Watching the Oscars is an event in and of itself—and that involves having delicious food to enjoy during Hollywood’s biggest night. You may be tempted to grab a party platter from the store or order carry-out. But, preparing your own awards show spread is simple and even more impressive if you’re entertaining a crowd. Our First for Women test kitchen shares seven Oscar party recipes that are both delicious and red carpet-ready! (Bonus: View our printable Oscar ballot and make your predictions for each category ahead of the big night.)
1. Zucchini Fries
These oven-baked bites are even tastier with our creamy dill sauce.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 2 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
- 2 Tbs. ketchup
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Italian-style dry breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb. zucchini, halved crosswise, cut lengthwise into ½-inch-thick wedges
- 2 eggs, beaten
Directions:
- Heat oven to 425°F. Coat 2 large rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray.
- In bowl, combine sour cream, scallion, dill, ketchup, ½ tsp. paprika and ⅛ tsp. salt; reserve. In separate bowl, combine flour, remaining paprika and ¼ tsp. salt. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat zucchini in flour mixture; dip into eggs, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Place 1-inch apart in single layer on baking sheets. Bake, flipping once, until golden and just tender, about 4 minutes per side. Serve with sour cream dip.
2. Raspberry Sparklers
An easy-prep fruity syrup transforms a bottle of bubbly into a tempting concoction.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup frozen raspberries, thawed
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 Tbs. lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- 1 (750 ml) bottle prosecco or champagne, chilled
- 12 fresh raspberries
- 6 cocktail skewers
Directions:
- In pot, combine thawed frozen raspberries, sugar, lemon juice and ½ cup water; over medium heat, cook, stirring often, until sugar dissolves and berries break down, 5 to 8 minutes. In fine-mesh strainer set over medium bowl, using rubber spatula, stir and push mixture through sieve. Discard solids. Cover and chill raspberry syrup.
- When ready to serve, divide raspberry syrup among tall glasses, then fill with ice. Dividing evenly, top with prosecco. Thread 2 fresh raspberries onto each skewer; garnish drinks with skewers.
3. Rosemary Lamb Chops With Mint Aioli
Impress everyone when you present this platter of chops that’s perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbs. minced fresh rosemary + additional sprigs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 12 rib lamb chops, fat trimmed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup minced fresh mint
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Directions:
- In small bowl, combine rosemary and 3 Tbs. olive oil. Rub mixture all over lamb chops. Season with ½ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper.
- In skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; in batches, add lamb chops and cook, flipping once, until seared, about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. In bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mint and grated garlic. Serve lamb chops with mint aioli. If desired, garnish with additional rosemary sprigs.
4. Hasselback Potatoes With Pancetta
No one will guess it takes just six ingredients to whip up these savory spuds.
Ingredients:
- 6 baking potatoes (about 6 oz. each)
- 3 Tbs. butter, melted
- 4 oz. thinly sliced pancetta, cut into thirds
- 6 oz. Fontina cheese, sliced
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
Directions:
- Heat oven to 400°F. Coat rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut thin slits crosswise into potatoes, making sure not to cut all the way through. Place in single layer on baking sheet.
- In bowl, combine butter, ¼ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper; brush over potatoes and in slits.
- Bake 40 minutes. Remove from oven; with fork, tuck pancetta into slits. Bake until tender, about 20 min. Top with fontina cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with rosemary and thyme.
5. Salmon Quiche Cups
Simple-to-do salmon “roses” create an elegant presentation for these bites that look like they came right from the caterer.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives
- ⅛ tsp. pepper
- 4 (17-by-13 inch) sheets phyllo dough
- 4 slices smoked salmon (4 oz.), cut crosswise into thirds
- ⅓ cup sour cream
Directions:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Coat 12 mini muffin cups with cooking spray. In bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, 1 Tbs. chives and pepper.
- On surface, layer phyllo sheets, coating each with cooking spray, including top sheet; cut into 12 (about 4-inch) squares. Fit 1 stacked square in each muffin cup, crimping and folding as needed; dividing evenly, fill cups with egg mixture. Bake until lightly browned and filling is set in centers, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool in pans 15 minutes. Transfer quiches to serving plate.
- Roll up each salmon slice to resemble a rose. Top quiches with sour cream, salmon roses and remaining 1 Tbs. chives.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Serve these tasty bites with a squeeze of lemon and garlic aioli.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 24 peeled tail-on shrimp
Directions:
- Yield: 24 bacon-wrapped shrimp
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Cut slices of bacon into thirds; wrap each around shrimp. Secure with toothpicks.
- In batches, lay shrimp in single layer in basket; air fry 10 minutes. Remove toothpicks.
- Arrange shrimp on a platter and serve.
7. Tuxedo Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate-dipped strawberries are even sweeter with an easy red-carpet makeover!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. strawberries, cleaned and patted dry
- Melted chocolate; both white and milk or dark chocolate
Directions:
- Yield: 1 lb. chocolate-covered strawberries
- Working one strawberry at a time, dip fruit in melted white chocolate let dry on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Hold the berry at an angle and dip into melted chocolate candy melts to create one side of the tux; repeat on other side.
- To finish, dip a toothpick in melted chocolate and use it to draw on a bow tie and buttons.