17 Easy Party & Finger Food Appetizers Recipes to Make Ahead - FoodMasta (2023)

Planning a party and don’t know where to start?

Finger foods are the perfect solution! Not only are they easy to make ahead of time, but they also save space on your table for other dishes.

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The 17 Easy Party & Finger Food Appetizers Recipes to Make Ahead

We’ve got you covered with 17 delicious recipes that will be sure to please your guests. From dips and spreads to chicken skewers and shrimp cocktails, we’ve got something for everyone.

Check out our list of recipes now and get started on your party planning!

17. Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini

17 Easy Party & Finger Food Appetizers Recipes to Make Ahead - FoodMasta (1)

One of the most popular items on a cheese plate is goat cheese. Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy flavor that can be enjoyed by itself or paired with other flavors.

Fig jam is a great complement to goat cheese because it has a sweet and slightly tart flavor. Crostini are small pieces of toast that are perfect for holding either goat cheese or fig jam.

By combining these three ingredients, you can create an easy and delicious appetizer or snack.

16. Grilled Cheese Appetizers

Grilled cheese appetizers are the perfect finger food for your next party! Made with simple ingredients like cheese and bread, they can be easily customized to suit any taste.

For a sophisticated twist, try using a variety of different cheeses or adding some freshly chopped herbs.

Or, for a fun and festive look, cut the sandwiches into shapes using acookie cutter. Whatever way you choose to serve them, grilled cheese appetizers are sure to be a hit with your guests!

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15. Smoked Salmon Canapes

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Smoked salmon canapes are a popular party appetizer. They are easy to make and can be tailored to fit any taste. The most basic smoked salmon canape is a piece of smoked salmon on a cracker. However, there are many variations that can be made.

For example, smoked salmon canapes can be made with cream cheese, capers, and onions. They can also be made into small sandwiches by using bagels or toast instead of crackers.

Get The Recipe

(Video) Quick and Easy Party Appetizers (all with four ingredients or less!). Bonus, many are low-carb!

14. Crab Salad Appetizers

Crab salad appetizers are a great choice for your next party. They're easy to make and can be tailored to fit any taste. Plus, they're a healthy option that your guests will love.

Crab is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your health.

There are many different ways to make crab salad appetizers. You can use canned crabmeat or fresh crabmeat, depending on your preference. If you're using canned crabmeat, you'll need to drain it before adding it to the salad.

If you're using fresh crabmeat, you'll need to remove the shells and claws before chopping the meat.

13. Antipasto Kabobs

17 Easy Party & Finger Food Appetizers Recipes to Make Ahead - FoodMasta (3)

Antipasto kabobs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy all your favorite Italian flavors in one handy bite. The key to a great kabob is to start with high-quality ingredients, which is why we always use fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.

We also like to add a variety of meats, such as salami, pepperoni, and chicken, for a bit of protein. To finish it off, we add a drizzle of my homemade vinaigrette.

These kabobs are perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer at your next party. Trust us, they're sure to be a hit!

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12. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a dish that is made up of chicken that has been skewers and then grilled or barbecued. The chicken is then served with a peanut sauce.

This dish can be found at many different restaurants, and it is also something that can be made at home.

The peanut sauce for this dish is usually made up of ingredients such as peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.

These ingredients are all combined together to create a flavorful and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken satay.

11. Bunless Burger Bites

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As the name suggests, they are bite-sized hamburgers that are served without buns. While this may seem like a simple change, it can actually make a big difference in terms of nutrition.

(Video) 15 Perfect Party Appetizers 🎉 Super-Sized 2022 Chef John-a-thon!

Buns add carbohydrates and calories to burgers, and they can also be difficult to digest.

By removing the bun, you end up with a leaner, healthier meal. And because the burgers are bite-sized, they're also easier to eat and less messy.

Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a lighter meal option, Bunless Burger Bites are a great choice.

