Introduction
Dust off your bell bottoms, tease up that hair, and get ready to boogie back to the decade of disco balls, shag carpets, and far-out fashion! The seventies are back in a big way, and what better way to celebrate this iconic era than by throwing a totally awesome seventies-themed party? But no seventies shindig is complete without the right grub. Forget the avocado toast and artisanal cheese boards – we’re diving headfirst into a world of cheese balls, fondue, and Jell-O molds. This guide is your passport to a delicious and authentic seventies food experience, guaranteeing a party that will have your guests saying, “Can you dig it?” The seventies were a time of experimentation, and that extended to the food we ate. Convenience foods rose in popularity, exotic ingredients found their way into everyday dishes, and cooking became a way to express creativity and individuality.
Appetizers and Snacks: Setting the Scene
To get your party started right, you need a selection of appetizers and snacks that scream seventies. These are the dishes that will get your guests mingling, reminiscing, and ready to get their groove on.
The Iconic Cheese Ball
A cheese ball is more than just an appetizer; it’s a symbol of seventies party culture. This humble sphere of cheese, cream cheese, and seasonings was a staple at every gathering, from casual get-togethers to formal cocktail parties. Why was it so popular? It’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and it’s downright delicious.
A classic cheese ball is typically made with a blend of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. The mixture is then rolled into a ball and coated in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts. For a seventies twist, try adding crumbled bacon, blue cheese, or even a sprinkle of dried parsley.
Looking for a recipe? A quick search online will provide a wealth of options. But the beauty of the cheese ball lies in its versatility – feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and coatings to create your own signature version. Serve with crackers, crudités, or even bagel chips for a truly seventies snack experience.
Veggie Platter with Dip
Amidst all the rich and decadent dishes of the seventies, the humble veggie platter offered a welcome dose of freshness. This simple spread typically consisted of raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and broccoli, served with a creamy dip.
While the veggie platter may seem basic, it was a smart and practical choice for seventies hosts. It provided a healthy and refreshing option for guests who were looking for a break from the heavier fare. Plus, it was easy to prepare and could be customized to suit different tastes.
Ranch dip was a popular choice, thanks to its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Onion dip, made with sour cream and dried onion soup mix, was another classic option. These dips were often served in ceramic bowls or even hollowed-out loaves of bread, adding to the seventies aesthetic.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a quintessential party appetizer, and they were especially beloved during the seventies. These creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy eggs were a staple at potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings.
The classic deviled egg recipe is simple: hard-boiled eggs are cut in half, the yolks are removed, and mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings. The mixture is then spooned back into the egg whites and garnished with paprika.
But there are endless variations on this classic recipe. Try adding dill, bacon bits, or even a touch of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Decorate with a sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of chives for a touch of elegance.
Chips and Dip
No seventies party would be complete without a selection of chips and dips. From classic potato chips to more exotic varieties, chips were the perfect vehicle for delivering creamy, flavorful dips to their eager guests.
French onion dip, made with sour cream and dried onion soup mix, was a staple. Guacamole, although gaining popularity, was still considered somewhat exotic. Salsa, still in its infancy in much of the country, was gaining a foothold.
Experiment with different chip-and-dip combinations to create a snack spread that will appeal to all tastes. Consider adding pita chips, tortilla chips, or even vegetable chips for a more modern twist.
Main Courses: Getting Down to Business
Once your guests have worked up an appetite with appetizers and snacks, it’s time to serve up some hearty main courses. These dishes are the stars of the show, and they will keep your guests fueled up for a night of dancing and socializing.
Fondue
Fondue is the epitome of seventies dining. This interactive and communal dish involved dipping pieces of bread, vegetables, fruit, or meat into a pot of melted cheese or chocolate.
Cheese fondue, made with a blend of Gruyère, Emmental, and white wine, was a popular choice for savory fondue. Chocolate fondue, made with melted chocolate and cream, was a decadent dessert option.
Fondue was not just a meal; it was an experience. Guests would gather around the fondue pot, sharing stories, laughter, and delicious bites. The interactive nature of the dish encouraged conversation and created a sense of camaraderie.
Casseroles
Casseroles were the ultimate convenience food of the seventies. These one-dish wonders were easy to prepare, could be made in advance, and were perfect for feeding a crowd. Tuna noodle casserole, green bean casserole, and shepherd’s pie were all popular choices.
Tuna noodle casserole, made with tuna, noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and peas, was a comforting and familiar dish. Green bean casserole, made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions, was a Thanksgiving staple. Shepherd’s pie, made with ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and a mashed potato topping, was a hearty and satisfying meal.
The beauty of casseroles lies in their versatility. You can easily adapt the recipes to suit your own tastes and preferences. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or meats to create your own unique casserole masterpiece.
Quiche
Quiche is a savory egg custard baked in a crust. It was a popular choice for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. Quiche was a versatile and elegant dish that could be served hot or cold.
Quiche Lorraine, made with bacon, eggs, cream, and cheese, was a classic option. Vegetable quiche, made with a variety of vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, and onions, was a vegetarian-friendly choice.
