what kind of appetizers would you suggest at an open house cocktail party?

Answer 1

When we're having a number of people over for cocktails, I like to do a combination of things that you can make earlier in the week with things that are served warm from the oven. Some suggestions for make ahead dishes:

Dips (sun dried tomato, onion, hummus, spinach, etc.)
Salmon mousse
Antipasto platter food (stuffed cherry peppers, etc.)
Deviled Eggs

Day of:

Finger sandwiches (can be made early and refrigerated under damp paper towels on a tray)
Shrimp cocktail
Rumaki (Bacon wrapped chestnuts)
Cocktail Ribs
Pizza (can be bought or made)

There are a lot of pre made appetizers at the store as well as things like cheese and crackers which you just need to unwrap.

Here are a couple of suggestions for books that have some good recipes that we use all the time:

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten
Martha Stewart Hors d'oeuvres Cookbook
Williams-Sonoma Hors d'oeuvres cookbook

There are also a lot of good recipes on www.epicurious.com with recipes from bon appetit and gourmet magazine.

Good luck with your party!

Answer 2

Open House Appetizers

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what kind of appetizers would you suggest at an open house cocktail party?

Answer 4

Before I start, let me tell you that I used to work at a deli and we prepared appetizers all the time.
Okay. You're gonna want to have some variety but don't go overboard. People are there for the party more than the food so don't get hung up on trying to impress them with hors d'ourves (sp).
At the deli I worked at, we had 3 major appetizers that were the "Trinity" as we called them. You need these 3.
1.) Pigs In a Blanket - classic appetizer that appeals to a lot of people; fast and easy to prepare; goes well with lots of sauces; strong, bold flavor compliments different drinks
2.) Cheese and Grapes - a little fancy and largely unseen (unfortunately) at public events; preferably you'll get Swiss with green grapes (the subtle yet forceful bite and taste of the cheese absorbs but does not mask the explosive delight of the grape); VERY easy to prepare; adds fun/conversation starters when used with pretzel sticks to skewer (rather than traditional toothpicks)
3.) Pinwheel Rolls - this is a very delicious roll-up sandwich wrap that consists of cream cheese spread on the wrap, topped with ham, turkey, lettuce, and tomato (then wrapped...); a little difficult to make on your own so I suggest you get to a deli (we sold TONS of these!); acts as a heavier appetizer for those at the party who are actually hungry and therefore compliments beverages well
I don't want to take up too much of your time with text so I hope that helped. Feel free to contact me again if you need more advice.
Enjoy!

Answer 5

I was just looking at the girls response that worked in a deli.. ugh do not follow her advice for a cocktail party. Pig in a blanket? YUCK! Pin wheels? these have to be the least good and impressive appetizers out there, gross! And, contrary what she believes EVERY ONE goes to parties for the food! That's why there are so many people on here asking for advice on what to serve, it's important. They have a ton of easy appetizers on foodtv.com.

Answer 6

This is a super site for finger foods. The list is long, but each has instructions.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/et_pa_martini_/party/
When you get there, click on Supper Club
What ever you choose to serve, this info. should be of some help:
For fewer than 8 people, one or two types of hors d' oeuvres are fine. For more people, serve 4 kinds, with one from each categories: fish or shellfish, cheese, vegetables and meat.
You will need about 6 to 8 pieces per person per hour.
Make sure everything is just bite sized.
Use chips and such with dips for fill ins.

Answer 7

All depends on what you and your friends like to eat!

Meatballs - 1 jar Chili Sauce + 1 Jar Grape Jelly Heat & toss together = yummy & easy

Cheese & Crackers / Chips & Dip

Fruit & Chocolate/Caramel for dipping

Sandwiches - Pickle & Bologna/Egg Salad/Ham/Turkey etc cut into shapes or small bite size pieces.

Mushrooms wrapped in bacon with cheese in the middle & baked in the oven.

Make sure you keep the HOT - HOT & the COLD - COLD! You don't want anyone getting SICK off BAD FOOD!

FYI Not everyone LIKES Shrimp or seafood for that matter!

Answer 8

Make your party different. Do a dessert cocktail party. Make lots of your favorites in bite size portions. Or how about a fondue party? You can do it in advance. Do several types, cheese marinara sauce and do a chocolate and carmel one for dessert. Lots of fun and different than most.

Answer 9

Almond stuffed dates wrapped with bacon
Tortilla wraps (cut in slices)
Bruschetta
Fruit kebabs

These are all foods that sit well...

Answer 10

don't do anything hot unless you have service.
canapes are nice. stuffed button mushrooms. cheeses with fruits. peppered strawberries with a good balsamico..mmmmmm what time shall i be there? red seedless grapes covered in gorgonzola and rolled in toasted pistachios