Fabulous Wine Party Appetizers

You don’t have to wait for another National Wine Day to have a wine party with friends. You can always throw a wine party and gather your girlfriends whenever you want, especially if you've got these fabulous wine party appetizer recipes.

Cheese and wine pairs well together, but you can also make light finger foods that are perfect for your wine. Check out these delicious appetizers for your next wine party. These recipes will surely convince you to call your friends and grab some bottles of wine the next weekend.

Smoky Three Cheese Fondue with Toasted Garlic Croissants

Combine three cheeses, Gouda, gruyere and Swiss cheese for a gooey, oeey and warm dip that you will to dunk some bread, chips, fresh fruits and meat into.

Here's what you need:

For Cheese Fondue

• 12 ounces smoked gouda cheese cubed
• 8 ounces gruyere cheese cubed
• 4 ounces Swiss cheese cubed (or swap brie!)
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon brandy
• 1 tablespoon truffle oil optional
• freshly grated nutmeg
• cooked steak cubes + assorted veggies for serving

For the Garlic Bread

• 6 croissants bread sliced into sticks
• 6 tablespoons butter softened
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 1/4 cup basil chopped

Here's how to make it:

To make the fondue:

1. Add the cubed cheese to a bowl.
2. Toss with the cornstarch and cayenne.
3. Rub inside of a fondue pot with garlic; discard garlic.
4. Pour the wine, brandy and truffle oil (if using) into the fondue pot, and place over medium-low heat.
5. When liquid starts to bubble, start adding the cheese by the handful, stirring until melted and combined.
6. Season with nutmeg and pepper.
7. Keep over low heat until ready to serve.

To make the garlic croissants:

1. Combine the butter, garlic and basil in a small bowl.
2. Spread both sides of the croissants with the butter.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat, once hot, add the toast and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until lightly toasted and garlic fragrant.
4. Flip and cook another 2-4 minutes.
5. Serve immediately with the fondue + assorted

Buttered Parmesan Crostini

Combine butter, cheese and garlic for a flavorful wine party appetizer that everyone will surely love.

Here's what you need:

• ⅓ french baguette, cut into six ½-inch slices
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tbsp finely chopped green onions, green parts only

Here's how to make it:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine butter, onions and parmesan in a small bowl.
3. Spread evenly on each slice of bread.
4. Place on baking sheet and on center rack of oven.
5. Toast for 10 minutes, or until edges of bread are crispy and cheese is melted.
6. Remove and serve.

This crostini is goes well with soup and salad!

Shrimp Scampi Dip

White wine pairs well with seafood, but for lighter wine, this shrimp-filled cheesy dip is perfect!

Here's what you need:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more, to taste
• 1/4 cup white wine*
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Here's how to prepare it:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly oil a 9-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
4. Add shrimp, garlic and red pepper flakes.
5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pink, about 2 minutes.
6. Stir in wine and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Bring to a simmer; remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, 1/4 cup mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella.
9. Place into oven and bake until bubbly and golden, about 10-12 minutes.
10. Serve immediately.

*Chicken stock can be used as non-alcoholic substitute.

When you need to unwind and gather your friends for a wine party over the weekend, what you need are these fabulous and no-hassle wine party appetizers to pair with your wine. Your girlfriends will surely love these delicious party bites.