Quiche was a sophisticated and impressive dish that was sure to impress your guests. Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Spaghetti with meatballs is an easy, affordable classic. Serving spaghetti with meatballs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that captures the hearty spirit of the decade. This dish is both simple to prepare and deeply nostalgic, making it a perfect choice to round out your seventies party menu.
Side Dishes: Rounding Out the Meal
To complement your main courses, you’ll need a selection of side dishes that are just as groovy. These dishes will add texture, flavor, and color to your party spread.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a creamy and flavorful side dish that was a staple at picnics and potlucks. This simple salad is made with macaroni pasta, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings.
The classic macaroni salad recipe is easy to adapt to your own tastes. Try adding ham, peas, or even hard-boiled eggs for a more substantial salad. Serve chilled for a refreshing side dish.
Jell-O Salad
Jell-O salad is a sweet and colorful side dish that was a fun and unique dish. Jell-O salads were often made with fruit, marshmallows, and even cream cheese.
The combinations are endless. Experiment with different flavors and textures to create a Jell-O salad that is as unique as you are.
Potato Salad
No picnic or potluck is complete without potato salad, and the seventies were no exception. Creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying, potato salad was a must-have side dish at any gathering.
There are countless variations on potato salad, but the basic recipe typically includes boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, and seasonings. Some recipes also call for hard-boiled eggs, pickles, or even bacon.
Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad, also known as Pistachio Salad, stands out as a uniquely seventies creation. This dessert salad, a delightful mix of pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping, captures the era’s penchant for inventive and somewhat unconventional flavor combinations.
Its light, fluffy texture and sweet, slightly tangy taste make it a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes. Simple to prepare, Watergate Salad can be made ahead, freeing up time for other party preparations.
Desserts: Sweetening the Deal
No party is complete without dessert, and a seventies party is no exception. These sweet treats will satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth and leave them with a lasting impression.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic cake with a sweet and tangy flavor. The caramelized pineapple and cherries create a visually appealing and delicious topping.
This cake is easy to make and can be served warm or cold. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.
Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate fondue is a dessert version of fondue. Guests can dip fruit, marshmallows, cookies, or even cake into the melted chocolate.
Chocolate fondue is a fun and interactive dessert that is perfect for parties. Serve with a variety of dipping options to suit different tastes.
Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake is always a hit, and seventies ice cream cakes were often decorated with colorful sprinkles, frosting, and even candy.
Experiment with different ice cream flavors and toppings to create a custom ice cream cake that is sure to please. Mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and strawberry were all popular choices.
Drinks: Quenching Your Thirst (Seventies Style)
To wash down all that delicious food, you’ll need a selection of seventies-inspired drinks. These beverages will keep your guests refreshed and hydrated throughout the night.
Punch
Punch is a mix of juices, soda, and sometimes alcohol. It’s a classic party drink that is easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes.
Hawaiian punch, cranberry punch, and even simple fruit punch were all popular choices. Serve in a large punch bowl with plenty of ice.
Soda
Soda was a staple of the seventies, and there were many popular brands to choose from. Tab, Fresca, and Shasta were all popular choices.
Serve a variety of soda flavors in glass bottles or cans for a truly authentic seventies experience.
Wine Coolers
Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers were the height of sophistication during the seventies. These sweet and fruity drinks were a refreshing alternative to beer or wine.
For a more adult-oriented party, consider serving classic cocktails, such as the Harvey Wallbanger or the Tequila Sunrise.
Tang
Tang, the powdered orange drink that promised a taste of space travel, was a popular novelty in the seventies. Its vibrant color and sugary sweetness made it a hit with kids and adults alike, embodying the era’s fascination with futuristic trends and convenience.
Presentation and Atmosphere: Setting the Mood
The food is important, but the presentation and atmosphere are just as crucial to creating a truly authentic seventies party experience.
Table Setting
Choose a color scheme that is reminiscent of the seventies, such as earth tones, oranges, browns, and avocado green. Use tablecloths, placemats, and napkins in these colors to create a cohesive look.
Use vintage plates, glasses, and serving dishes to add to the seventies aesthetic. Thrift stores and antique shops are great places to find these items.
Decorations
Playlists of seventies hits are a must. Think disco, funk, and classic rock. Dim lighting and disco balls will create a dance floor vibe. Don’t forget the Lava Lamps and the shag carpets.
Encourage Costumes
Encourage guests to dress up in their best seventies attire. Bell bottoms, platform shoes, and tie-dye shirts are all great choices.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: a complete guide to throwing a groovy seventies party that will have your guests saying, “Far out!” From the iconic cheese ball to the decadent chocolate fondue, these dishes are sure to transport you back to the decade of disco, bell bottoms, and good times. Remember to set the mood with seventies music, decorations, and attire. Now, get ready to boogie down and enjoy a far-out feast that will leave you and your guests feeling like you just stepped out of a time machine! Get ready to party like it’s nineteen seventy-something!
