Forget the Super Bowl or the Grammys, my favorite TV event of the year is, hands-down, the Oscars. Even though I don't host viewing parties like I used to (before kids), I still enjoy celebrating the biggest night in movies with my family. Which, of course, means keeping my time in the kitchen short so that I can watch the red carpet. To do exactly that, I've found 7 fun and easy Oscar party food ideas that the whole family will love.
These bites are super fun and can totally come together to make dinner plus a viewing snack (or two). Then after we eat, I'll set my kids up with one of the Oscar-nominated kids' movies while their dad and I watch the big show. Perfect.
Top: Beef and Blue Cheese Sliders at Celebrations at Home | Sophisticated S'Mores at Posh Little Designs
Related: Amazing 3-ingredient cocktail party recipes.
Cook up your favorite hot dogs, then follow these easy DIY instructions for napkin and tissue paper tuxedos at Better Homes and Gardens. The kids will love this hilariously adorable idea and, hey, I'm always game for a good hot dog for dinner, especially topped with grilled peppers or gourmet mustard to class it up for the grown-ups. Of course, since it's the fanciest night of the year for Hollywood, hot dogs may feel too low-brow for you. If that's the case, try these Roast Beef and Blue Cheese Sliders at Celebrations at Home (above & top). That cheese spread looks amazing, but I'd probably substitute good old Cheddar for the kids, who still turn their noses up at blue cheese. The stars are out in a big way in this Star-Studded Fresh Fruit Bowl at Not Martha. This couldn't be easier and it's perfect for viewing the Oscars! Don't miss Megan's suggestions for which fruits to buy. Plus, she has some great tips on how the grown-ups can use the rest of those yummy pomegranate seeds. Cheers!Related: Amazingly impressive fruit recipes for a party. Move over, cake.
Keeping with the fancy-dress theme, check out these Tuxedo Cheese-Wedge Crackers at Cute Food for Kids. They are so fun and dead easy to make—you can even get the kids to help! Be sure to check out Tiffany's ideas for sneaking veggies in with those bow-ties. So smart. I love this delicious Baked Coconut Shrimp recipe at She's Cookin, because it's both kid- and adult-friendly, especially when you make her Orange Serrano Chili Dipping Sauce to go on the side. And what a smart idea to use festive star-shaped plates and serving bowls to go with the Oscars theme. Because star-shaped shrimp would be just eww. Of course, you can't celebrate movies without popcorn, and this recipe for Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn at Bijoux and Bits looks irresistible. Savory, cheesy, and so good.Related: Outrageously creative, A-list popcorn recipes that are Oscars night approved.
Even if you don't follow every step of Posh Little Design's recipe for Sophisticated S'mores (above & top)—from the St. Germain marshmallows (whoa) to from-scratch graham crackers—be sure to find out how she makes those adorable chocolate bow ties. Those are simple and they'll make your Oscar dessert perfection, even with store-bought marshmallows and graham crackers!