10. Lamb and Polenta Bites

It's a dish made with ground lamb, polenta, and various spices. The ingredients are mixed together, formed into small bites, and then cooked. This dish is often served as an appetizer or main course.

It can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

The combination of flavorful lamb and creamy polenta is sure to please everyone at the table. Add a green salad and some crusty bread, and you've got a complete meal that's both easy and delicious.

9. Simple Chili Con Queso Egg Cup

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This dish is a quick and easy breakfast or lunch party option that can be whipped up in minutes. It consists of a simple chili con queso sauce poured over hard boiled eggs.

The eggs can then be topped with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions for extra flavor and crunch. This dish is perfect for those who are looking for a hearty, yet quick and easy meal.

8. Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a festive and easy holiday appetizer! They’re made with just a few ingredients including cream cheese, fresh cranberries, green onions, and crescent rolls.

The best part is that you can make them ahead of time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Simply bake the pinwheels for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown and flaky. Serve with additional fresh cranberries and enjoy!

7. Rye Bread Party Pizzas

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(Video) Easy And Cheesy Pasta Finger Food! A Delicious Appetizer For your Parties! | Easy Pasta Recipe

Rye bread party pizzas are a fun and easy way to get everyone involved in the pizza making process. They are made by layering pieces of rye bread with different toppings and then baking them in the oven.

This type of pizza is a great option for parties because everyone can choose their own toppings.

Some of the best toppings for rye bread party pizzas include pepperoni, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss.

The pizzas are best when they are baked until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

If you are looking for a fun and easy party appetizer that everyone will love, then try making some rye bread party pizzas!

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6. Radishes and Butter Crostini Appetizer

Radishes and butter crostini appetizer is a simple and easy appetizer that can be made in minutes. Thinly sliced radishes are topped with a dollop of butter and then placed on top of a slice of baguette.

The crostini can then be baked in the oven or toasted in a skillet until the bread is crispy and the radish is slightly softened. This appetizer is best served warm and can be enjoyed as is or with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

5. BLT Bites

17 Easy Party & Finger Food Appetizers Recipes to Make Ahead - FoodMasta (7)

BLT Bites are a popular appetizer that can be found at many restaurants. The dish consists of bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices that are all bite-sized.

BLT Bites are often served with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.

Some people like to make BLT Bites at home by using a muffin tin. They will place a slice of bacon in the bottom of each muffin cup, then add a piece of lettuce and a slice of tomato.

They will then bake the cups for about 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

4. Vegetarian Sushi Cups

Vegetarian sushi cups are a fun, new way to enjoy your favorite sushi rolls. They are made by wrapping sushi rice and your favorite fillings in seaweed sheets, then forming the wraps into small cups.

The seaweed cups are then lightly fried until crispy, creating a delicious, vegetarian-friendly alternative to traditional sushi rolls.

Vegetarian sushi cups can be filled with anything from avocado and cucumber to crab and shrimp, so there is something for everyone.

(Video) Unbelievably Simple Party Appetizers

They are a great way to get your daily dose of seafood if you are a vegetarian or simply want a lighter option than traditional sushi rolls.

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3. Caprese Salad Skewers

17 Easy Party & Finger Food Appetizers Recipes to Make Ahead - FoodMasta (8)

Caprese salad skewers are a fun and easy way to get your daily dose of vegetables. The skewers are made up of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. The flavors in the salad are simple but delicious and work well together.

Caprese salad skewers can be eaten as a snack or a light meal. They are also perfect for parties or potlucks.

2. Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer Bites

Shrimp cocktail appetizer bites are a fun and easy way to serve shrimp as an appetizer. These bites are made by using small cooked shrimp, cocktail sauce, and a variety of herbs and spices.

They can be served on a toothpick for easy eating or arranged on a plate for a more elegant presentation.

Shrimp cocktail appetizer bites are perfect for any party or gathering. They can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them. They also travel well, so they’re perfect for taking to potlucks or picnics.

