Easy Finger Food Recipes & Ideas For Parties

Photo: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Stephana Bottom

From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.

Start Slideshow

1 of 66

Everything Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers

Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Blakeslee Giles; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Everything Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
If you're throwing an all-appetizer party, make sure you provide a variety of options—these cheesy jalapeño poppers are just the finger food you're looking for.

2 of 66

Melted Manchego Tortas with Romesco and Chorizo

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross

Melted Manchego Tortas with Romesco and Chorizo Recipe
These cheesy Manchego tortas are ready in just 25 minutes. Spanish flatbreads, or tortas, are a tapas staple that party guests will love.

3 of 66

Lemon-Caper Parmesan Potato Salad Bites

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Lemon-Caper Parmesan Potato Salad Bites Recipe

Turn "jacket potatoes" into irresistible potato salad bites. Capers offer a twist on traditional relish; they're actually pickled flower buds and add bright, briny flavor to this appetizer.

4 of 66

Cheese Truffles

Photo: Erin Adams; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Cheese Truffles Recipe

Pimiento cheese transforms into tiny little cheese truffles in this effortless recipe. These bite-sized cheese balls are perfect for your next party or get-together and are an easy no-cook solution to that appetizer spread. Roll each cheese ball into chopped toasted pecans, parsley or crumbled bacon for irresistible flavor in every bite.

5 of 66

Pigs in an Everything Blanket with Cream Cheese Dip

Photo: Rebecca Longshore

Pigs in an Everything Blanket with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Two finger food favorites collide as pigs in a blanket get an everything bagel makeover. Rather than the traditional canned biscuit or croissant dough, the "blanket" of this playful appetizer is made with fresh pizza dough that is first boiled, brushed with egg wash, and rolled in an "everything" seasoning blend (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and coarse salt) before being baked. Using a yeasted dough and this double cooking method is what gives these tailgate-ready bites their bagel personality. Serve them up with a tangy cream cheese dip for a party-perfect snack platter.

6 of 66

Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey Recipe
In addition to being a delicious appetizer, Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey are great as croutons on salads or as "meat" balls for vegetarian pasta dishes

7 of 66

Bacon Endive Tomato Bites

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Bacon Endive Tomato Bites Recipe

Multicolored grape tomatoes shine in these little bites. Prepare this appetizer when the tomatoes are at their ripest, sweetest, and juiciest. This starter makes for a bright and fresh starter that is bursting with flavor and color. On the light side, this appetizer will ensure that you and your guests don't get too full before the main course.

8 of 66

Caprese Salsa

Photo: Kelsey Hansen; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Julia Levy

Caprese Salsa Recipe

We loved the classic caprese salad so much, we transformed it into a vibrant summer “salsa,” so that we could top just about everything with it. The simple, but so satisfying, flavor combo of ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and rich mozzarella cheese is the perfect path to amping up any number of your favorite summertime staples. Serve this fresh and flavor-packed topper over grilled steak or chicken, use it as a burger relish, or spoon it onto crostini or grilled bread for an awesome and easy appetizer.

9 of 66

Mini Corn Dogs with Cranberry Mustard

Photo: Aya Brackett; Styling: Emma Star Jensen

Mini Corn Dogs with Cranberry Mustard Recipe
The Chardonnay in a brut blend pairs well with the corn and the mustard, while the Pinot Noir builds bridges to the hot dog and the cranberry in the dip.

TIP: Make the Cranberry Mustard before you start the dogs.

10 of 66

Pesto Pastries

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pesto Pastries Recipe

Unlike classic pesto, there's no oil in this filling. Once everything is minced in the food processor, though, it develops a paste-like consistency. Thaw the pastry in the fridge overnight, or leave out at room temperature for an hour or two.

11 of 66

Strawberry Bruschetta

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck and Caroline Cunningham

Strawberry Bruschetta Recipe
Usher in the warm days of spring and summer with Strawberry Bruschetta. This refreshing mixture of nectarine, grape tomatoes, strawberries, and basil are served over baguette slices with slatherings of goat cheese.

12 of 66

All-Purpose Entertaining Crackers

Photo: Sheri Giblin; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey; Prop Styling: Amy Stone

All-Purpose Entertaining Crackers Recipe

Why buy something that you can make easily and more deliciously at home? Make these all-purpose crackers as they are, or top with Asiago cheese, sea salt and black pepper, Italian herbs, or sesame seed oil after rolling the dough and before cutting it into desired shapes. Note that if you choose to make larger, 2" crackers, the yield is around 60 crackers, which serves 30 people.

13 of 66

Smoked Trout, Arugula, and Granny Smith Stacks

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross

Smoked Trout, Arugula, and Granny Smith Stacks Recipe
Crisp apples make a delicious and nutritious base this quick and easy appetizer.

14 of 66

Peaches and Cream Mini Cupcakes

Photo: Oxmoor House

Peaches and Cream Mini Cupcakes Recipe
Petite and almost too cute to eat, these miniature cupcakes are infused with the sweet flavor of summer's juiciest fruit.

15 of 66

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers Recipe

Put out half of the skewers, and keep the remaining chilled until ready to serve. Everyone loves a good melon salad, so we took that idea and "skewer-ed" it. Salty cured ham meets creamy, fresh melon for the ultimate savory/sweet combination. With the addition of smooth mozzarella cheese, these skewers are texturally satisfying and not shy on flavor. Your guests will absolutley the easiness and accessibility of these skewers, and you'd be surprised at how impressed they'll be.

16 of 66

Chicken Salad Tarts

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Chicken Salad Tarts Recipe
This appetizer recipe for Chicken Salad Tarts is perfect for any occasion and (almost!) too pretty to eat.

17 of 66

Bruschetta with Peach Salsa and Melted Brie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Bruschetta with Peach Salsa and Melted Brie Recipe
Place the cheese in the freezer for about 20 minutes for easier cutting. To make this appetizer in advance, you can prepare and refrigerate the salsa up to a day ahead. Toast bread and assemble just before serving.

18 of 66

Crab Cake Hush Puppies

Oxmoor House

Crab Cake Hush Puppies Recipe

Serve these Crab Cake Hush Puppies with your favorite rémoulade or cocktail sauce for tasty appetizers. Hush puppies, a Southern classic made by deep-frying a cornmeal batter gets a seafood makeover. Served with a creamy, thick dipping sauce, these salty critters are a great option for a potluck meal or an appetizer that serves to impress. Freeze any leftovers and defrost up to 3 months later.

19 of 66

Cheesy Sausage Roll-Ups

Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Claire Spollen

Cheesy Sausage Roll-Ups Recipe

These southwestern-style roll-ups require just 5 ingredients.

20 of 66

Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

Photo: Raymond Hom; Styling: Pamela Duncan Silver

Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe

The rich and creamy combination of bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar nicely contrasts the muted spice of grilled jalapeño peppers. This appetizer recipe is a healthy, fresh alternative to the popular breaded and fried version.

21 of 66

Cheese Dreams

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Cheese Dreams Recipe
These little gems will be the first appetizer to disappear. Make them the day before and refrigerate, or freeze up to 3 weeks. If frozen, pop in the oven straight from the freezer; increase the bake time by 10 minutes.

22 of 66

Mini Cheese Balls

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Mini Cheese Balls Recipe

Almond milk cream cheese is delicately nutty, with a buttery-rich texture and zero grams of sat fat. Find it at Whole Foods stores nationwide. You can substitute 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, which adds 1.6g sat fat to each serving.

23 of 66

Creamed Spinach Phyllo Cups

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Creamed Spinach Phyllo Cups Recipe
Turn a beloved side dish into a cute and savory appetizer. Frozen phyllo shells speed prep time, as does bagged baby spinach (rather than frozen). Toasting the phyllo cups keeps them crisp longer after being filled.

