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.
Mini Grits and Greens Appetizer
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
Cracker Spoons with Creamy Pimiento Cheese
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
Fried Green Tomato Sliders
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
Cornbread Tartlets with Tomato-Lima Bean Relish
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
Shrimp Boil Skewers
Recipe: Shrimp Boil Skewers
Serve this colorful appetizer in small cups if you want to skip the skewers.
Mini Berry Cobblers
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
Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles
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.
Hoppin' John Parfaits
Recipe: Hoppin' John Parfaits
Layer black-eyed pea mixture, hot cooked rice, and tomato mixture in 12 (7-oz.) glasses for a charming presentation.
Chicken Salad Tarts
Recipe: Chicken Salad Tarts
This chicken salad appetizer recipe is perfect for any occasion and (almost!) too pretty to eat.
Crab Cake Hush Puppies
Recipe: Crab Cake Hush Puppies
Serve these tasty hush puppies with your favorite rémoulade or cocktail sauce.
Strawberry Pretzel Crostini
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.
Boiled Peanut Hummus
Recipe: Boiled Peanut Hummus
Serve with carrot or celery sticks, and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs.
Andouille Mini Dogs
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.
Mint Julep Gelées
Recipe: Mint Julep Gelées
To make these less strong, increase cold water to 2¼ cups and reduce bourbon to ¾ cup.