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to serve shrimp as an appetizer, give these shrimp cocktail appetizer bites a try!

1. Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

17 Easy Party & Finger Food Appetizers Recipes to Make Ahead - FoodMasta (9)

A fruit and cheese kabob is a fun and easy way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. The kabobs can be customized to fit any taste or preference. You can use any type of fruit or cheese that you like.

Some people like to use cubed cheese while others prefer shredded cheese. As for the fruit, you can use anything from pineapple and strawberries to blueberries and raspberries.

If you are looking for a savory option, you can also add meats or vegetables to your kabob.

When it comes to assembling the kabobs, there are many different ways to do it. You can thread the fruit and cheese onto skewers, or simply place them on a plate in whatever pattern you like.

No matter how you assemble them, they are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.

These easy finger food recipes are the perfect way to feed your guests without all the fuss. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

FAQs

What should I serve for an appetizer party? ›

Planning Your Appetizer Party Menu

Bruschetta, breadsticks, crackers, and rolls are also mainstays. Protein: Serve meat or fish dishes, such as meatballs, chicken wings, or sushi, to give your guests protein. You could also make an egg, cheese, or tofu appetizer.

What do you put on a cold finger buffet? ›

Cold finger foods like salami and cream cheese bites are perfect for any occasion, and you can customize them with all kinds of add-ons such as green olives, black olives, cucumber, cherry tomato, and even pineapple! There are many more toppings out there you can try, or you can just keep it simple.

What do you call the simplest appetizer? ›

7. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – are the simplest appetizer. Fruits are good appetizers because they give an attractive appearance, fragrance, appealing taste and delicious flavor.

How many appetizers do I need for 20 guests? ›

A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a cocktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

What is the most popular party snack? ›

Our 12 Best, Most Reliable Party Snacks
  • Extreme Meat Pizza Dip. ...
  • No-Bake Peanut Butter Snack Bars. ...
  • Candied Pecans and Cranberries Snack Mix. ...
  • Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzels. ...
  • Hummus Cups with Zucchini and Tomato. ...
  • Chocolate Caramel Bacon Popcorn. ...
  • Jalapeño Popper Bread. ...
  • Sweet and Salty Chex™ Mix. Ingredients: 5.
21 Jan 2020

What to serve for a casual get together? ›

18 dishes perfect for a casual get-together
  • Favorite Apple Chicken Salad | Gimme Some Oven. Favorite Apple Chicken Salad | Gimme Some Oven. ...
  • Spiced haloumi with honey. Spiced haloumi with honey. ...
  • Pastrami Roll-Ups. Pastrami Roll-Ups. ...
  • Caprese Stuffed Avocado Appetizers Are So Delicious & Also Healthy!

What are the 4 basic elements of buffet platter? ›

The classic buffet platter has three elements:
  • Centerpiece or grosse pièce (gross pyess). ...
  • The slices or serving portions of the main food item, arranged artistically.
  • The garnish, arranged artistically, in proportion to the cut slices.

What are the most common party foods? ›

53 Insanely Popular Party Food Recipes You Need In Your Life
  1. Honey Lime Sriracha Chicken Poppers. ...
  2. Fried Chicken By Marcus Samuelsson. ...
  3. Chicken Bacon Chipotle Balls. ...
  4. Chicken Parmesan Sliders. ...
  5. Chicken Parmesan Garlic Bread. ...
  6. Teriyaki Wings. ...
  7. 3-Ingredient BBQ Popcorn Chicken. ...
  8. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
3 Feb 2017

How do you make visually appealing appetizers? ›

Place each appetizer on its own small plate for an elegant look. Arrange all of the little dishes on a large serving platter in a circular pattern or a uniform pattern in which all of the plates are spaced the same amount of distance from each other.

