Hors D'oeuvres Party Recipe

Prepare Crostini

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette on the diagonal into 1/4-inch slices. Arrange slices on a baking sheet, brush lightly with 2 tbs olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake 6–8 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and rub each warm slice with halved garlic cloves; set aside to cool slightly.

Make Herbed Cream Cheese Spread

In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped dill, lemon zest (from 1 lemon), 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir until smooth and spreadable. Transfer to a piping bag or small bowl for serving.

Assemble Smoked Salmon Crostini

Spread about 1 tbs of the herbed cream cheese onto each crostini (about 8–10 crostini). Top with a thin slice of smoked salmon and a small cucumber slice. Garnish with a tiny sprig of dill and a few grinds of black pepper. Arrange on the platter.

Goat Cheese & Honey Bites

Slice the goat cheese log into 12 rounds. Place each round on a toasted crostini or cracker, drizzle each with a small amount of honey (about 1/8 tsp), and sprinkle with the toasted chopped walnuts. Set aside on the platter.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Wrap each melon cube with a half-slice of prosciutto and secure with a toothpick. If prosciutto slices are large, cut them in half lengthwise before wrapping. Arrange these skewers on the platter.

Caprese Skewers

On toothpicks, thread one mozzarella pearl and one fresh basil leaf (folded if large) and one cherry tomato half (or whole small cherry tomato). Arrange on the platter and drizzle with 2 tsp balsamic glaze and a light drizzle (about 1 tbs) of remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Olive & Antipasto Bowl

In a small bowl, combine mixed olives, roasted red pepper slices, and marinated artichoke heart quarters. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbs olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice (about 1/2 tbs), a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss gently. Place the bowl on the serving board.

Arrange Crackers and Garnishes

Place assorted crackers in a fan beside the crostini and cheese bites. Scatter any remaining smoked salmon slices, cucumber slices, and cherry tomato halves across the board for color. Add fresh parsley or microgreens as garnish.

Final Seasoning & Serve

Taste a sample of assembled items and adjust with additional lemon juice, salt or pepper if desired. Keep chilled in the fridge for up to 30 minutes before guests arrive; remove 10 minutes before serving to let flavors open. Provide extra toothpicks for guests.