40 Vintage Appetizer Recipes We’ll Make Forever and Ever

Porcupine Meatballs

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).

Classic Savory Deviled Eggs

You can’t talk about vintage appetizers without mentioning deviled eggs. This simply seasoned version will quickly become a staple in your recipe box.

Pigs in a Blanket

This three-ingredient appetizer (made with just refrigerated biscuit dough, frankfurters, and Cheddar cheese) is impossible to resist.

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!

Sausage Balls

“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

Cucumber Sandwiches

A seasoned cream cheese-mayonnaise dip is sandwiched with sliced cucumbers between two slices of crustless bread in this timeless finger food recipe.

Southern Pimento Cheese

This top-rated recipe has been a Southern staple for decades. Spiced with jalapeño and spiced with pantry staples, it’s impossible to resist.

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

Cheese Fondue

“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

Stuffed Mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms are stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and flavorful seasonings in this restaurant-worthy appetizer.

Rotel Dip

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).

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

Brown Sugar Smokies

Here’s another three-ingredient appetizer your guests will love. Make it with bacon, little sausages, and brown sugar.

Sarah’s Ambrosia Fruit Salad

“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

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese

Pitted dates are stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked to perfection in this classic dish.

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

Chicken Liver Pâté

“This chicken liver pâté makes a delicious spread for parties. Serve with assorted crackers or toasted, thinly sliced bread.” —Miss Amy

French Onion Dip From Scratch

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.

Easy Mini Quiche

A muffin tin makes it incredibly easy to make bite-sized quiches for a crowd.

Grape Jelly Meatballs

“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

Cream Cheese Pickles

Cream cheese is spread on lunch meat slices, wrapped around dill pickles, and sliced before serving.

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

“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

Olive Cheese Balls

“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

Stuffed Celery

Celery is stuffed with a walnut- and pimento-dotted cream cheese mixture.

Sweet, Salty, Spicy Party Nuts

“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

Olive Puffs

You need just two ingredients to make this appetizer: pimento-stuffed green olives and a package of frozen puff pastry.

Cheese Straws

Homemade Southern cheese straws are welcome at any gathering—and this top-rated recipe comes together with just five ingredients.

Crab Cakes

“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

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies

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.

Ham Salad

“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

Mini Spam Sandwiches

“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

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Seasoned scallops are wrapped in bacon and seared until crisp. What’s not to love?

Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches

“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

Sardine Dip

“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

Party Pinwheels

“Made these a million times. Everyone expects them at a party. Easy and delicious!” —debgrin

Clams Casino

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!”

Salmon Cheese Ball

“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

Spam Sliders

“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

Dried Beef Cheese Ball

“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

Chef John’s Shrimp Cocktail

“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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