What is the cheapest food to serve at a party? ›

Here are some simple party food ideas on a budget:
  • Soup.
  • Loose meat sandwiches.
  • Baked potatoes.
  • Pasta.
  • Tacos.
  • Make-your-own-pizzas.
  • Cheese and crackers.
  • Vegetables and dip.
6 Aug 2019

What type of appetizer is eaten using fingers? ›

Canape. Bite-sized finger foods are called canape appetizers. These can be hot or cold, but typically have a base and a spread with a topping or garnish. Small pieces of bread or biscuits are common canape appetizers you'll be offered.

What type of appetizer is best served if most of the guests have arrived? ›

Cold appetizers should be set out before the party actually starts. Hot appetizers should be brought out once most, if not all, of the guests have arrived.

What are the 5 guidelines in the selection of appetizers? ›

As you sort through appetizer recipes to potentially add to your easy starters menu, consider these six factors for the best blend.
  • Keep it simple. ...
  • Balance the choices. ...
  • Contrast colors and shapes. ...
  • Consider temperature and texture. ...
  • Plan make-ahead selections. ...
  • Avoid repeating flavors.
1 Aug 2022

How many different appetizers should I serve? ›

3-4 pieces per person, 30-45 minutes before dinner, cocktail hour. 6-10 pieces per person, 1.5-2 hour event, preceding dinner time. 10-12 pieces per person, 2-4 hours event, heavy hors d'oeuvres. 12-15 pieces per person 4+ hour event, dinner replacement.

How many appetizers do I need for 16 people? ›

The rule of thumb for smaller gatherings is that 3 types of appetizers are suitable for 8 to 10 guests; 4 or 5 types of appetizers for 14 to 16 people.

What should I serve for 25 guests? ›

20+ Inexpensive, Easy Meals for Large Groups
  • Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
  • Hearty Baked Penne Pasta.
  • Tasty Taco Bar.
  • Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Bacon and Gruyere.
  • Killer Carnitas.
  • Chicken Spaghetti.
  • Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders.
  • Slow Cooker Chicken and Cheese Taquitos.
7 Nov 2022

How many appetizers do you need for 30 guests? ›

🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻How Many Appetizers to Serve Per Person? Unless you're serving an amuse bouche, a good rule to follow is to serve 6 appetizers per person for a standard dinner party and 8 to 12 appetizers per person for a cocktail party.

What are hard Horderves? ›

Call them hors d'oeuvres or call them appetizers, they stand on their own at an event and have stopped being just a starter. On trend are the “All Appetizers” or “Heavy Hors d'oeuvres” parties. These cocktail party style events allow for more mingling, interaction and movement.

What is an hors d'oeuvres and give at least 5 examples? ›

Hors d'oeuvre

Because they are usually eaten while standing, hors d'oeuvres should be finger food that can be eaten without the use of utensils. Hors d'oeuvres include canapés, small tartlets, crudités, or skewered items.

Which snack is the most Saleable? ›

The most popular snack in the U.S. is cookies. In 2021, 59 percent of respondents who have a snack at least once a week stated that they eat cookies regularly.

What is Obama's favorite snack? ›

Apples. Obama keeps a bowl of apples in the center of the Oval Office for himself and guests to enjoy when they want a healthier snack than chocolate-covered nuts. He definitely knows the reasons we should all be eating more apples.

What is the difference between appetizers and hors d oeuvres? ›

Time Eaten: Hors d'oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal. An hors d'oeuvre isn't considered to be part of the meal, but appetizers are usually chosen specifically to compliment the following courses.

How do you keep cold appetizers at a party? ›

Put Dishes on Ice

For plates and platters, add ice to a clean plastic or metal tub and place your dish on top. This will keep everything super cold, and won't take up too much additional space on your table.

What type of appetizer is a small prepared and usually decorative hors d oeuvres? ›

Canapes. “A small, prepared and usually decorative food, held in the fingers and often eaten in one bite.” Yep, this is just a fancy way of saying hors d'oeuvres and/or appetizers.

