The Academy Awards are just around the corner! It’s the perfect time to gather your friends and family for a glamorous night of movie magic. But between the red carpet arrivals and the nail-biting award announcements, who wants to miss a single moment? That’s why I’ve curated 25 delicious and easy Oscar party recipes that are perfect for grazing so you and your guests can enjoy every exciting moment. These bite-sized treats can mostly be prepared ahead of time, leaving you free to focus on the show and your company. From sophisticated appetizers to decadent desserts, we’ve got you covered.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Elevate your Oscar party with dazzling decorations and expert menu planning advice. Keep reading for all the tips and tricks to make your celebration a true Hollywood success.
Signature Oscar Party Drinks: Raise a Glass to Hollywood
No Oscar party is complete without at least one signature cocktail. These glamorous drinks will set the tone for a truly memorable evening.
Red Carpet Martini Recipe
My Pomegranate Martini (a.k.a. Red Carpet Martini) is elegant, colorful, delicious – and perfect for Oscar night viewing! It’s also easy to prepare, calling for only 4 ingredients.
Cosmopolitan Drink Recipe
Cool and refreshing, a Cosmopolitan Martini is the perfect treat to include at your Oscar celebration. Developed with input from experienced bartenders around the world, my Cosmopolitan recipe is time tested to be perfect, every time.
A Delicious Champagne Cocktail
A great alternative to the traditional mimosa, this recipe perfectly complements brunch, special occasion, and of course, Academy Awards celebrations. And with only four ingredients, it’s a snap to put together!
Robert’s Perfect Manhattan Drink
My husband Robert’s Perfect Manhattan cocktail is smoky and full-bodied, but isn’t as sweet as most – he uses rye instead of bourbon!
Dazzling Oscar Party Appetizers: Bite-Sized Elegance
These savory starters are the perfect combination of flavor and convenience. Easy to eat and bursting with deliciousness, they’ll keep your guests happy and satisfied throughout the night.
Mushroom Pâté on Crostini
Earthy and savory, luxurious Mushroom Pâté will soon be part of your regular recipe rotation. Made with dense, meaty cremini (baby Portobello) mushrooms, it’s easy to prepare, too! Serve on crostini (toasted baguette or ciabatta slices) for a delicious two-bite appetizer.
Baked Olive Cheese Balls
Olive Cheese Balls are a delicious, impressive and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Tangy pimiento-stuffed green olives are baked in a cheesy, flaky crust and served hot. The best part? These little bites of heaven can be prepared up to 1 month ahead, frozen and then heated just before serving.
Mini Cheese Tart Appetizers with Chutney
Straight from my mom’s recipe box, these bite-sized delights boast a flaky, golden crust cradling a creamy, cheesy filling with a hint of savory onion and a touch of curry powder. But the real star of the show is the tangy-sweet chutney that adds a burst of flavor and takes this easy appetizer over the top.
Prosciutto, Fig and Goat Cheese Tarts
Prosciutto Fig Tarts are easy to prepare and freeze up to 2 months ahead. Puff pastry squares are filled with chopped prosciutto, fig spread and goat cheese, frozen and then baked until bubbly and puffy.
Crispy Cheddar Cheese Straws
These savory treats combine the rich flavors of Cheddar cheese, chili powder, and cumin with a delicate, flaky dough, resulting in a crispy mouthwatering delight that is both elegant and alluring in its simplicity. For a unique twist, serve spicy pepper jelly alongside as a dipping sauce!
White Bean Bruschetta Recipe
Slices of grilled ciabatta bread are spread with a rustic purée of cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil, then topped with chopped toasted walnuts and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Prosciutto Appetizers with Mozzarella and Basil
Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a quick and easy, 3-ingredient appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time.
Curry Shrimp Appetizer Recipe
Scrumptious Shrimp Curry Bites are not your everyday shrimp appetizer – and they’re the perfect new finger food to serve at your Oscar Party. These bite-size wonders are easy to prepare ahead, elegant, colorful on the plate, and bursting with flavor!
Curried Chicken Bites
Curried Chicken Bites are colorful, a bit spicy (depending on how much curry powder you use), a bit earthy, and super flavorful. They are easy to prepare, make ahead two-bite appetizers that are sure to please!
Tomatoes and Pesto with Goat Cheese Crostini
Quick and easy to prepare with only 6 ingredients, these vibrant and scrumptious Goat Cheese, Pesto and Tomato Crostini are a family favorite.
Benedictine Cheese Canapés
A 2-bite version of a traditional family recipe, these Benedictine Cheese Canapés are quick and easy to prepare, and vibrant on the plate, too!
Hearty and Satisfying Oscar Party Bites
Looking for something a little more substantial? These handheld treats are still easy to enjoy without missing a single award.
Hand Held Chicken Pot Pies
Pass the envelope, please! Handheld Chicken Pot Pies take a favorite comfort food and turn it into a charming, portable nibble that’s perfect for watching the Academy Awards. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are simmered in a luscious curry sauce, flavored with rosemary, thyme and oregano, then enveloped in a flaky pastry crust.
Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe
Spicy Chicken Wings are packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of seven spices used in the gluten-free coating – cumin, garlic salt, paprika, onion powder, lemon-pepper, oregano and a touch (or more, to taste) of cayenne pepper. Not only are they delicious, these wings are super easy to make, and can be prepared up to 3 days ahead.
Ham and Cheese Biscuits with Green Mayo
For these crowd-pleasing Ham and Cheese Biscuits, salty ham and creamy cheese slices are nestled inside of buttery, tangy buttermilk biscuits; a dollop of fresh, bright herb-flavored mayo is added to finish. Mouth-wateringly good, these biscuit sandwiches are a perfect addition to your Oscar Party Food.
Decadent Oscar Party Desserts: A Sweet Ending
Finish your Oscar party on a high note with these irresistible bite-sized desserts. The perfect way to indulge while keeping an eye on the screen.
Brandy Alexander with Ice Cream
Frozen Brandy Alexanders with Ice Cream are a memorable, fun and elegant dessert that I’ve been making for years. Traditional brandy Alexander ingredients of brandy and creme de cacao are turned into into a frosty milkshake by swapping out the cream for ice cream.
Magic Lemon Pudding Cakes
Sweet, tangy and pillowy light, my grandmother Nama’s recipe for these little Lemon Pudding Cakes are a refreshing way to end any meal. They’re made with just one easy batter that magically forms into two layers when baked – fluffy, moist lemon cake on top with creamy lemon pudding below, resulting in a dazzling amount of luscious lemony taste.
The Best Lemon Bars
Sunshine on a plate! Another recipe from my grandmother Nama’s kitchen, these Homemade Lemon Bars are a treasured family recipe. Bursting with citrusy flavor from both fresh lemon juice and zest, the addition of a unique ingredient makes them lighter than other, more dense lemon bars.
Chewy Chocolate Brownies
These Chewy Chocolate Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Rumored to be a favorite recipe of the legendary Katharine Hepburn, imagine deeply rich chocolate flavor, a fudgy texture that’s incredibly chewy, and a perfect balance of sweetness – all in one irresistible bite.
Mini Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chewy, spicy and delicious cookies – a perfect little bite of sweetness!
Pecan Chocolate Toffee Bars
Full of buttery toffee flavor, Pecan Chocolate Toffee Bars are simply heavenly. A cookie base reminiscent of shortbread is prepared with brown sugar (providing that luscious toffee flavor) and, once baked, is topped with melted chocolate and chopped toasted pecans.
Pecan Snowball Cookies
These cookies are the perfect dessert for any outdoor BBQ or picnic because you won’t have to worry about them melting the second they’re outside.
Setting the Scene: Oscar Party Decorations
Presentation matters! Not only the food itself, but the entire ambiance contributes to a successful Oscar party. Transform your space into a glamorous Hollywood haven with these Oscar-themed decoration ideas:
- Red Carpet Glamour: Roll out a red carpet (even a runner will do!) to create a grand entrance for your guests. A “paparazzi” zone with fun props for photos adds to the excitement.
- Golden Age of Hollywood: Use gold and black as your primary color scheme for a sophisticated and elegant look. Think gold tablecloths, black napkins, and gold balloons.
- Star-Studded Celebration: Decorate with stars! Scatter gold star confetti on tables, hang star-shaped balloons or create a “Walk of Fame” with your guests’ names.
- Movie Magic: Display classic movie posters or create your own with photos of the Oscar nominees. Replica Oscar statues, either store-bought or DIY (spray-painted toy soldiers work great), make fantastic centerpieces.
- Lights, Camera, Action! Use old film reels, clapperboards, and even small spotlights (if you have them) to add a touch of Tinseltown to your party. A mini “Hollywood” sign is another fun touch.
- Complete the Ambiance: Use string lights, candles, or other lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Planning Your Oscar Party Menu for a Winning Night
These Oscar party recipes are designed for effortless grazing and are guaranteed to be a hit with your guests. A little planning goes a long way in creating a truly memorable and stress-free event. Here are some tips for planning your Oscar party menu:
- Estimate quantities: For a grazing-style party, plan for about 8-10 bite-sized items per person over the course of the evening. This allows for variety and ensures everyone has plenty to enjoy without excessive leftovers.
- Variety is key: Offer a diverse range of flavors and textures to please every palate. Include a mix of savory and sweet, crunchy and soft, and mild and spicy options.
- Colorful creations: Presentation matters! Use a variety of colorful ingredients to make your dishes visually appealing.
- Dietary considerations: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have. Offer vegetarian and gluten-free options to ensure everyone feels included and can enjoy the party.
- Balanced offerings: Don’t overload on just appetizers or desserts. Aim for a balanced menu with a good mix of appetizers, heartier bites, and sweet treats. This ensures your guests are satisfied throughout the evening.
Whether you’re searching for fresh Oscar party ideas, the best Oscar party recipes, or easy Oscar snacks, this collection has everything you need for a winning awards night celebration. From Oscar party appetizers and Oscar party desserts to signature drinks, we’ve got your Oscar party grazing menu covered. And, if you’re looking for a full dinner menu, check out my post Oscar Party Food – 2 Menus to Impress Your Guests.
Now, get ready to roll out the red carpet and enjoy a night of Hollywood glamour!
