When I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2005, I had no idea how much food would become a cornerstone of my Southern life. The flavors, techniques, and traditions I encountered here were eye-opening—Lowcountry cuisine transformed my idea of what home cooking could be. Food isn’t just a meal in Charleston; it’s an expression of community, hospitality, and history, especially when you’re throwing a porch party or backyard cookout. Over the past two decades, I’ve leaned into these traditions, using fresh local ingredients and simple methods that capture the Southern spirit. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a full-blown Southern soirée, these appetizers and party dishes are the ones I always return to, representing the heart of Charleston and its love for food, fun, and hospitality.

Filet Of Beef Carpaccio with Capers, Olive Oil and Pub Sauce

For an elegant starter, Filet of Beef Carpaccio with Capers, Olive Oil, and Pub Sauce takes inspiration from Charleston’s Oak Steakhouse, known for its acclaimed carpaccio. My version delivers the same extravagance with melt-in-your-mouth beef, briny capers, fruity olive oil, and a tangy, sweet Pub Sauce aioli that pairs perfectly with the tenderloin. It’s a flavor-packed, eye-catching addition to any spread.

Get the Recipe: Filet of Beef Carpaccio

Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

Pimento cheese, known as the “caviar of the South,” is enjoying a resurgence as chefs find new ways to use this beloved spread. My Pimento Cheese Nachos build on this trend, using my homemade Picante Pimento Cheese for a kick of heat right from the start. Perfect for tailgates, these nachos can be made in small or large batches, and you can adjust the toppings to go as hot or mild as you like—making them a true Southern party favorite.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

Charleston chefs have embraced ricotta as a versatile ingredient, using it in everything from savory dishes to elegant tarts. At Charleston’s renowned Chasing Sage, Chef Walter Edward highlights ricotta in his Heirloom Tomato Tart, while Chef Nick Dugan at Sorelle crafts a delicate Ricotta Tortellini​. My Whipped Ricotta nicknamed the “Little Black Dress of Cheese,” follows that same spirit of versatility. Once whipped, it’s enhanced with lemon zest, high-quality olive oil, and smoked salt, transforming into a savory spread perfect for serving on platters with bread or crudité.

Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

Southern Pecan Cheddar Wafers

Southern Pecan Cheddar Wafers are a nod to the classic cheese straws, another beloved Southern snack that disappears by the tinful in my house. Like cheese straws, these savory wafers are made with rich cheddar, butter, and pecans—everything sinful and glamorous about Southern food in one bite. The recipe is easy and can be made ahead, refrigerated, and sliced for baking when needed, or cut with a cookie cutter for perfect, pretty circles.

Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Cheddar Wafers

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs are a Southern classic, blending two beloved staples into one elevated bite. Chefs like Paula Deen have popularized these savory eggs by mixing creamy pimento cheese with the rich yolk filling, often adding bacon for extra flavor. My version adds a touch of tang and heat with pimento cheese for a deviled egg that’s perfect for weddings, funerals, or tailgates—without exaggeration, deviled eggs undoubtedly make an appearance at all three, every single time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Smoked Gouda & Ricotta Fritters

Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Cheese Fritters bring the perfect Southern touch to any cocktail party. The South’s love affair with cheese is evident in everything from pimento cheese to cheese straws, and these crispy, bite-sized orbs of smoky goodness continue that tradition. The combination of smoky Gouda and smooth ricotta creates a rich, flavorful bite. Pair with a bourbon glaze and a rum punch and yours will be the party they remember.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda & Ricotta Fritters

Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream

Fancy up your picnic with these Steak Tartines, a perfect appetizer. Topped with sweet red peppers and zesty horseradish cream, they burst with flavor. Perfect for impressing your friends without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream

Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Sweet meets savory with these Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto, a perfect two-bite handheld snack topped with juicy peaches and salty prosciutto. The creamy ricotta base ties it all together beautifully. They’re as delicious as they are gorgeous.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

Meet Citrus Poached Shrimp with Louis Sauce. This bold Cajun shrimp sauce packs a punch! Initially conceived as a humble shrimp cocktail sauce with a hint of horseradish, this zesty condiment takes a thrilling turn with the addition of chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, crushed red pepper, and hot sauce – a oh-so-southern encore for a star!

Get the Recipe: Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

5 Ingredient Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters

These 5-Ingredient Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters are the perfect balance of light and savory. They also boast a hint of sweetness and a dusting of Maldon Sea Salt. Zucchini, which is widely available year-round in grocery stores, makes this dish a go-to for any season. These hearty snacks pair perfectly with a range of drinks, from cold beer to Margaritas and even boozy toddies.

Get the Recipe: 5 Ingredient Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters