitter burned spots." —Chef John
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26
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Olive Puffs
You need just two ingredients to make this appetizer: pimento-stuffed green olives and a package of frozen puff pastry.
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27
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Cheese Straws
East end 66
Homemade Southern cheese straws are welcome at any gathering—and this top-rated recipe comes together with just five ingredients.
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28
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Crab Cakes
Allrecipes Magazine
"I made this tonight and my husband said it was like going to a gourmet restaurant. I made it exactly as written and it was awesome. I can't wait to invite guests over. Thank you so much for this fantastic recipe." —Mary Anne
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29
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Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Here's a three-ingredient appetizer that has been a potluck staple for decades. You just need barbecue sauce, jelly, and mini smoked sausage links.
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30
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Ham Salad
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Growing up, it was a given that anytime we baked a ham for the holidays, ham salad would follow. This is a good spread and is equally good on a sandwich.” —lutzflcat
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31
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Mini Spam Sandwiches
Buckwheat Queen
"This is a simple and fast recipe that is great for snacking! Spam is a Hawaiian favorite, and you'll know why after eating these!" —ILUVFOOD4
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32
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Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Seasoned scallops are wrapped in bacon and seared until crisp. What's not to love?
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33
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Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches
Meredith Food Studios
"These baked ham and cheese sliders are the most delicious sandwiches and perfect for any party. They are so good that even the pickiest of eaters will eat these!" —LisaT
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34
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Sardine Dip
Shelia Johnson
"Sardine dip may sound unusual, but this recipe will make you a believer. It is yummy and your guests will love it. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or bread." —Shelia Johnson
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35
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Party Pinwheels
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"Made these a million times. Everyone expects them at a party. Easy and delicious!" —debgrin
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36
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Clams Casino
Rita
Clams Casino, stuffed and baked clams, originated more than a century ago at a Rhode Island restaurant. Recipe creator Tina said these are "the best you have ever eaten!"
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37
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Salmon Cheese Ball
Soup Loving Nicole
"I got this recipe from my mother and have taken it to a number of potlucks. It always receives raves. Even non-salmon lovers like this appetizer." —Karen
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38
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Spam Sliders
tboomgaa/Allrecipes
"These sweet and savory sliders are packed with flavor and so much fun to eat. They also take little effort and time to prepare, making them an ideal recipe choice for large gatherings." —Christine Fiorentino
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39
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Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Victoria Jempty/Allrecipes
"This dried beef cheese ball recipe is a festive favorite in our house. Grandma usually doubles the recipe—otherwise, it won't last long!" —Kristi Demanette
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40
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Chef John's Shrimp Cocktail
SHORECOOK
"This is exactly like you would expect from a high end seafood restaurant. I know, I worked in one for many years and this is EXACTLY like we would serve our customers!" —LaCosta Lotta Resort
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41
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More Inspiration
MyHotSouthernMess
- 15 Tried-And-True Recipes from Vintage Cookbooks
- 30 Vintage Dinner Party Recipes That’ll Never Go Out of Style
- 20 Cheap Vintage Recipes We Come Back to Again and Again
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