21 Best Retro Appetizers That Never Go Out of Style
We still love 'em just as much as we did in the '80s.
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If there's one thing we love around here, it's a good excuse to throw a party. And what's a party without some seriously good snacks? If you ask us, the best way to kick things off is with a spread of retro appetizers. These are the easy appetizers that instantly take you back to the best kind of gatherings. Think: deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, and pigs in a blanket—all the finger foods that graced every buffet table in the '80s and still hold up today. Whether you're hosting an elegant dinner party, a casual game night, or a holiday get-together, you can't go wrong with a throwback menu filled with classics.
From party dips like Rotel and sausage dip to fancy appetizers like crab-stuffed mushrooms and bacon-wrapped dates, these old-school favorites are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. And let's not forget the sweet stuff! No retro spread would be complete without ambrosia salad or chocolate fondue. (Yes, you can serve desserts as appetizers.) Best of all, these recipes are easy to make and there are plenty of make-ahead appetizers to save you time. So break out the vintage serving platters and whip up a few of these nostalgic bites. Your guests (and their tastebuds) will thank you!
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is a party staple that always pleases a crowd. Ree Drummond's version adds extra flavor by simmering the shrimp with lemon, garlic, and Old Bay before chilling. Just serve with a tangy cocktail sauce and watch them disappear!
Get Ree's Shrimp Cocktail recipe.
Porcupine Meatballs
This Depression Era comfort food serves as a great party appetizer! The ground beef meatballs are bound with uncooked rice, which pokes out just like the quills of a porcupine (hence, the name). Serve with grilled bread or toothpicks for a quick bite.
Get the Porcupine Meatballs recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs have been a party staple for decades, and for good reason! This classic version is perfectly creamy, tangy, and impossible to stop at just one. Ree swears they're dangerous to have around—and she's not wrong!
Get Ree's Deviled Eggs recipe.
Potato Skins
Potato skins are the ultimate throwback snack. They're crispy, cheesy, and loaded with all the best toppings. Ree's been making them forever, and they're just as good now as they were in the '80s.
Get Ree's Potato Skins recipe.
Rotel Dip
Rotel dip is a party classic for a reason: it's warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This version adds ground beef and a touch of smoky spice for extra flavor. Serve it straight from the slow cooker with plenty of tortilla chips, and let the snacking begin!
Get Ree's Rotel Dip recipe.
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab-stuffed mushrooms never fail to impress. Roasting the mushrooms first keeps them firm enough to hold the creamy crab filling, which comes together with budget-friendly lump crabmeat, cream cheese, and seasonings. Make them once and you'll be bringing them to every holiday party!
Get the Crab-Stuff Mushrooms recipe.
Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad is a true classic with crisp apples, celery, and toasted walnuts tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It's fresh, simple, and just fancy enough to make any meal feel a little more special. Serve it as an easy starter at your next gathering.
Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.
Crab Rangoon
Crab rangoons are stuffed with a filling that combines imitation crab, cream cheese, and a hint of jalapeño for just the right amount of kick. Once fried to golden perfection, these little pockets of goodness are impossible to resist—so you might want to make a double batch.
Get the Crab Rangoon recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is the sweet and fluffy throwback dish that always finds a place at the table. With juicy fruit, marshmallows, and coconut flakes all mixed into a creamy base, it's a dessert disguised as a salad. Translation: it's totally acceptable for breakfast, brunch, or any appetizer spread.
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket prove that sometimes the simplest snacks are the best. Mini sausages wrapped in buttery dough make for an easy and crowd-pleasing bite that disappears fast. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them go even faster.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is a brunch favorite for a reason. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy filling, and flaky crust makes it an easy and delicious way to get your morning fill. Serve it warm or at room temperature alongside coffee or mimosas for a simple yet satisfying appetizer.
Get the Quiche Lorraine recipe.
Cocktail Meatballs
Cocktail meatballs are the ultimate grab-and-go party snack, perfect for piling onto a plate or eating straight from the toothpick. This version takes the classic appetizer up a notch with a sweet and spicy glaze made from chili sauce, apricot preserves, and a dash of sriracha.
Get the Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball
A cheese ball is always a party favorite, but this version adds a festive twist with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. The creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar gets rolled in a coating of nuts and dried fruit, making every bite a mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness!
Get Ree's Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball recipe.
Tea Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches may be dainty, but they're packed with flavor: smoked salmon, ham and cheddar, and curried chicken salad. Perfect for tea parties, brunches, or any excuse to feel a little fancy, they're easy to make in batches so no one has to stop at just one.
Get the Tea Sandwiches recipe.
Fried Deviled Eggs
Fried deviled eggs take the classic appetizer to the next level with a crispy, golden coating. The whites get a quick fry for extra crunch, while the yolk filling stays smooth and creamy. It's a fun twist on an old favorite—because everything's better fried!
Get the Fried Deviled Eggs recipe.
Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate fondue might be thought of as dessert, but why wait until the end of the night to break it out? This retro party favorite is just as fun as it is delicious, making it a perfect interactive appetizer. Set out skewers and an assortment of dippables, then let everyone dunk away!
Get the Chocolate Fondue recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Bacon-wrapped dates are the ultimate sweet-and-savory bite. The crispy bacon, gooey date, and tangy blue cheese (or goat cheese!) make an irresistible trio. A touch of honey and a jalapeño slice take them over the top.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade brings bold and briny flavor to any appetizer spread. This classic French condiment is packed with chopped olives, capers, and a touch of anchovy. Serve it with toasted baguette, alongside cheese and cured meats, or as a zesty topping for crackers.
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
Spinach Puffs
Spinach puffs are like tiny, handheld versions of your favorite spinach dip. Buttery puff pastry cradles a creamy, cheesy filling with just the right amount of herbs. They're fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a casual get-together.
Get the Spinach Puffs recipe.
Sausage Dip
This three-ingredient sausage dip is a party must-have. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage, it comes together in just 10 minutes. Serve it straight from the skillet with plenty of chips for dipping!
Get the Sausage Dip recipe.
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