What should I serve for an outdoor party? ›

Backyard Party Foods
  • 100+ Best-Ever Party Appetizers. ...
  • Joy the Baker. ...
  • Creative Slow Cooker Dinners. ...
  • Potato Chip Crispies. ...
  • Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken (Just 7 Ingredients!) | foodiecrush.com. ...
  • Beer Batter Hush Puppies Recipe. ...
  • Oven Baked Ribs with Chipotle BBQ Sauce. ...
  • Grilled Shrimp with Mustard Sauce | foodiecrush.com.

What is the cheapest food to serve at meetings and events? ›

The cheapest food to cater is any rice or noodle-based cultural cuisine. Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes are delicious and affordable. Or, if you're hosting an event during the day, serve brunch and breakfast items.

What is the first thing to do when designing a platter? ›

Professional Cooking
  1. Plan ahead. Making a sketch is a good idea. ...
  2. Plan for movement in your design. This doesn't mean you should mount the food on little wheels. ...
  3. Give the design a focal point. ...
  4. Keep items in proportion. ...
  5. Let the guest see the best side of everything.

Which will come first in buffet arrangement? ›

The order that items should be placed on the table is as follows: plates first, sides second, any fancy dishes such lobster are third, cutlery and napkins should be the last items on the table.

How do you set up a simple buffet table? ›

Tips for Setting a Buffet Table
  1. Vary the height. Just as you would vary heights with centerpieces, you should do the same with a buffet. ...
  2. Have a clear beginning. ...
  3. Identify dishes. ...
  4. Give some support. ...
  5. Save utensils for last. ...
  6. Position strategically. ...
  7. Use strategic layouts. ...
  8. Create an Instagram-worthy table backdrop.

What is the best snack combination? ›

Winning Snack Combos
  • Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter. Celery is a great choice because it's low in calories and high in fiber. ...
  • Hummus with Raw Veggies or Whole Grain Crackers. ...
  • String Cheese and Fruit. ...
  • Greek Yogurt Green Smoothie. ...
  • Avocado Toast. ...
  • Hard-boiled Egg and Granola Bar.

What are finger foods give example? ›

Examples of finger foods include: Cooked tender meat, ground or cut into very small pieces. Cooked beans and other legumes such as lentils and chickpeas (cut up larger types of beans) Cooked vegetables, cut into very small pieces or strips.

What is the #1 snack in the world? ›

As this infographic shows, Cookies are the most popular snack food, with 59 percent of snackers saying they eat the sugary comfort food regularly. Potato chips came in a close second (58 percent), far ahead of their healthier vegetable cousins at just 24 percent.

What is the most eaten food in the world 2022? ›

Rice is considered to be the most consumed food in the world. More than half of the world's population consumes rice, particularly in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Rice is also one of the highest produced crops in the world. Rice is also the food that is most consumed directly.

What are the 8 kinds of appetizer? ›

Classification of Appetizers
  • Cocktails.
  • Hors d' oeuvres.
  • Canape.
  • Relishes/Crudite.
  • Salads.
  • Soup & Consommé
  • Chips & DIps.
22 Jul 2021

How many appetizers should one serve for a gathering with no main meal? ›

3-4 pieces per person, 30-45 minutes before dinner, cocktail hour. 6-10 pieces per person, 1.5-2 hour event, preceding dinner time. 10-12 pieces per person, 2-4 hours event, heavy hors d'oeuvres. 12-15 pieces per person 4+ hour event, dinner replacement.

What can I cook for a small gathering? ›

Crowd-pleasing dishes that look super impressive but are actually so easy to pull off.
...
  • Cheater's Skillet Paella. ...
  • Italian Bruschetta Bar. ...
  • Cedar Plank Salmon With Blistered Tomatoes. ...
  • Slow-cooker Beef Ragu With Pappardelle. ...
  • Jambalaya. ...
  • Easy One-pan Ratatouille. ...
  • Prosciutto And Fig Salad Board. ...
  • Slow-cooker Shrimp Boil.
23 Mar 2020

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