24 of 66

Skewered Persimmon and Herb Bites

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Emma Star Jensen

Skewered Persimmon and Herb Bites Recipe
The combination of persimmons with Southeast Asian herbs and dunk sauce comes as a surprise in these quick appetizers, and it's totally addictive.

25 of 66

Stuffed Celery

Photo: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Stuffed Celery Recipe
For an easy side dish, serve guests Stuffed Celery. This stuffing is also great as a dip.

26 of 66

Mini Quiches

Photo: Antonis Achilleos

Mini Quiches Recipe
Five ingredients and 5 minutes of baking gets you these mini quiches, tasty pastry cups filled with egg and cheese and topped with bacon.

27 of 66

Caramelized Onion-Apple Bites

Leo Gong

Caramelized Onion-Apple Bites Recipe
These savory hors d'oeuvres can be assembled in advance—ideal for relaxed entertaining.

28 of 66

Egg and Anchovy Crostini

Photo: Annabelle Breakey

Egg and Anchovy Crostini Recipe
Enjoy eggs with soft yolk, nestled into lemon-scented toasts and topped with marinated white anchovies for a fresh, clean appetizer.

29 of 66

Pepper Jelly-Goat Cheese Cakes

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Pepper Jelly-Goat Cheese Cakes Recipe
These delightful goat cheese cakes topped with pepper jelly are a great make ahead appetizer and are served chilled so no warming is necessary.

30 of 66

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Cups

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Cups Recipe
The filling can be made and refrigerated up to a day in advance, then brought to room temperature before filling the cups. Phyllo shells come conveniently prebaked, so they're ready to fill once thawed.

31 of 66

Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix Recipe
This sweet and spicy mix is a must for holiday entertaining. Make a batch at the beginning of month and serve all season long.

32 of 66

Pimiento Cheese Squares

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Pimiento Cheese Squares Recipe
The South’s classic spread made into savory bites of Pimiento Cheese Squares makes the perfect appetizer for parties— a taste of home the crowd will love.

33 of 66

Herbed Onion Parmesan Toasts

Photo: Aya Brackett; Styling: Emma Star Jensen

Herbed Onion Parmesan Toasts Recipe
An all-Chardonnay blanc de blancs has an herbal quality that loves the green onions and dill in this appetizer, a brioche layer that echoes the toast itself, and a bright acidity that cuts through the rich mayo and cheese.

34 of 66

Chicken Sausage Puffs with Creamy Mustard Dipping Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Chicken Sausage Puffs with Creamy Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe
Shortcut items, such as fully cooked chicken sausage and coarse-grained mustard make these Chicken Sausage Puffs an easy go-to recipe around the holidays.

35 of 66

Mini Corn Cakes with Smoked Salmon and Dill Crème Fraîche

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Mini Corn Cakes with Smoked Salmon and Dill Crème Fraîche Recipe
Make these in the morning, and top with salmon and crème fraîche just before your guests arrive. Tight on time? Use store-bought blini instead.

36 of 66

Brie with Jeweled Fruit Compote

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Brie with Jeweled Fruit Compote Recipe
This lovely appetizer is about as quick and easy as it gets--as tasty, too. You don't even need to let the cheese come to room temperature first; the warm fruit that goes on top will soften it up.

37 of 66

Pecan-Raisin Mini-Tarts

Pecan-Raisin Mini-Tarts Recipe
Pecan pie is always a welcome treat during the holidays but is sometimes a bit messy to serve. With these little pecan tarts, there's no need for a fork since you can simply pick one up and pop it in your mouth. The raisins in the filling add a bit of extra sweetness.

38 of 66

Seared Beef Tenderloin Mini Sandwiches with Mustard-Horseradish Sauce

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Seared Beef Tenderloin Mini Sandwiches with Mustard-Horseradish Sauce Recipe
Mini open-faced sandwiches are ideal for a light supper or appetizer buffet and a great way to stretch the number of servings you get from a pricey cut of meat.

