Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Home & Garden
  • Style & Culture
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021

      The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. Read More Next
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More Next
    • The Right Way to Heat a Pre-Cooked Ham

      It's so easy, trust us. Read More Next
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food

    Lost Cakes of the South

    These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback
    • All Food
    • All Recipes
    • Holidays & Occasions
    • Quick Fix Suppers
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Casseroles
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining

    70 Wedding Vow Examples That Will Melt Your Heart

    Fight writer's block and find ways to express your love with these romantic, funny, and short wedding vow examples.
    • Christmas
    • Entertaining
    • Thanksgiving
    • Southern Weddings
    • Easter
    • Kentucky Derby
    • Valentine's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Mother's Day
  • Home & Garden

    Home & Garden

    See All Home & Garden

    7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020

    ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Before & After
    • Inspired Communities
    • Curb Appeal
    • House Plans & Builders
    • The Grumpy Gardener
    • Plant Names A-Z
  • Style & Culture

    Style & Culture

    See All Style & Culture

    50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime

    Curl up with a classic!
    • Southern Culture
    • Hair
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Pets
    • Southern Fashion
    • Healthy Living
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. food
  3. Appetizers
  4. 35 Vintage Party Appetizers We’ll Never Stop Making

35 Vintage Party Appetizers We’ll Never Stop Making

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
March 09, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet
Credit: Hector Sanchez
When we say something’s “an oldie but a goodie,” it’s the highest form of compliment. Because somehow it was able to withstand the test of time and trends. No easy feat. And while we’re happy to say goodbye to the congealed tuna loaf and frozen cheese salad—yes, those are real—we’re never letting go of these vintage appetizer recipes. These are the all-stars. Generations of Southern community cookbooks have featured these dips, spreads, bites, and nibbles—even if you didn’t know it. That deliciously creamy, cheesy crab dip gracing the holiday spread? Your great-aunt Barb knows it well, too. And those warm, saucy meatballs sitting pretty at the cocktail party? Just ask her husband. Because some party appetizers just never die, and thank goodness for that. Read on for 35 easy appetizers, hot and cold, that are so good you won’t ever need another party recipe.
Start Slideshow

1 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

These Finger Foods Are Forever Classics

1 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball

We'll repeat it until the cows come home: It’s not a Southern party without a cheese ball.

2 of 36

3 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Sausage Balls

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Classic Sausage Balls

Simple, yet totally crowd-pleasing, sausage balls are every Southern cook's three-ingredient trick up the sleeve. Try our updated twist on this classic snack: Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites.

3 of 36

Advertisement

4 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cheese Snappy Wafers

Credit: Hector M. Sanchez

Recipe: Cheese Snappy Wafers

You won't find a one-bite wonder like the cheese straw or wafer. Crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so addicting, they've saved hostesses for generations.

4 of 36

5 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Tomato Tea Sandwiches

The tomato sandwich is a tale as old as time—but these cookbooks were savvy enough to include a miniature appetizer version, too. Odds are, you know the easy version, but make sure to try our Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise next.

5 of 36

6 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Party Puffs with Ham Salad

Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad

It doesn't get more festive than party puffs. Classic ham salad just sends it over the edge.

6 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Traditional Relish Tray

Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Stuffed Celery with Cream Cheese and Walnuts
Recipe: Pickled Beets
Recipe: Spicy Pickled Carrots

For many Southern families, it just wouldn't be Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas without this traditional appetizer platter—and so the retro cookbooks made sure there were plenty of pickling recipes. Top off the spread with store-bought pickled cherry peppers, olives, and okra.

7 of 36

8 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cured Salmon with Dill-Horseradish Cream

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Cured Salmon with Dill-Horseradish Cream

When hosting a more formal affair, there's always room for toast points with lox or cured salmon, especially when given a signture kick with horseradish cream.

8 of 36

9 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

At some point, endive became quite the elegant vessel for creamy spreads, and this herbed goat cheese number would have certainly fit the bill.

9 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cocktail Meatballs

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Cocktail Meatballs

Back in the day, cocktail meatballs might as well have been a requirement at Southern parties. (We wouldn't mind if that rule stuck around.)

