‘Tis the season of sequins and sparkle! So, bring some retro glamour to your party appetizers too. Chicken Caesar crostini is a one-bite wonder that is crunchy and creamy, pretty on a platter, and refreshingly light. Add these tiny towers of chicken Caesar, bacon bits, and crisp lettuce balanced on crostini platforms to your event menu and let the compliments roll in. Cheers!
Looking for more one-hand wonders to serve at your celebration? These cheese stuffed dates wrapped in prosciutto are a unique appetizer that everyone will want to try.
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Chicken Caesar crostini
These super elegant mini mouthfuls are a riff off a classic Caesar salad. Rather than serving a large salad bowl with sauce-slathered chicken, lettuce leaves, croutons and bacon, requiring salad servers and a fork, I’ve made one-bite tiny towers that won’t get messy and awkward.
I’ve used poached, tender chicken breast, minced then mixed with an unmistakably tangy and creamy Caesar dressing. Scooped into a fresh green gem lettuce leaf, stacked on a crunchy crostino, and sprinkled with bacon bits, this is an elevated appetizer if ever I saw one.
Most Caesar sauces call for anchovies or anchovy paste, but I’ve left this divisive little fish out of mine. I don’t want anyone turning down my canapés on account of them! However, I’ve stuck to using This is an affiliate link.Worcestershire sauce, which is a sufficiently salty substitute that does contain anchovies but is less overtly fishy.
This is an affiliate link.Dijon mustard is another ingredient that is sometimes omitted. I’ve kept it in. It brings the vinegar component and contributes to the smooth saucy consistency.
Store-bought crostini are uniform in shape and the ideal size for a single bite. They also offer unrivalled crunch and texture. However, if they are tricky to track down, mini bruschetta or melba toasts are solid alternatives for a bigger bite.
Party appetizers
My main priorities when planning party appetizers are that they are 1) easy to prepare, I don’t need any extra stress beforehand, and I want to spend time with my guests on the night.
2) Easy to negotiate, so no drippy sauces, oversized bites, or flake-shedding pastries. Nothing that requires a fork and plate. How will I hold a drink too?
3) Stand out, going-back-for-more marvels that look and taste stunning.
So here are my top five finger foods for the perfect party:
- bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers; salty, spicy and irresistible.
- favourite party crostini 4 ways; one meat, one fish, one cheese, one vegetable.
- prosciutto caprese parcels; an Italian-inspired treat.
- double decker devilled eggs; another retro classic, this time vegetarian.
- stuffed mushrooms with cream and prosciutto; cheesy and rich (and goes well with wine!).
Recipe tips and notes
- I’ve used poached chicken breasts in this recipe, but rotisserie or leftover roast chicken are great timesaving alternatives.
- Fresh lemon juice will bring the zing to the Caesar sauce. I try to avoid the pre-squeezed kind, it’s dull, and almost synthetic in flavour.
- I also love this canapé served carb-free. Scoop the Caesar mixture into the lettuce leaf and voilà! Not only refreshing and light, but a beauty to behold.
- If you can’t find crostini, try a baguette that is small in diameter, sliced and toasted. But remember, they’re meant to be a mouthful!
Storage and leftovers
Party planning is practically a full-time job, so you want party food that is labour-light and can be made ahead. This chicken Caesar will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble your crostini appetizers before your guests arrive and pour yourself a celebratory drink.
I always err on the side of caution and dispose of any leftover party food that has been sitting out a while.
Other appetizers to try
- Truffle Aioli
- Queso Fundido with Chorizo
- Scandi Inspired Grazing Board
- Potatas Bravas
- Mixed Mushroom Paté
Chicken Caesar Crostini
Equipment
- This is an affiliate link.Lemon squeezer
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cooked (I poached mine)
- 4 bacon strips
- 115g/ ½ cup mayonnaise, best quality
- ½ small clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
- 1 tsp This is an affiliate link.Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp This is an affiliate link.Worcestershire sauce
- 25g/ ¼ cup Parmesan, grated
- Salt
- Pepper
- 150g / 5 oz store bought crostini or bruschetta
- 3-4 gem lettuce leaves (baby romain lettuce), torn into small pieces
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the bacon till crispy, cool and chop into bits. Set aside. Mince the cooked chicken breasts and set aside till needed.
- Make the Caesar dressing by mixing together the mayonnaise, finely minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the minced chicken to the dressing and mix to combine. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Top each crostini with a small amount of the chicken mix, then place a small piece of lettuce on top, add more chicken and sprinkle with bacon bits and chopped chives for colour.
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