Elegant, No-Fuss Entertaining with Bar Harbor Foods®
Looking for a party appetizer that feels elevated but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? These three seafood shooters — Clam Chowder, Lobster Corn Velouté, and Salmon Mousse — use Bar Harbor Foods® pantry staples to deliver gourmet flavor with minimal prep. Perfect for holiday parties, New Year’s gatherings, or anytime you want a “wow” moment in a tiny glass.
Serve one… or create a whole tray for a stunning, sip-able seafood tasting.
1. Clam Chowder Shooter
Makes: 12–15 mini shooters
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can Bar Harbor Foods® New England Clam Chowder
- 1–2 tsp truffle oil (optional but elegant)
- Fresh thyme or parsley sprigs, for garnish
- Mini toasted croutons (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the chowder:
Pour the Bar Harbor Clam Chowder into a small pot and warm over medium heat until just simmering. Blend until smooth. Add a splash of milk or cream if you prefer a thinner consistency for sipping. - Prepare the shooters:
Arrange 12–15 mini shot glasses on a tray. - Fill & garnish:
Ladle the hot chowder into the glasses, filling about ¾ full. Top each with a tiny drizzle of truffle oil and a small herb sprig. Add a mini crouton if desired. - Serve immediately:
Perfect warm, cozy, and handheld.
2. Lobster Corn Velouté Shooter
Makes: 12–15 mini shooters
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can Bar Harbor Foods® Lobster Corn Chowder
- Microgreens (pea shoots, chives, or baby arugula)
- Pinch of smoked paprika or sweet paprika
Instructions
- Warm the soup:
Add the Lobster Corn Chowder to a saucepan and heat gently, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a silkier finish, blend half the chowder and mix it back in. - Pour into glasses:
Divide the hot soup among your mini shooter glasses. - Finish with color:
Top each shooter with a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth and a few microgreens for brightness and height. - Serve:
Creamy, sweet corn + lobster flavor = instant crowd favorite.
3. Salmon Mousse Shooter
Makes: 12–15 mini shooters
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can Bar Harbor Foods® Wild Salmon, drained
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or sour cream (adjust for texture)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or chives, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Crème fraîche, for topping
- Mini crackers or crispbread for serving
Instructions
- Blend the mousse:
Add drained Bar Harbor Salmon, cream cheese, cream, lemon juice, Dijon, and herbs to a food processor. Blend until smooth and airy. Adjust with more cream if needed for a pipe-able texture. - Season:
Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra lemon to balance. - Pipe into glasses:
Spoon the mousse into a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe into mini glasses, filling about halfway. - Garnish:
Add a small dollop of crème fraîche and a herb sprig. Serve with a mini cracker on the side or balanced on the rim. - Chill until serving:
The mousse sets beautifully after 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Serving Tips
- Mix hot and cold: Serving warm chowders alongside chilled mousse adds variety and keeps guests curious.
- Use clear shot glasses: The layered textures and colors look especially elegant.
- Make ahead:
- Chowders can be reheated just before serving.
- Salmon mousse can be made 1 day ahead and piped into glasses the day of.
- Garnish lightly: Tiny touches (microgreens, a sprinkle of paprika, a drop of truffle oil) instantly elevate the presentation.

All of our smoked fish products are available online.