Forgot About the Oscars? Here Are 45 Last-Minute Party Snacks

Updated: Mar. 05, 2024

Be the host with the most with these super quick (but fancy!) Oscars party snacks including recipes for cheese balls, dips and more.

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Mediterranean Hummus Nachos

My husband once piled all the Middle Eastern dishes I’d made on top of pita chips. It was delicious and fun, so we’ve kept doing it! I am half Lebanese, so we usually call these Lebanese nachos. Whatever you call them, you can’t help but like them! —Gina Fensler, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Fruit and Cheese Board

Who says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this fruit charcuterie board a party go-to with any that are in season. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Roasted Chicken and Brie Mini Bites

I got the idea for these appetizers from my favorite sandwich at a local restaurant—a symphony of sweet fig, roasted apple, melted brie and tangy garlic mayonnaise. I re-created this delectable combination in a quick appetizer with bright red cranberries and green spinach to give it a holiday twist. These scrumptious bites only take about 20 minutes, but taste like you spent hours; you can also make them a few days in advance, then warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving. They're the perfect party appetizer! —Terri Gilson, Calgary, Alberta
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Peanut Butter Whipped Cream Frosting

A luscious peanut butter whipped cream frosting is just a few ingredients away. Try it piped over your favorite chocolate cupcakes or dolloped onto hot chocolate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Cream Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

You’ll love the freshness from the parsley and thyme in these little cream cheese-stuffed mushrooms. Our family loves them! —Rachel Reed, Gainesville, Georgia
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Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs

I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
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Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log

When you say "holiday tradition" around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I'm expecting company or need to take food to someone's home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes good-even people who don't like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois
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Parmesan-Pretzel Crisps

I love this recipe because I usually have the ingredients on hand and it is so easy to prepare. It's one of those snacks that makes guests think you've gone the extra mile. —Pauline Porterfield, Roxboro, North Carolina
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Frozen Margarita Mousse

Who doesn't love a frozen margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping (you could use this whipped topping substitute instead). It's easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
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Spicy Edamame

Edamame are young soybeans in their pods. While I love to get them with my sushi when I go out, they are also so easy to make at home. —Mark Neufang, Bayshore, Wisconsin
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Lemon-Herb Salmon Toasts

Quick, light and tasty, my salmon toasts make irresistible finger food. —Christie Wells, Lake Villa, Illinois
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Shrimp Salad Appetizers

This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
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Arugula Pizza

This arugula pizza is great served as an appetizer for get-togethers with family or friends. My girlfriends and I love it because it has that sophisticated gourmet touch, and it's healthy, too! This also serves four as a main course. —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois
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Chocolate Almond Pizzelles

If you love fun baking gadgets, you'll enjoy making these crispy, almond-flavored cookies, which get their unique waffle design from a pizzelle maker. They bake up golden brown in only a few minutes. Feel free to double the chocolate drizzle if you'd like to cover the cookies more generously. —Hannah Riley, Norwalk, Ohio
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Creamy Sourdough Snack

This bread bowl dip was a big hit at my mom's 50th birthday party! —Darelyn Payes, Hayward, California
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Artichoke Caprese Platter

I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
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Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini

Pomegranate seeds intrigued me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Puffed Apple Pastries

For a little extra indulgence, serve these oven-fresh pastries with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Cherry pie filling can be substituted for the apple. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Spanakopita Spring Rolls

I was inspired to turn original spanakopita into a hand-held hors d'oeuvre. I use egg roll wrappers in place of phyllo dough, and now these are the biggest hit among my friends. —Jade Randall, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Ham & Brie Pastries

Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now with a busy family, I need quick bites, and my spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers at snack or supper time. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes

These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida
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Cannoli Dip

Ricotta is one of my family's favorite ingredients. I made up the cannoli filling and broke up some ice cream waffle shells to use as "chips and dip"—it was an instant hit! It's also good served slightly warm. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
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Buttery Radish Baguette

My dad and brother are crazy for radishes, and this peppery baguette appetizer is a big-time favorite. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley on top. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
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Cucumber Canapes

I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
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Benedictine Dip

Benedictine is a creamy spread studded with chopped cucumbers. It was named in honor of Jennie Carter Benedict, a chef and restaurateur from Louisville, Kentucky, who created the condiment at the turn of the 20th century. Originally used for cucumber sandwiches, Benedictine is now commonly enjoyed as a cold dip for chips or spread on crackers. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries

Cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are simple to make and packed full of flavor. They're sure to be a hit at your next party.
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Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives

Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
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Horseradish Deviled Eggs

People say "Wow!" when they taste these flavorful, tangy horseradish deviled eggs. The bold combination of ground mustard, dill and horseradish is so appealing. The plate is always emptied when I serve these eggs. —Ruth Roth, Linville, North Carolina
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Key Lime Mousse Cups

Light, lovely and laced with a splash of tart key lime juice, these fancy little phyllo cups are so refreshing served as an after-dinner dessert treat...and they take just minutes to whip up! —Suzanne Pauley, Renton, Washington
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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

It's up to you how to enjoy this cocktail—eat it with a spoon as a chilled soup, or use tortilla chips or crackers for scooping. —Erin Moreno, Arcadia, Wisconsin
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Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip

These fruity kabobs are so refreshing on a warm day. They're also a quick and easy treat for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, Illinois
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Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pear Sauce

I enjoy cooking for my parents, and my bacon-wrapped scallops recipe is one of their favorites. If you prefer, replace the pear preserves with preserves or jam of a different flavor. —Ethan Hall, King, North Carolina
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Pinwheels

Tortilla pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing, classic party food. Plus, the recipe is endlessly versatile!
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Caramel Fluff & Toffee Trifle

The best part of this stunning dessert is that you need only five ingredients to put it together. —Daniel Anderson, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Antipasto Appetizer Salad

Use a slotted spoon to serve this as an appetizer with baguette toasts, or ladle it over romaine lettuce to enjoy as a salad. —Tamra Duncan, Decatur, Arkansas
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Caprese Skewers

Light, satisfying and healthful in one impossibly easy-to-make dish? Yes, please! Enjoy these Caprese skewers as an app, side dish—truly perfect paired with grilled meat or poultry—or a convenient snack. Every bite is a little taste of summer.
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Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Enjoy these easy flourless peanut butter thumbprint cookies, featuring a rich peanut butter base and a luscious Nutella filling. Ready in no time, they're the perfect treat for any occasion!
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Marinated Mozzarella

I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Feta Bruschetta

You won't believe the compliments you'll receive when you greet guests with these warm appetizers. Every crispy bite offers the savory tastes of feta cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. They're terrific for holiday parties or most any gathering. —Stacey Rinehart, Eugene, Oregon
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Brat & Bacon Appetizer Pizza

Chopped bratwurst and maple bacon are a fabulous way to start a pizza. I jazz up this treat even more with apricot preserves and honey mustard. The snack-sized slices win over even the toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin
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Homemade Cherry Crisp

Our family loves this pretty, tasty dessert. It uses convenient pie filling, so you can make it in no time—and it takes mere minutes to heat in the microwave. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, Mississippi
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Shrimp Lover Squares

At our house, these delicious shrimp squares are a must during family movie and game nights. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
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Orange Chocolate Fondue

"Invite you family and friends to dip cubes of cake and pieces of fruit into this rich, luscious fondue for a special treat during the holiday season," writes Mary Jean DeVries from her home in Grandville, Michigan.
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Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes

Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California