15 Award-Worthy Starters and Sips for Oscar Night

By Jenn Segal

Snack like you’re a star on Oscar night. From gougères to sangria, you’ll want to roll out the red carpet for these starters and sips.

Gougères

Gougères are savory French cheese puffs—the perfect appetizer to enjoy with sparkling wine or cocktails.
Smoked Salmon Crisps

Bring a touch of fancy to your next party with these smoked salmon crisps—a crunchy, creamy, and oh-so-elegant twist on the classic bagels, lox, and cream cheese!
Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws

Crisp, flaky cheese straws dotted with herbs and pepper flakes make a perfect party starter, or enjoy them as a delicious nibble alongside a comforting bowl of soup.
Baked Brie en Croûte with Honey, Dried Cherries, Rosemary & Pecans

Voila! Party-perfect baked brie en croûte—plus a foolproof method for wrapping the cheese that makes this appetizer a showstopper.
Jalapeño Poppers

Perfect for game days and parties, these cheesy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers combine a crispy exterior with a gooey center, making them irresistibly poppable!
Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a tangy and creamy cheese spread that’s often referred to as the pâté of the South. It’s wonderful on crackers, crudités, sandwiches, or even burgers.
Nigella Lawson’s Party Popcorn

Say goodbye to boring plain popcorn and hello to a flavor explosion with Nigella Lawson’s party popcorn recipe!
Whipped Feta Dip

Similar to htipiti, the salty and tangy Mediterranean mezze spread, this feta dip is fabulous with toasted pita or veggies.
Candied Bacon

Man Candy? Yes, indeed! Candied bacon is an irresistible mix of sweet, salty, smoky, and spicy flavors—and every crispy bite will have you reaching for more.
L’Auberge Chez François Herbed Cottage Cheese Spread

This blend of cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic and fresh herbs makes an irresistible spread.
Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts

Once you start snacking, there’s no stopping: these rosemary-infused nuts from one of New York’s most beloved restaurants are seriously delicious!
Epic Hummus Board

Get ready for ‘wows’ at your next party with this gorgeous and good-for-you hummus board with creamy hummus, fresh veggies, crispy chickpeas, and a garlicky yogurt sauce.
Kir Royale

A Kir Royale is an elegant cocktail made from Champagne and crème de cassis.
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Skip the fryer and discover the secret to super crispy baked chicken wings. With a simple parboil trick and a spice rub that packs a tasty punch, these wings will become your new go-to for game day or casual gatherings.
Sparkling White Sangria

With sparkling wine and fresh fruit, this white sangria is pretty and festive — perfect for a party!