Vintage Appetizer Recipes That Need to Come Back (2024)

Recipes

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Whether you're looking to host a throwback-themed party or are just trying to shake up your menu, looking back in time to retro appetizers is a great way to cook creatively. A lot of these recipes are a little indulgent and use things like mayonnaise, salted and cured meats, cheese and other old-school ingredients. But, hey, a little fat and salt is just one of the reasons why your grandma's cooking was so good. Deviled eggs, co*cktail meatballs, pimento cheese dip and these 26other retro appetizers need to make a comeback.

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Like the most irresistible dips, cheese balls are easily shared and transported to a potluck or holiday party. They're also easy to customize. Add bacon bits, scallions or hot peppers to your cheese ball for an extra kick of flavor.

For the Cheese Ball recipe, click here.

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Sausage balls are one of those Southern recipes everyone should try. They need only three simple ingredients — ground sausage, biscuit mix and cheddar cheese — and turn out amazing.

For the Southern Sausage Balls recipe, click here.

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It doesn't get more retro than co*cktail meatballs served on toothpicks with little fancy frills on the end. This slow-cooker recipe is so easy, too. It requires just three ingredients, then you can set it and forget it.

For the Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe, click here.

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Pigs in a blanket are great for game day, but also perfect for any day. This recipe kicks up this classic with a little inspiration from a New York City bagel shop.

For the Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket recipe, click here.

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If you're already planning to fire up the grill to cook a perfect steak for guests, throw a few shrimp on there as well. Shrimp co*cktail is an easy, light appetizer that can supplement a heavier meal.

For the Grilled Shrimp co*cktail recipe, click here.

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Cheese fondue is a recipe right out of the 1970s, but it has a place in today's party menus. After all, who doesn't need a reason to eat more cheese?

For the Cheese Fondue recipe, click here

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Dill and green onions are just two unexpected ingredients that go great with eggs. Toss those in with some mayo, and you've got a great egg salad. For an appetizer, serve on sliders.

For the Egg Salad recipe, click here

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You probably won't find crab dip at the best seafood shacks in America, but this appetizer sure puts shellfish to good use. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

For the Hot Crab Dip recipe, click here

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An appetizer you can still find at some of the best steakhouses in America, oysters Rockefeller is an old-school dish that holds up today.

For the Oysters Rockefeller recipe, click here.

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It doesn't get much more retro than a classic relish tray. Pickling your own beans, carrots and squash is a great way to get use out of vegetables when they are in season.

For the Pickled Olives and Vegetables recipe, click here.

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Cranberries and cayenne give this appetizer a true throwback vibe. It's easy to swap out the turkey for chicken, and then this sweet and spicy recipe is one of the best uses for leftover chicken.

For the Cranberry and Cayenne Turkey Salad recipe, click here.

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One of the Southern foods the rest of the world needs to try, pimento cheese dip is delightfully balanced. Heat from the hot sauce is tempered by cool cream cheese and cheddar.

For the Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip recipe, click here

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A true comfort food for cold days, Swedish meatballs in their creamy, slightly tangy sauce can easily serve as both an appetizer and a main dish.

For the Swedish Meatballs recipe, click here

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Artichokes and olives are two ingredients that people don't cook with anymore but should. This vegetarian-friendly recipe can be cut into quarters and served as tea sandwiches.

For the Artichoke and Olive Tapenade Sandwich recipe, click here

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This kid-friendly snack uses a few kitchen staples — celery, peanut butter and raisins. If you haven't had ants on a log since you were as tall as an ant, you're not alone. This appetizer is one of those retro snack foods that are primed for a comeback.

For the Ants on a Log recipe, click here

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One of the best salads that aren't "salads," bean salad is a healthy appetizer full of flavors from the Meditteranean.

For the Bean Salad recipe, click here

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Waldorf salad shares a name with some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Full of retro ingredients (apples, celery, mayonnaise), it has the same old-school charm as those spots.

For the Waldorf Salad recipe, click here

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Hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise and celery are just a few of the layers in this layered salad, which screams retro.

For the Seven-Layer Salad recipe, click here

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Maybe better known as one of the best brunch recipes, warm ham and Gruyere crepes make for a delicious savory appetizer when cut into wedges.

For the Ham and Gruyere Crepes recipe, click here

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Brisket is one of those potluck dishes that will always win over the party, and this twist on a classic is a great way to use last night's leftovers for today's appetizer.

For the Chilled Brisket Dip recipe, click here.

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Watermelon is usually known as a barbecue side best served as-is. Toss with mint, feta and a light lemon vinaigrette, however, and this picnic classic turns into a vintage salad.

For the Watermelon Salad recipe, click here

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Cheese-stuffed mushrooms are earthy, salty and creamy. Watch these vintage appetizers disappear off any platter. After all, they are one of the 25 best foods to bring to a party.

For the Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms recipe, click here

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After you've learned how to cook the perfect ham, use any leftovers for a classic ham salad. Serve on crackers or cucumbers for a delicious bite.

For the Deviled Ham Salad recipe, click here.

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What can make one of the best foreign cheeses, brie, even better? Wrapping it in puff pastry and topping it with jam, of course.

For the Baked Brie recipe, click here.

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There are a lot of great ways to cook salmon. But if you're a fan of smoked salmon, then this recipe straight out of the '40s is for you.

For the Salmon Dip recipe, click here.

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Deli ham, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and tortillas are all it takes to make classic pinwheels. It's so easy, even kids can do it.

For the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe, click here.

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Soup may feel like a winter dish, but this chilled tomato gazpacho is refreshing any time of year.

For the Gazpacho recipe, click here.

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Deviled eggs are one of the best ways to cook (and eat) eggs and are always a crowd-pleaser. For a true throwback look, sprinkle your deviled eggs with paprika and top them with a halved green olive.

For the Deviled Eggs recipe, click here.

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Baked shellfish dishes are truly from another era. Clams casino — clams baked with breadcrumbs, bacon and peppers — are truly tasty and one of those retro recipes you forgot existed.

For the Clams Casino recipe, click here.

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