Get the party started with delicious nibbles that will make entertaining fun for every host. Finger foods are easy to grab, reducing the stress of guests who may not have room to sit down for a traditional meal and giving guests a tasty way to start conversations. Explore 10 finger foods that will have loved ones already saving the date for your next event.
1. Stuffed mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are easy to make and gobble up, making them the ideal choice to serve at a party. They can be made for vegans or meat lovers/carnivores. Combine a black rice, vegetable stock, vegan cheese and crushed walnuts for your veggie-lover friends. For carnivores, add sausage. This incredibly rich blue cheese and Parmesan option for friends who fall somewhere in the middle will be a hit.
2. Pigs in a blanket
For many decades, pigs in a blanket have been popular. Kids love them just as much as adults, and they are easy to make. Just pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees, wrap mini hotdogs in crescent roll squares and bake for about 10-15 until golden brown.
3. Avocado and pesto tomatoes
You can thank us for this one later: avocados, tomatoes, and some lemony, cheesy sauce, all secured on the same toothpick. This is one of the easiest finger foods for a party, and all you need is a food processor.
4. Bacon water chestnut wraps
Because it’s impossible to eat just one these hors d’oeuvres, you can expect they’ll disappear quickly. Cut some bacon strips in half, heat until almost crispy and wrap each strip around a water chestnut. Secure with a toothpick and glaze with brown sugar and a little mayonnaise. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Serve hot.
5. Potato salad bites
Potato salad is a favorite dish at a sit-down BBQ. However, at a party where guests are mingling, it’s not exactly convenient. Thankfully, you can halve small red potatoes, bake them at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes with a little olive oil and then, once soft, scoop out the inside, mash it with some sour cream, chives, salt and pepper. Voila, potato salad bites!
6. Don’t forget the fruit plate
While planning finger foods for a party, it’s easy to forget that the simplest foods are often the most delicious. In the summer months, head to your local market and pick up an array of seasonal fruit to cut and place artistically on a platter. Add a small container of toothpicks to keep the platter sanitary and your guests’ fingers clean!
7. Same goes for the veggie platter
The plant lovers in your life will delight in a veggie platter, but only if you spice it up a bit. Although you don’t need to get fancy with the vegetables—raw carrots, celery, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes will do—you should offer at least three dips to tempt any palate. One dip should be creamy, perhaps a Caesar or a ranch-style dressing. One should be a vinaigrette and to keep things interesting, the last one should include horseradish.
8. Sweet potato fries
Sweet potato fries are delicious and healthy. With just a touch of salt and pepper, they make the best finger food. To enhance them, throw in a little minced garlic and onion.
9. Crostini, crostini, crostini!
In Italian, crostini means “little toast.” Indeed, that’s pretty much all there is to this finger food. Brush each slice with a little olive oil before toasting and then add your favorite hot or cold topping. You can’t go wrong with either a rich pâté or a light topping made from fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella.
10. The perfect shrimp tray
Although peel-and-eat shrimp are a messy finger food, pre-peeled shrimp are a convenient option. The trick is to buy fresh shrimp, peel it before the party and then refrigerate until ready to serve. Make sure to place the shrimp over ice. Add a spicy, traditional cocktail sauce using ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce and a little hot sauce for a little kick. Don’t forget to add slices of lemon!
No matter which finger foods for a party you choose to make, make sure to have a variety that appeals to all eaters. Offer vegetarian options, at least three or four vegan options and meat choices as you see fit. Whip them all up before your party and then the only thing you’ll need to do after guests arrive is make sure to replenish trays as they start to empty. Enjoy!