![Stuffed Mushrooms](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/gnoyrrNCSF_LO27UNndBmem2ENQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Stuffed-Mushrooms-3x2-819-b48c1ebd089643ec8c64e02201ef5d38.jpg)
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
When it comes to hosting, the appetizer sets the scene for the occasion. And while we love a good appetizer board, but there are some occasions when we want something a bit more elegant than Beer Cheese Fondue and spinach dip.
We've gathered some of our most sophisticated appetizer recipes that are sure to impress your guests. To really wow your company, make any of these delicious appetizer recipes, and you'll be crowned top host.
Baked Oysters With Bacon, Greens, And Parmesan
![Baked Oysters with Bacon, Greens, and Parmesan](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/TkmSFHFX4XDeKOO5PRicyoXo4f0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651801_Oysters_176-2000-77b41c6c675442dbb3a3daff7cb46718.jpg)
These oysters are baked until the topping is bubbling and golden in color. For an extra-elegant presentation, serve these oysters on a bed of rock salt.
Sweet And Fiery Pepper Bruschetta
![Southern Living Sweet and Fiery Pepper Bruschetta on a platter to serve with a glass of beer](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/x3iJMHGSjiZ8UsmLJ_TaP5v8hZM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/H27358_Sweet_And_Fiery_Pepper_Bruschetta_080-a530465adaa9474ba95b3c4aca746c3a.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Andrea Fanning
Coming together in just 35 minutes, this take on bruschetta gets some heat from Fresno and serrano peppers while honey adds a touch of sweetness.
Bacon Jam
![Bacon Jam](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WBF_Bw1owoKcMdMk6XdyuBp8wIU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bacon_Jam_007-a2c422a59ad841d5b6e5846426480018.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Despite its name, bacon jam isn't a syrupy sweet spread. Instead, it's a savory-sweet dip that's a dream for dinner parties. It can be served on cheese boards, as a dip with crostini, or spooned over warmed Brie. Really any way you want, bacon jam is great.
Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs
![Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/BhfZhZx9vgT0iwyVSVUfIlDGjLk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27027-Snacktime-DeviledEggs_0107-2000-51de0e0fcde5420ba4e89928ae61571a.jpg)
Have you ever seen a prettier platter of deviled eggs? These attention-grabbing beauties get their vibrant color from beets.
Mini Potato Skins
![Mini Potato Skins](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/c1DHbSHbKkVUqYDqzLSMRuzChgQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2555001_wcibf_02_0-2000-c9c70a7e8cba4620933315435601ebaa.jpg)
Potato skins are given a makeover that makes them suitable for more formal affairs. Serve them on a nice platter to get the party started.
Shrimp On Seasoned Crackers With Pepper Jelly And Cream Cheese
![Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/s-cwhllkc_5drkBY4xFwexxHFbs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651801_Shrimp_on_a_Cracker_072-2000-3fda5e3eb7b04cc1ab480a5b87b552b8.jpg)
Pepper jelly and cream cheese are already a match made in heaven, but throw shrimp into the mix for a decadent upgrade.
Fig Flatbread
![Fig Flatbread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/C7gxRs-JSkhoc7Mh8xgFvbVOREk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fig_flatbread_2499901_047_0_0_0_1-0b0653030e904f98a6c15b40da7f0c61.jpg)
Set this shareable appetizer down in the center of the table. Pre-slice it before serving so your guests don't have to lift a finger.
Crab Cake Bites With Old Bay Mayo, Chives, And Lemon
![Crab Cake Bites with Old Bay Seasoning](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/aeTitOfZfrRvu5W5jfVJlHBU27s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651801_Shrimp_on_a_Cracker_128-1-2000-4a50c39a7b214363aa538c502ac2f5d0.jpg)
This recipe for Crab Cake Bites comes from Adam Evans, chef at Birmingham's award-winning restaurant Automatic Seafood and Oysters.
Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
![Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/BNAxO5wnscWHAOtz83PoFxIusdI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2619901_howto_0009-2000-c4a8be90ce744af4abccee0f47d1e5aa.jpg)
Pick up your cherry tomatoes at the farmer's market and celebrate fresh, seasonal produce with these tomato crostini that are so impressive your guests will think they're at a restaurant.
Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapés
![Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2QL4Tg2Pb-Fvec9FvBdKj639p0A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-27062_MixNMingle_00039_preview-72f55765230f463a91f4af86019c8c45.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Try our sophisticated, bite-sized version of "fish and chips." This recipe relies on mostly pre-made ingredients and comes together in just 20 minutes for a impressive and holiday-worthy appetizer.
Deviled Crab Dip
![Southern Living Deviled Crab Dip in serving bowl](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/U-M7WAO4iO3lNoQSnVwrhy627Hc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living_27390_STIME_CrabDip_19757-270c99be79c94ef2affe03e0fb1a87b5.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Get any party started with this creamy and spicy crab dip. The crunchy topping made with crushed saltines, cheddar cheese, and Old Bay seasoning will have everyone coming back for more.
No-Stuff Deviled Eggs
![No-Stuff Deviled Eggs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-DOaa1PUH6tV7h5F_lDePu9Xx68=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27027-Snacktime-DeviledEggs_0121-2000-63684700f78a4a7c9efbc43d16328eab.jpg)
Deviled eggs were given a mess-free makeover with this upgraded version that still delivers the same flavors as the original.
Pear-and-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts
![Pear-and-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/IwxByzoY5QZBC11jvJhaeG3Ye1Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2648701_Puff_Pastry_039-2000-edde178a3ece40358e1fe759ac1421ec.jpg)
Thinly sliced pears and frozen puff pastry are the key to this appetizer that looks far more laborious than it is.
Oven-Roasted Oysters With Mushrooms And Watercress
![Oven-Roasted Oysters with Mushrooms and Watercress](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/rCbMmD5Hn4C6saOBAgDMZk5p4e8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2671001_LataC_1002-2000-f3154c849b074b659067d5795753e7d4.jpg)
You love your oysters raw, but have you ever tried them roasted? Consider this recipe your new party trick.
Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini
![Spicy Strawberry-Goat Cheese Crostini](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/V4sgMONrWxGPDT3UJOL2riVRyyI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2662801_Strawberry-Goat-Cheese-Crostini037-1-2000-3e7dcf22433d431aa1718d679b9dbd25.jpg)
These crostini will blow all the other appetizers out of the water at any summer soiree.
Stuffed Mushrooms
![Stuffed Mushrooms](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gnoyrrNCSF_LO27UNndBmem2ENQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Stuffed-Mushrooms-3x2-819-b48c1ebd089643ec8c64e02201ef5d38.jpg)
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
You can never go wrong serving this classic recipe for any occasion. Boursin cheese is the secret ingredient that packs plenty of flavor into this 35-minute recipe.
Baked Brie With Pomegranate And Pistachios
![Baked brie with pomegranate and pistachios on a white plate](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/suvkitV17V20p_Lvhp-GCYSIhjM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-26965_Baked_Brie_with_Pomegranate_and_Pistachios_049_preview-3935783476804aa0bab8cb4e4580c7eb.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Dress up your brie for the holidays with a pomegranate reduction, pistachios, fresh thyme, and pomegranate seeds. The bright colors make this dish look fancier than it is.
Fig, Pecan, And Brie Bites
![Fig, Pecan, And Brie Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1VH0I8fUZX_hKIcO9JBWZgVtDLU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-27062_MixNMingle_00078_preview-d16a42081a2e4a63b3fddfad58f27ca6.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
While there are countless ways to combine brie and puff pastry, this mini version which calls for toasted pecans and sweet fig preserves might be our new favorite.
Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini
![Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2uvgvJgh5USFjsDiAXeaxutQov8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2648701_Bites_to_Bring_Opener_003_Sweet-Potato-Crostini-2000-53153d402fc24bfc92d999a95fd21389.jpg)
These Spicy Sweet Potato Crostini make a wonderful gluten-free party appetizer.
Roasted Artichokes With Creamy Garlic Dipping Sauce
![Southern Living Roasted Artichokes with Creamy Garlic Dipping Sauce](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/H74uAUt5aW1R95cz6LBfBy0ZByE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living_27198_Bounty_Artichokes_00152-4805d1f2fdd341a690bbbe1eecd375b6.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Jones
Don't let whole artichokes intimidate you. These roasted halves are easy and delicious, especially when served with the roasted garlic-y mayo for dipping.
