Looking for more one-hand wonders to serve at your celebration? These cheese stuffed dates wrapped in prosciutto are a unique appetizer that everyone will want to try.
Chicken Caesar crostini
These super elegant mini mouthfuls are a riff off a classic Caesar salad. Rather than serving a large salad bowl with sauce-slathered chicken, lettuce leaves, croutons and bacon, requiring salad servers and a fork, I’ve made one-bite tiny towers that won’t get messy and awkward. I’ve used poached, tender chicken breast, minced then mixed with an unmistakably tangy and creamy Caesar dressing. Scooped into a fresh green gem lettuce leaf, stacked on a crunchy crostino, and sprinkled with bacon bits, this is an elevated appetizer if ever I saw one. Most Caesar sauces call for anchovies or anchovy paste, but I’ve left this divisive little fish out of mine. I don’t want anyone turning down my canapés on account of them! However, I’ve stuck to using Worcestershire sauce, which is a sufficiently salty substitute that does contain anchovies but is less overtly fishy. Dijon mustard is another ingredient that is sometimes omitted. I’ve kept it in. It brings the vinegar component and contributes to the smooth saucy consistency. Store-bought crostini are uniform in shape and the ideal size for a single bite. They also offer unrivalled crunch and texture. However, if they are tricky to track down, mini bruschetta or melba toasts are solid alternatives for a bigger bite.
Party appetizers
My main priorities when planning party appetizers are that they are 1) easy to prepare, I don’t need any extra stress beforehand, and I want to spend time with my guests on the night. 2) Easy to negotiate, so no drippy sauces, oversized bites, or flake-shedding pastries. Nothing that requires a fork and plate. How will I hold a drink too? 3) Stand out, going-back-for-more marvels that look and taste stunning. So here are my top five finger foods for the perfect party:
bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers; salty, spicy and irresistible. favourite party crostini 4 ways; one meat, one fish, one cheese, one vegetable. prosciutto caprese parcels; an Italian-inspired treat. double decker devilled eggs; another retro classic, this time vegetarian. stuffed mushrooms with cream and prosciutto; cheesy and rich (and goes well with wine!).
Storage and leftovers
Party planning is practically a full-time job, so you want party food that is labour-light and can be made ahead. This chicken Caesar will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble your crostini appetizers before your guests arrive and pour yourself a celebratory drink. I always err on the side of caution and dispose of any leftover party food that has been sitting out a while.
Other appetizers to try
Truffle Aioli Queso Fundido with Chorizo Scandi Inspired Grazing Board Potatas Bravas
