Easy Oscar Appetizers That Only Look Fancy

By Lisa Cericola
Hector Sanchez

The Oscars are around the corner and, if you’re hosting a viewing party, you’re going to need party food to fuel everyone from the red carpet interviews all the way to “Best Picture.” Keep everyone fed and happy through the entire show with a spread of Oscar party appetizers that look impressive and are a breeze to assemble. We gathered our favorite appetizers that would be perfect for an Oscar party, including Curried Shrimp Tarts, Blackberry-Brie Pizzettas, Pimiento Cheese Gougeres, Pepper Jelly Palmiers, and Blue Cheese Crostini with Balsamic-Roasted Grapes. Pick a few recipes to serve as a light buffet of finger foods with wine or cocktails or use these appetizers to kick off a sit-down meal. Most of these easy appetizers don’t require much hands-on time and can be served at room temperature, so you won’t find yourself stuck in the kitchen during the party, missing out on the good speeches (and dresses).

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Blackberry-Brie Pizzettas

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Blackberry-Brie Pizzettas

Pizza is a great party food, and this sweet and tangy recipe beats anything you could have delivered to your door. Save time by using one pound of store-bought pizza dough instead of making the dough from scratch. Let the dough come to room temperature before cutting into four pieces.

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Baked Brie Bites

Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Baked Brie Bites

You’ll want to make an extra batch or two of these five-ingredient appetizers—they tend to fly off serving platters. Top with fresh parsley leaves of chopped chives for a little extra color.

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Smoked Trout Crostini with Radishes and Dill Cream

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Smoked Trout Crostini with Radishes and Dill Cream

Party food doesn’t get easier—or more elegant—than this. Smoked trout is so rich and flavorful that a little bit goes a long way. Make this appetizer even faster by using crackers instead of toast points.

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Sweet Potato Squares with Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise

Recipe: Sweet Potato Squares with Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise

Roasted sweet potatoes are a perfect match for spicy smoked sausage and a creamy, lemony mayonnaise dip. Make the mayonnaise, roasted potatoes, and cooked sausage ahead of time, then reheat the potatoes and sausage and assemble the skewers just before serving.

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Curried Shrimp Tarts

Recipe: Curried Shrimp Tarts

Everyone will love this creamy shrimp salad flavored with curry powder, mango chutney, lime juice, and green onions. And you’ll love how easily this pretty appetizer comes together, thanks to frozen mini-phyllo pastry shells.

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Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread

Here’s another clever use for store-bought pizza dough: turn it into a simple flatbread topped with tasty roasted fennel and thin slices of prosciutto (or country ham). A drizzle of bottled balsamic glaze brings all the ingredients together and adds a deliciously tangy-sweet note.

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10 Commandments Of Southern Entertaining

Every good Southern hostess knows that when guests are arriving, there are certain rules to which one must adhere. For instance, "Thou shall always be ready to feed a small flotilla of drop-in visitors." Whether you're a first-time host or a seasoned regular, we'd recommend abiding by these courteous tips. What are your Southern entertaining commandments?

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Pepper Jelly Palmiers

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pepper Jelly Palmiers

Transform a few Southern pantry staples into an addictive (and pretty!) little party snack. We prefer the look of red pepper jelly, rather than green, in this dish but either will taste great.

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Mushroom Puffs

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Mushroom Puffs

Hosting a large crowd? Try these warm, savory bites—one recipe makes three dozen, perfect for a big crowd. Puff pastry is filled with a mixture of cream cheese and canned mushrooms, but you can substitute fresh sliced mushrooms sautéed in butter.

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Blue Cheese Crostini with Balsamic-Roasted Grapes

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Blue Cheese Crostini with Balsamic-Roasted Grapes

Roasting grapes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a deliciously rich syrup that you can drizzle over these cheese-topped baguette slices.

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Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Looking for an easy and tasty app that doesn’t include bread? Use crisp endive leaves as a vessel for creamy goat cheese.

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Pimiento Cheese Gougeres

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese Gougeres

Gougeres sound fancy, but they’re just cheese puffs—and they’re not hard to make at all. Give them a Southern twist by adding diced pimientos and sharp Cheddar cheese.

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