10 of 36

11 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Classic Deviled Eggs

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Basic Deviled Eggs

Show up with a tray of deviled eggs, and you're instantly the favorite of half the Southerners in the room (at least).

11 of 36

12 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

This retro snack might seem out-there to some, but to us it's just nostalgic enough to keep around. This smooth, velvety mousse gets topped with spicy-sweet pepper jelly.

12 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Recipe: Contemporary Shrimp Cocktail

Once upon a time, every cocktail party called for a shrimp cocktail, and why mess with a good thing? This recipe features three modern dips. Want something totally new? Try this warmed-up version cooked in a lemon-garlic butter: Garlic Butter-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail.

13 of 36

14 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Credit: Kate Sears

Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ah, the dip that launched a thousand ships. (Not to be dramatic.) This most iconic of dips comes in many variations, but here's a traditional rendition.

14 of 36

15 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Creamy Crab Dip

Fresh crabmeat is a Southern favorite, and we like it served for any meal of the day, in omelets, salads, and soups.

15 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Classic Pimiento Cheese

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Basic Pimiento Cheese​​​​​​​

Now, every Southern cook knows how to make a top-notch pimiento cheese spread, but the add-on ingredients can change from one to the next, with things like Worcestershire, cayenne, and even shaved onion making appearances. To have your pimiento cheese featured in a community or church cookbook? That was the highest honor.

16 of 36

17 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Sparkling Cranberries

Credit: Melina Hammer; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Sparkling Cranberries

Like tasty little jewels, these sugared berries make the perfect party attaché.

17 of 36

18 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

West Indies Crab Salad

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: West Indies Crab Salad

This little-known Southern salad—believed to have originated in Mobile, Alabama—is a beloved party snack you'd find in a tattered coastal cookbook. (But it's just as popular today, still.)

18 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Zucchini-and-Squash Pickles

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham 

Recipe: Zucchini-and-Squash Pickles

These vintage cookbooks never met something they couldn't pickle, mark our words. It's no secret: Southerners love to pickle things.

19 of 36

20 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fresh Fruit Salad

Credit: Jen Causey

Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad

This isn't just cut fruit in a bowl, oh no. It's dressed up for a party with orange juice, honey, and mint.

20 of 36

21 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cheese Dreams

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Cheese Dreams

What's a cheese dream, you might ask? Well, if you don't know, bless your heart. These bites of heaven are enough to make a Southern crowd holler.

21 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pickled Shrimp and Vegetables

Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Recipe: Pickled Shrimp and Vegetables

These cookbooks knew the only way to make a shrimp cocktail even more refreshing for summer hosting would be to pickle those suckers.

22 of 36

23 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Lump Crab Mornay

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Lump Crab Mornay

This dip is decadence in a dish. Its masterful blend of creamy cheese, crabmeat, and just a little bit of heat has long made crab mornay a Southern classic.

23 of 36

24 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Butternut-Goat Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Butternut-Goat Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

These vintage cookbooks loved to stuff things, as well. (If only something could be pickled and stuffed. That would be a game-changer.) These stuffed mushrooms are too easy to love.

24 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Mini Quiches

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Asparagus-and-Goat Cheese Mini Quiches

Mini quiches separate ho-hum brunches and showers from next-level affairs.

25 of 36

26 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Warm Lemon-Rosemary Olives

Credit: Jim Franco

Recipe: Warm Lemon-Rosemary Olives

Southern hostesses for generations past have known how to upgrade any storebought staple. By warming mixed olives with herbs and lemon zest, you're going from basic to fancy.

26 of 36

27 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Oysters Rockefeller

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Oysters Rockefeller

This recipe dates back to 1899, and since then it's earned a long-standing spot in any Louisiana community cookbook.

27 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Buttery Toasted Pecans

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Buttery Toasted Pecans

This is about as simple as it gets—and perfect for setting out in a bowl when unexpected company drops by.

28 of 36

29 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Party Fondue

Recipe: Coco-Loco Chocolate Fondue

Either by way of melty cheese or gooey chocolate, fondue gave every cocktail party guest something fun (and delicious!) to do.

29 of 36

30 of 36

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Waldorf Chicken Salad