14 Festive Mini Appetizers

By Produced by: Marian Cooper Cairns
Photo: Jennifer Davick

We turned 14 classic Southern dishes into adorable finger foods fit for company.

Mini appetizers put the party in the palm of your hand. They make enjoying festive food simple, and these recipes make it fun. Our recipes for mini appetizers include new twists on traditional Southern classics. Fantastic tastes like peanuts are found in Boiled Peanut Hummus, and our great Southern seafood amps up Crab Cake Hush Puppies. Now we’re talking about true regional delicacies. You’ll be thinking like a Southerner while you’re making our recipes for Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles, Andouille Mini Dogs–with dabs of Creole mustard and sweet pepper relish of course, and Hoppin’ John Parfaits. And don’t think all these recipes are savory: there are Mini Berry Cobblers to satisfy your sweet tooth. So fill a plate with these mini appetizers and savor every little flavor-filled bite.

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These Miniature Southern Classics are Fit for a Crowd

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Mini Grits and Greens Appetizer

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Mini Grits and Greens

Warm ceramic soup spoons in a 200° oven for 10 minutes before assembling.
Tasting spoons: assorted variety online and in stores; worldmarket.com

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Cracker Spoons with Creamy Pimiento Cheese

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Cracker Spoons with Creamy Pimiento Cheese

For less than $2, a super-cute teaspoon-shaped cookie cutter makes down-home pimiento cheese party ready.
Teaspoon cookie cutters: $1.50 for 2; crateandbarrel.com

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Fried Green Tomato Sliders

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Sliders

Start with fried green tomatoes from your favorite meat 'n' three restaurant. Bake them on a baking sheet at 350° for 5 minutes or until warm and crispy. Add sweet-hot pickle chips to the bun with wooden picks for a fun garnish.
Vintage toothpicks: etsy.com for similar items

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Cornbread Tartlets with Tomato-Lima Bean Relish

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Cornbread Tartlets with Tomato-Lima Bean Relish

Inspired by summery succotash, these petite tarts are buttery and fresh all in one bite.
Norpro Fancy Tartlet Pans: $12 for 36; amazon.com

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Shrimp Boil Skewers

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Shrimp Boil Skewers

Serve this colorful appetizer in small cups if you want to skip the skewers.

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Mini Berry Cobblers

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Mini Berry Cobblers

Use a mixture of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries in these charming individual desserts. Lodge Logic 3½-inch miniature skillets: $10 each; amazon.com

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Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Keep waffles warm in a 200° oven up to 30 minutes before assembling. Top waffles with chicken, and drizzle with Peach-Horseradish Maple Syrup.

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Hoppin' John Parfaits

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Hoppin' John Parfaits

Layer black-eyed pea mixture, hot cooked rice, and tomato mixture in 12 (7-oz.) glasses for a charming presentation.

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Chicken Salad Tarts

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Salad Tarts

This chicken salad appetizer recipe is perfect for any occasion and (almost!) too pretty to eat.

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Crab Cake Hush Puppies

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Crab Cake Hush Puppies

Serve these tasty hush puppies with your favorite rémoulade or cocktail sauce.

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Strawberry Pretzel Crostini

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Crostini

The sturdy pretzel holds the weight of the strawberries and cream cheese making this bite-size appetizer an ideal finger food.

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Boiled Peanut Hummus

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Boiled Peanut Hummus

Serve with carrot or celery sticks, and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs.

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Andouille Mini Dogs

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Andouille Mini Dogs

Smokies are always a big hit at parties, so turn it up a notch by adding a bun and a dab of mustard and relish to make mini hot dogs.

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Mint Julep Gelées

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Mint Julep Gelées

To make these less strong, increase cold water to 2¼ cups and reduce bourbon to ¾ cup.

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