Crudités Platter
![Curdités Platter](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SgUaRlhNyFIe2D3kFE6LTpayJD4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2648101_LetsC_0203-2000-5f160849b895443a844a600b83477944.jpg)
A mix of vibrant colored veggies turns an ordinary platter into a piece of art. We also love that this impressive appetizer comes together in just 15 minutes.
Cranberry Brie Bites
![Cranberry Brie Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/_vLyec7Rv5OVji6H_x3u6qwWCxE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_seo_112119_am_cranberrybriebites_246-2000-702337cb134742438355175ab4ed8f00.jpg)
Send a plate of these Cranberry Brie Bites around the room during cocktail hour and it's sure to turn up empty after the first turn.
Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini
![Creamy Spinach-Ricotta Crostini](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/L_mvgsEQbqJUIYkOwbJJLk-Z4qA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/26887_CheeseAppetizers_0484_Creamy-Spinach-Ricotta-Crostini-2000-92ef12e26ea1426991e251424167f7ca.jpg)
Spinach gets blended right in with the ricotta to give it a lovely green hue.
Baked Brie With Jezebel Peaches
![Bake Brie With Jezebel Peaches](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/pBsa6-lae2FvJZqQnx2nczG4yL4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Baked-Brie-with-Jezebel-Peaches_Audit7102_Beauty_1_3x2-53b5bf9e44c541298c1307a6217c7fd6.jpg)
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
For a summertime twist on baked brie, turn to fresh peaches coated in Jezebel sauce—a sweet and spicy mixture which typically includes pineapple preserves, apple jelly, mustard, and horseradish.
Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp
![Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/n-BzHZTZtm_4--1wYD7QKKnT8sA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2663301_Socia_0035-2000-5bfd2b9de6524e3ca91ef0e3f66316f6.jpg)
Forget the shrimp cocktail and make this Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp instead.
Smoked-Fish Dip
![Smoked-Fish Dip](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/i3q727MW9XFf3RREo5xWnFwedkY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651801_Fish_Dip_331-2000-137640f5591446b3818ece27de74a08a.jpg)
This Smoked-Fish Dip is a welcome upgrade for that packet of ranch mix.
Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
![Grape Jelly Meatballs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ZJ62G0qfnufzvo30hMbJwnYqqTg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_seo_121119_5603-2000-68309888c6a24f97bc242874312c1a95.jpg)
Making these meatballs ahead and freezing them is a great way to save time during the holiday months.
Warm Cheese Box Bites
![Warm Cheese Box Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/n7rOFWTsEXWgftmaGkK6XClpZf4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2663301_Socia_0199-2000-b21dc7188a454ca3be846a740920ed84.jpg)
Just because it's elegant doesn't mean it can't provide comfort. These Warm Cheese Box Bites are proof of just that.
Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups
![Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/RFAde7rbUh9DJSQFGYoAChH3axg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2648701_Bites_to_Bring_Opener_003_Mushroom-Stuffed-Phyllo-Cups-2000-2bb0e47b0f4c402cae8244f3d0736a23.jpg)
This vegetarian appetizer option makes use of gourmet mushrooms instead of meat.
Lump Crab Mornay
![Lump Crab Mornay](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ytsGJSReO6ZWZpd8S9vEJkp9eLo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/new-years-eve-apps-2248501_3fest_0027-16a3dcaf1240446a8eb4dba244efb715.jpg)
Adapted from a recipe in a church cookbook in Indianola, Mississippi, this creamy crab dip comes together in just 20 minutes. Serve it with homemade toast points for dipping.
Green Tomato Gazpacho
![Green Tomato Gazpacho in a white bowl](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/G_3j60X3aes1EkLDyi9ryIALq5I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27151-HIH-GreenGazpacho_0256_16x9-2000-ccceb9c68a1546ee96e8d91ad08a93d1.jpg)
Instead of regular red tomatoes, we're using green ones in this Southern soup.
Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
![Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/YAF6_fuTW5wF0HHnPy4OeDDtIuU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2575601_wcibm_5492_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0-2000-6d0d9c410eb14dfda77e208936f29f8c.jpg)
These mini sandwiches are reminiscent of a BLT but are pretty enough to serve at a more sophisticated Southern party.