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As the wife of a cowboy, Ree Drummond doesn't often use the word "fancy" when making dinner. She keeps things pretty rustic and family-friendly most of the time. But just like anyone else, Ree has a time and place for making fancier dishes—whether it's an anniversary dinner or holiday party—and that's when she takes things from casual to a little more luxury (at least, in terms of the food). In fact, Ree describes her mom's style of cooking in a similar way: "Her food was good and hearty but always had a bit of elegance to it," she says. So, if you're looking to dress things up (without too much effort), check out this list of fancy appetizers for your next party.
Here, you'll find tons of ideas for easy appetizers, party dips, and finger foods—all of which would be perfect for a special occasion or sophisticated get-together with friends. You can take a cue from Ree and make her festive goat cheese balls and shrimp cocktail or make an over-the-top charcuterie board, a platter of decadent crab-stuffed mushrooms, or a batch of fancy gougères (that's French for cheese puffs). All you need are some sparkly champagne drinks to really turn it into an elegant affair!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
What's the best way to get a cowboy to eat fancy food? Just wrap it in bacon and add some jalapeño! That's exactly what you get with these blue cheese-stuffed dates. Serve them up with little cocktail picks for the perfect party bite.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
There's something about stuffed appetizers that just feels fancy and these crab-stuffed mushrooms are no exception. Each bite is filled to the brim with a creamy crab mixture and crisp panko breadcrumbs.
Get the Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
Easy Baked Brie
All you need is a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of fresh herbs to make this fancy baked brie. The result is a melty cheese with sweet and savory flavor that's perfect for serving on your next cheese board.
Get the Easy Baked Brie recipe.
Chicken Sausages in a Blanket
Give your typical mini hot dogs an elegant upgrade with this variation made from chicken sausages and flaky puff pastry. It even has a fancier tangy maple mustard dip for serving!
Get Ree's Chicken Sausages in a Blanket recipe.
Lobster Bisque
Anything made with lobster will bring a touch of elegance to your table. Surprisingly, this creamy bisque is made with lobster tails so it's budget-friendly, too.
Get the Lobster Bisque recipe.
Gougères
The best part about these cheesy French pastries is that you can easily make them ahead! Stash them in the freezer and heat them up when you have unexpected guests.
Get the Gougères recipe.
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
Just like an elegant French onion soup, this dip is loaded with rich caramelized onions and lots of melty cheese. It's a big step up from the packet of onion dip you might remember as a kid.
Cocktail Meatballs
These sweet and spicy meatballs are cooked low and slow using a slow cooker. Though you can serve them straight out of the kitchen appliance, if you want to make them feel extra fancy, serve them in a pretty platter or bowl instead.
Get the Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
It might not be real caviar but this dip is the next best thing! Each bite is a colorful and crunchy combination of beans, veggies, and fresh herbs.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Charcuterie Board
The great thing about a charcuterie board is that it can be as fancy (or not fancy) as you'd like. Customize it to your preferences with different cheeses, meats, dips, olives, and other small bites. Now that's a fancy snack spread!
Get the Charcuterie Board recipe.
White Bean Dip
Instead of grabbing store-bought hummus, try making this white bean dip that's smoother and creamier. It's easy to whip up and it'll look elegant, too.
Get the White Bean Dip recipe.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
Flaky store-bought puff pastry is the key to making this easy appetizer. Each twist will be swirled with apple butter and cheese for a savory-sweet bite that's highly addicting.
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Beef Skewers
These hearty beef bites are perfect for a cocktail party where you don't even need to serve a main course! The tender meat is seasoned with a marinade then cooked on the grill for those pretty grill marks.
Get the Beef Skewers recipe.
Olive Tapenade
Looking for a zippy spread to add to your cheese board? Try this French olive tapenade that's both colorful and bright. It's so tasty when paired with creamy goat cheese and toasted baguette slices.
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
Shrimp Dip
This dip is creamy and bright, but making it with fresh shrimp. instead of canned gives it even more elegance! Top it with a layer of cocktail sauce and watch as your guests dig right in.
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
Waldorf Salad
This salad was first invented at The Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City, so there's no doubt it has that old-school elegant charm. You can also serve the crunchy apple and grape salad in crisp lettuce cups to make it feel even fancier.
Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.
Festive Goat Cheese Balls
These little goat cheese balls look like shiny jewels with their cranberry and pistachio coating. They're perfect for Christmastime or any occasion when you want something festive and cheesy.
Get Ree's Festive Goat Cheese Balls recipe.
Million Dollar Dip
It doesn't get fancier than a dip that tastes like a million bucks! This creamy concoction is made with "rich" and indulgent ingredients, like cheese, nuts, and crispy bacon.
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
Cranberry Brie Bites
This bite-sized appetizer doesn't just look elegant, but it tastes impressive, too. Little do you guests know, it only takes a handful of ingredients: cranberry sauce, brie cheese, pistachios, and puff pastry.
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
There are so many ways to prepare bruschetta, but Ree's version with sweet fig jam and tangy blue cheese is worth a try. It'll make you fall in love with the combination of sweet and savory.
Get Ree's Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta recipe.
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