1. Parade party mix
Party mixes may easy to buy, but they're also easy to make, which allows for huge variation in ingredients. This version goes beyond the confines of more traditional party mixes, incorporating goji berries, linseed, puffed grains and nori, as well as roasted nuts.
Parade party mix. Source: Benito Martin
2. Garlic knots
Part pizza, part garlic bread, these adorable little knots are fragrantly yeasty and delightfully soft and crunchy. Serve them warm to make the most of the scattering of finely grated Pecorino cheese and fresh herbs.
Frank Pinello's garlic knots are chewy and cheesy. Source: Sydney Kramer
3. Pinzimonio (Italian crudites) with bagna cauda
This Piedmontese dish, meaning 'hot bath', consists of raw vegetables and crunchy bread served with a garlicky, salty, melted butter plunge pool. Kind of like a sophisticated Italian version of chips and dip.
Pinzimonio (Italian crudites) with bagna cauda. Source: Benito Martin
4. Pea and ricotta fritti
These little golden morsels are quick and easy to make and light and fluffy to eat. Serve them with a generous amount of lemon wedges and salt flakes, and keep them in mind for go-to vegetarian antipasti option.
Pea and ricotta fritti.
5. Chargrilled eggplant and feta rolls
Eggplant and feta are yin-yang match of sweet and juicy and tangy and salty. These simple little rollups celebrate this union perfectly in a party-pleasing finger food. Top them with some bright rocket and glittering crimson pomegranate to give them that festive feel.
Chargrilled eggplant and feta rolls. Source: James Murphy
6. Jalapeno poppers
A crisp golden shell and soft cheesy centre are the keys to the mix of textures that equal Jalapeno popper glory. In this recipe, this formula is delivered with a twist with the addition of coriander into the cheese mix and a blitzed Ritz cracker coating. An ice-cold Cerveza makes a perfect pairing for this Mexican-inspired snack.
Jalapeno poppers. Source: Murdoch Books
7. Onion and anchovy pizza (pissaladière)
Salt fiends rejoice: this briny concoction from the south of France consists of a pastry base a little thicker than a classic Neapolitan pizza topped with jammy caramelised onions and a generous layer of anchovies and olives.
Onion and anchovy pizza (pissaladière). Source: Benito Martin
8. Broad bean puree with shanklish
This simple puree can be used as a dip, spread, and bruschetta topping. It's a well-balanced combination of sweet and nutty broad beans, a creamy, peppery edge from the olive oil, and a lemony lift. Shanklish has a pungent and salty flavour similar to feta, which can be used as a substitute.
Broad bean puree with shanklish.
9. Eggplant fritti with spiced honey and rosemary
Sweet, savoury, salty, juicy, battered - this snack has it all. The piney flavour of rosemary works well with the sweetness of the honey and eggplant and freshens up the crisp batter casing. Bound to disappear within moments of serving.
Eggplant fritti with spiced honey and rosemary. Source: Benito Martin
10. Cider-glazed chorizo (chorizo a la sidra)
If you thought grilled chorizo couldn’t get any better, try braising it in cider. Deeply savoury, a little sweet and salty, this dish is best served with crusty bread to mop up the succulent juices.
Cider-glazed chorizo (chorizo a la sidra). Source: Brett Stevens
11. Roast beetroot bruschetta with roast garlic aioli
Dive into the vibrant winter colours of purple and rich gold with these baby beets. They’re bound to a grilled sourdough base with a rich, garlicky aioli, and given some crunch factor with roasted walnuts. This makes a lovely snack or even a light meal.
Roast beetroot bruschetta with roast garlic aioli. Source: Petrina Tinslay
12. Pork and veal polpette with chilli and tomato
Traditionally in Italy, meatballs are not cooked in tomato sauce and served with pasta, but fried or baked and served as a snack with a toothpick. This version uses the classic combination of veal and pork, with some ricotta for lightness. A straightforward and satiating snack.
Pork and veal polpette with chilli and tomato. Source: Benito Martin
13. Squid croquettes with green sauce (croquetas de calamares con salsa verde)
These dramatic little numbers are a fun alternative to standard croquette varieties, with their sexy black interior and bright verdant sauce. Rest assured, they offer the golden breadcrumb crust and soft potato inner that is beloved of this classic Spanish snack.
Squid croquettes with green sauce. Source: SBS Food
14. Ina's parmesan kale chips
Peppery kale leaves tossed in olive oil crisp up nicely in the oven for a healthy and moreish chip. The parmesan gives them an umami boost and makes them (even more) moreish.
Ina’s parmesan kale chips. Source: Food Network
15. Crab and prawn sesame toast with sweet chilli
The yum cha cult classic gets a few extra bells and whistles with crab meat as well as prawn meat, black sesame seeds and panko crumbs in addition to the usual white sesame seeds, plus a zingy homemade sweet chilli sauce.
Crab and prawn sesame toasts Source: Steve Brown
16. Dolmades with tzatziki (stuffed vine leaves)
Dolmades take a little bit of time to roll, but the process of wrapping the little parcels can be quite meditative, and the results are worth it. Pour yourself a wine, put on your favourite tunes and get into your flow zone. If you have family and friends at your disposal to assist, it makes a nice communal pastime.
Dolmades with tzatziki. Source: China Squirrel