39 of 66

Modern Cheese Balls

Photo: Maura McEvoy

Modern Cheese Balls Recipe
Eliminate the need for cute party spreaders or knives when you offer bite-size cheese balls that guests can either pick up with their fingers or with wooden picks.

40 of 66

Brownie Bourbon Balls

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Brownie Bourbon Balls Recipe
A packaged brownie mix is the shortcut ingredient in this fudgy favorite. You might need to make an extra batch as your guests will have a hard time stopping with one.

41 of 66

Fig and Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Fig and Goat Cheese Bruschetta Recipe
Prepare the fig jam for this savory-meets-sweet appetizer up to three days in advance, and store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature, and assemble bruschetta just before serving. For smaller groups, use half the amount of bread. Leftover jam is great on toast at breakfast.

42 of 66

Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Red and Green Sauces

Photo: Jan Smith

Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Red and Green Sauces Recipe
The tails of fresh shrimp beckon you to pick them up with your fingers and dip them into a savory sauce. If you need a few shortcuts, buy steamed shrimp at the seafood counter and use bottled green salsa and horseradish sauce instead of making your own.

43 of 66

Savory Parmesan Bites

Savory Parmesan Bites Recipe
Start with refrigerated crescent roll dough to make these cheesy little roll-ups. You can freeze the unbaked roll-ups for up to one month, and then bake just before serving.

44 of 66

Endive Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Endive Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe
Endive leaves make a perfect container for the crumbled cheese, orange sections, and walnuts in this appetizer that's basically a hand-held salad.

45 of 66

Goat Cheese Tarts with Lemon-Fig Compote

Photo: Jan Smith

Goat Cheese Tarts with Lemon-Fig Compote Recipe
Mini phyllo shells are definitely a "go-to ingredient" when you need to serve a sweet treat that doesn't require a fork or spoon.

Account

65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

1 of 66

Everything Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers

2 of 66

Melted Manchego Tortas with Romesco and Chorizo

3 of 66

Lemon-Caper Parmesan Potato Salad Bites

4 of 66

Cheese Truffles

5 of 66

Pigs in an Everything Blanket with Cream Cheese Dip

6 of 66

Goat Cheese Poppers with Honey

7 of 66

Bacon Endive Tomato Bites

8 of 66

Caprese Salsa

9 of 66

Mini Corn Dogs with Cranberry Mustard

10 of 66

Pesto Pastries

11 of 66

Strawberry Bruschetta

12 of 66

All-Purpose Entertaining Crackers

13 of 66

Smoked Trout, Arugula, and Granny Smith Stacks

14 of 66

Peaches and Cream Mini Cupcakes

15 of 66

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

16 of 66

Chicken Salad Tarts

17 of 66

Bruschetta with Peach Salsa and Melted Brie

18 of 66

Crab Cake Hush Puppies

19 of 66

Cheesy Sausage Roll-Ups

20 of 66

Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

21 of 66

Cheese Dreams

22 of 66

Mini Cheese Balls

23 of 66

Creamed Spinach Phyllo Cups

24 of 66

Skewered Persimmon and Herb Bites

25 of 66

Stuffed Celery

26 of 66

Mini Quiches

27 of 66

Caramelized Onion-Apple Bites

28 of 66

Egg and Anchovy Crostini

29 of 66

Pepper Jelly-Goat Cheese Cakes

30 of 66

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Cups

31 of 66

Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix

32 of 66

Pimiento Cheese Squares

33 of 66

Herbed Onion Parmesan Toasts

34 of 66

Chicken Sausage Puffs with Creamy Mustard Dipping Sauce

35 of 66

Mini Corn Cakes with Smoked Salmon and Dill Crème Fraîche

36 of 66

Brie with Jeweled Fruit Compote

37 of 66

Pecan-Raisin Mini-Tarts

38 of 66

Seared Beef Tenderloin Mini Sandwiches with Mustard-Horseradish Sauce

39 of 66

Modern Cheese Balls