They were party gold years ago, and they’re even better now.

People back then took hors d’oeuvres seriously.

What makes an appetizer retro?

Platter of cheese chutney appetizer with crackers on the counter next to it

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Any number of things.

It’s served in a chafing dish.

It uses canned clams.

Creamy clam dip in a black bowl and served with crackers and vegetables.

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Its name contains the words “puff” or “ball.”

Conjure up those happy times when you serve these retro appetizers at your own gatherings.

They’re bound to make a snazzy impression … and to disappear quickly.

Four glazed ham balls on a platter

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

The glaze adds sweetness and makes them oh-so-handsome.

Shrimp Butter

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

4.

Narsais Chutney Cheese Pate

Contributor Coco Morante’s mom would make this low-effort, high-payoff appetizer.

Bowl of Shrimp Butter with a Cheese Knife, Sitting on a Platter of Crackers at a Table Setting with a Glass of Wine, Stack of Plates, and a Kitchen Linen

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

It’s whipped cream cheese with a bunch of Major Grey’s chutney on top.

Chicken Liver Pate

I will eat this stuff over any other appetizer around.

You simply can’t beat a good pate.

Cheese Puffs Gougeres

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

I always meet kindred spirits over a crock of pate.

Doing it all yourself makes for a vast improvement over a refrigerated tray from the store.

It has all of the elements of a Reuben sandwichincluding the krautbut in dip form.

A small plate of angels on horseback

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Serve with rye toasts.

Gathering around a fondue pot breaks the ice among timid guests in no time flat.

Classic Cheese Ball

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

A cheese ball is party fare bar none.

Chicken Liver Pate

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

you might use a mix of cheeses you like.

They also readily absorb the flavors that youre pairing them with."

Shrimp Dip

Those tiny frozen salad shrimp are just the ticket for this moreish dip.

Shrimp Cocktail + Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

A lovely dipthick, shrimpy, and brightly flavored with the lemon, herbs, and hot sauce."

As dated as curried chicken salads may be, they’re also quite good.

Which you are much likelier to have around, anyway.

Hot Reuben Dip

Simply Recipes / Summer Miller

Leftovers make a great snack, straight from the jar in the fridge.

Sausage Balls (aka Sausage Puffs)

Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

18.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Pop one of these in your mouth and there’s likely another one soon to follow.

A fondue fork lifted out of a pot of crab fondue with a dipped cube of bread speared at the end

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

That’s the power of French onion dip.

A cheese ball rolled in nuts on a platter with crackers

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Marinated Mushrooms in a Bowl with Herbs

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Shrimp Dip

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Curried Chicken Endive Salad

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

A small crock of salmon mousse with water crackers on the side for serving

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Bowl of Pickled Shrimp with Bread and Glasses of Wine in Background

Simply Recipes / Prerna Singh

Sausage balls in a bowl at a table with glasses of wine and some table napkins

Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

Stuffed mushroom caps on an appetizer tray

Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

Caramelized Onion Dip

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer