6 Delicious Appetizers for Small New York Apartment Soirees

Some of the most important memories made in New York are made in the smallest spaces.

This also proves that you don’t need a penthouse in Manhattan to throw a chic soiree. All you need is a beautiful centerpiece surrounded by gourmet-style hors d’oeuvres, including smoked salmon toasts, Caprese skewers, Manchego-stuffed dates, cucumber cups, crostini trios, and a sophisticated take on the classic deviled egg.

1. Smoked Salmon Toasts

Get the party started with a round of hors d’oeuvres inspired by your favorite New York brunch. Smoked salmon toasts feature the perfect blend of soft and crispy textures, bursting with savory flavor. 

Toast small pumpernickel slices until crisp. Top them with dollops of herb cream cheese and lemon zest, with a thin ribbon of smoked salmon on top. Sprinkle with capers or fresh dill.  

These low-cost yet elegant small bites can cost between $1.75 and $2.50 per guest, depending on your ingredients.  

2. Modern Deviled Eggs

Next is a homestyle favorite with a gourmet twist. 

Start with a classic deviled egg recipe, mixing hard-boiled egg yolks with Dijon mustard. But this time, add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a hint of truffle oil to your filling. 

Transfer your mixture to a piping bag with a star-shaped tip and pipe the filling. Garnish your sophisticated deviled eggs with some delicate microgreens.   

This cost-effective party staple only costs $0.50 to $0.90 per guest.    

3. Caprese Skewers

Summertime in New York is no joke. Caprese skewers are cold and refreshing, the perfect hors d’oeuvres for a hot summer gathering.

Simply thread cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and small balls of bocconcini on toothpicks. Plate them on a summery serving plate and drizzle with a flavorful balsamic glaze.

These summertime skewers only cost $1.00 to $1.50 per guest.

4. Manchego-Stuffed Dates

A delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors is what defines hors d’oeuvres, like Manchego-stuffed dates, another chic summertime small bite. They’re also the perfect excuse to splurge at a specialty cheese shop in the city. 

First, purchase sweet Medjool dates at a local farmer’s market. 

Next, pit your dates and stuff the openings with small slices of Manchego cheese and toasted almonds. Wrap the dates in thin slices of prosciutto, securing them with decorative toothpicks. Bake the dates at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp.        

This delicious appetizer should run you about $1.25 to $1.75 per guest. 

5. Crostini Trios

This next small plate idea requires a trip to your favorite French bakery. 

Purchase a few fresh baguettes to create a flavorful crostini trio. Cut your baguette into slices and brush with olive oil before baking them to a delicate crisp.

Plate three varieties for guests, starting with a fig jam and gorgonzola crostini topped with walnut crumbles. The next could be a wild mushroom crostini with dollops of fresh ricotta. Round out the trio with a classic bruschetta with diced Roma tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. 

The final total for these appetizers is usually $1.00 to $1.50 per guest.

6. Cucumber Cups

Another hydrating option for your hors d’oeuvres menu is crisp cucumber cups filled with savory flavors, like creamy smoked trout dip or herby goat cheese. 

Start by cutting an English cucumber into 1.5-inch cylinders. Use a melon ball to hollow out the centers, but leave a sturdy base for your cups. Add your savory fillings and garnish with fresh chives.      

Your total should come out to $0.75 to $1.25 per guest.

Plan Your Small Plate Menu

Serve your guests a refreshing and savory menu at your next party. Use fresh and specialty ingredients, including dates, tomatoes, eggs, and cucumbers from the farmers’ market and delicious Manchego and Gorgonzola from local cheese shops.   

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