I often serve a traditional tomato caprese dish on my appetizer buffet, including various heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. For seated dinner parties, I prefer this individual tomato caprese presentation. There are very few ingredients, so make sure you select the freshest items possible since they are all highlighted.
Mom made cheese puffs every time she entertained. These cheese puffs are a perfect savory appetizer bite. The recipe has been modified slightly over the years. Feel free to substitute your favorite cheese.
I was treated to fried stuffed olives at a local restaurant, and was inspired to simulate the taste at home. I generally like dishes that are very easy to prepare. This dish is a little fussy…but worthwhile if you love olives. This is best when served warm, but is also delicious at room temperature and can be made ahead of time. Serve in a decorative glass for the most visual impact on your buffet.
This is often my go-to dip for parties. It’s easy to make, and the combination of spinach and artichokes, combined with the cream cheese and parmesan cheese is delicious. Serve warm with assorted crackers, fresh vegetables, etc.
I have made these cocktail meatballs for years, modifying the recipe with different types of jam, or adding various types of beer or liquor to the sauce. This recipe is easy to modify and definitely worth trying. It’s a hearty and delicious bite sized appetizer and there are rarely any leftovers.
It’s hard to resist this dish, especially when served with garlic crostini for dipping into the white wine, butter garlic sauce. I doubt you will have any leftovers!
I remember Mom making this dish often. The flavors of escarole, combined with the saltiness of the olives in warm pizza dough is absolutely delicious.
This is a dish I often serve for company. The smoothness of the ricotta pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramelized onions and sautéed grapes, and is a perfect accompaniment to the toasted crostini. For a Thanksgiving variation – add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree to the ricotta mixture for a special treat and top with toasted pumpkin seeds (or your choice). Enjoy!
Stuffed mushrooms have been a staple on my buffet for years. This is a variation I came up with recently....I had a bit of pesto sauce leftover and thought it would taste great as a component in the mushroom stuffing. The combination is really fantastic - this is definitely a recipe I would serve to guests!
This Harvest Baked Tart is delicious as well. I like to serve this tart with a wedge of double cream brie on the side. Your guests will definitely enjoy this treat!
This recipe is always on my buffet, especially during the summer months when tomatoes are in season. There are only a few ingredients, so it’s important that each ingredient be ripe and delicious. Tomato bruschetta is best at room temperature, served on toasted crostini.
Bruschetta alla Leo is named after my Dad, Leo. Roasted sausage and peppers served on top of toasted semolina bread is reminiscent of all his favorite flavors. I hope you enjoy this too! (Quantities are not listed so you can scale up/down as needed).
When I think of Super Bowl foods....I think of Buffalo chicken wings. With that in mind, I created this recipe which incorporates my absolute favorite food (meatballs) with the flavors of the Buffalo chicken wing. You and your guests will love these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Serve the meatballs with the same sides as the chicken wings - sliced celery and extra hot sauce. Enjoy!
This baked tomato tart is savory and delicious. It makes a beautiful presentation on a buffet. Your guests will be sure to enjoy!
I remember having this dish growing up….no food was ever wasted! It’s wonderful to enjoy the simplest of Italian dishes, using leftover ingredients. Feel free to add leftover bits of cheese, meats, or any grilled vegetables to this recipe. This pie is best enjoyed at room temperature.
This dip was one of Aunt Caroline’s favorites. It was originally served at Harpoon Henry’s restaurant. The quantities have been modified so the recipe can be enjoyed at home. Serve warm with crackers or fresh vegetables. This dip will be a crowd favorite!
I couldn't complete the La Dolce Vita cookbook without including the cutest holiday penguins into the process. These penguins are silly....but incredibly cute on a holiday buffet. This is a great activity to enjoy with your children.
I have been making this hot crab dip for many years. It’s always on the Christmas Eve buffet, but it’s really so good that it could easily be incorporated into any menu. Assorted crackers are generally served with this dish, but fresh chopped vegetables can also be substituted for dipping.
I always include this dish on my Christmas Eve buffet. The shrimp with the stuffing are savory and delicious. The same stuffing recipe can be used to top scallops. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
This is another of my favorite brie recipes, adapted from a Salvation Sisters website.
I love to prepare bruschetta when I entertain. This is a perfect appetizer because it can be prepared ahead of time and plated on your buffet before your guests arrive. It also looks beautiful and tastes fabulous!
Bruschetta alla Mary is named after my Mom, Mary. The delicious mixture of flavors that incorporate gorgonzola cheese with prosciutto and walnuts is definitely reminiscent of her favorite flavors. I hope you enjoy this too! (Again – quantities are not listed so you can scale up/down as needed).
This is a modified recipe for my appetizer meatballs, using bourbon whiskey in the sauce. Feel free to change the ingredients as you see fit. This is definitely hearty and delicious – and you will not find many leftovers!
This roast beef sandwich is an easy dish to prepare for an appetizer buffet. It’s one of my favorite appetizers because it can be assembled and plated an hour or two before guests arrive. I generally cut each sandwich in half and use a decorative toothpick to garnish.
