
Epic appetizers are a *must* for entertaining year-round, but they're especially important around the holidays. We especially love starting with delicious finger food ideas. If you want to take your bite-sized appetizer recipes a bit further, skewer those tasty bites with a toothpick so everyone can grab and go as they please. It also means you aren't left with tons of dishes, so you can spend more time relaxing post-meal. Scroll down for 52 finger food recipes, from mini BLTs to chicken and waffles.
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Chicken Finger Food Recipes Everyone Will Love
Easy Vegetarian Appetizers To Make For Your Next Party
Seafood Hors D'oeuvres Recipe Ideas For Your Party-Goers
Delicious Finger Food Ideas For Meat Lovers
First Up: Chicken Finger Food Recipes Everyone Will Love
Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken
Image via Half Baked Harvest
This recipe seamlessly combines sweet honey, flavorful garlic, and spicy chili powder for a chicken appetizer that will put everyone in a good mood! If you're a fan of more mild food, mess around with the ingredient ratio to figure out which spice level you like the most. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Chicken Taco Wonton Cups
Wonton cups stuffed with shredded chicken, salsa, taco seasoning, and cheddar, and topped with sour cream and green onion are the ultimate finger food. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
These taquitos are sooo tasty and are sure to be a hit with your guests. A little spicy, a little cheesy, and super easy to prepare, all you need is chicken, buffalo sauce, cheese, and tortillas. Serve them whole, or cut them in half to make them more manageable. (via Brit + Co)
Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls with Rosemary Skewers by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup Sweetened Dried Cranberries
- 1/3 cup Toasted Pecans
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 8oz goat cheese log
- 16 Rosemary sprigs
Directions:
- Start by finely chopping dried cranberries with pecans.Add dried parsley, salt and pepper.
- Roll 8oz goat cheese into 16 balls then roll in your crumbs mixture.
- Skewer with a Rosemary sprig for an extra festive touch.
Lemongrass And Sriracha Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Upgrade your weeknight meals with some new flavors. First, create an easy marinade with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and Sriracha. Allow your diced chicken to marinate in it for 15 minutes, then thread your veggies onto skewers for a quick and healthy appetizer idea. (via Brit + Co)
Copycat Chick Fil A Nugget + Sauce
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to restaurant chicken nuggets, consider making them yourself! They make a great addition to any school or work lunch, and all you need to make the sauce is mayo, honey, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, and lemon juice. Easy peasy! (via A Spicy Perspective)
Chicken Caesar Salad Pinwheels
When you're serving passable dishes, salads can be a bit too fussy for their own good. Get that creamy crunch you desire in an easy-to-eat package by rolling chicken Caesar salad in a tortilla and slicing into pinwheels. We love that this can be executed in five minutes or less by mixing chicken, salad dressing, parmesan, lettuce, and crumbled croutons together, and then rolling the mixture onto several flatbreads. The key to getting even bites is roll the wraps tightly and then place five toothpicks, spaced evenly, on the roll so you know where to cut. (via Food Fun Family)
Chicken Satay Skewers With Peanut Sauce
Chicken marinated in coconut milk and spices becomes tender and moist on the grill. Pair these skewers with a sweet and sticky peanut sauce for extra flavor. (via Savory Tooth)
Hawaiian Chicken Bites
Bring your favorite pizza toppings into cocktail hour with these sweet and sour Hawaiian chicken skewers. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce and add a chunk of SPAM for an authentic flavor. (via Rasa Malaysia)
Chicken Caesar Crostini
Caesar salad with rotisserie chicken and bacon ditches a bowl for a baguette with this crostini recipe. (via Salt & Lavender)
Mini Chicken and Waffles
There's no shame in using frozen food to your advantage. For this easy finger food recipe all you need is frozen chicken, mini toaster waffles, maple syrup, sea salt, and herbs de Provence. Cook the chicken according the the directions on the package and then dress 'em up by assembling on top of the heated mini waffles and sticking a toothpick through it. Add a healthy dose a salt and herbs to bring out some flavor and drizzle with syrup to serve. Easy peasy! (via Almost Makes Perfect)
Easy Vegetarian Appetizers To Make For Your Next Party
Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls
Balls of goat cheese dipped in panko breadcrumbs are baked in the oven and drizzled with Buffalo sauce. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Caprese Crostini
Top baguette slices with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic for a refreshing yet comforting snack. (via Salt & Lavender)
Sweet Potato + Goat Cheese + Agave Bites
This recipe is almost too easy to believe! The tasty combo of goat cheese, sweet potatoes, and agave is a simple way to get a healthy dose of vitamin A and calcium while still getting a bit of sweetness. Not a fan of agave? Just swap for honey instead. We'll be making this all summer long. (via Brit + Co)
Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso
Image via Half Baked Harvest
Cheese fries are already tasty on their own but this Taco Bell-inspired recipe upgrades them with nacho seasoning and peppers. They're great for game day, your next picnic, or will even satisfy the fam once the holiday season comes back around. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Mini Cheese Balls
These mini bites have everything we love about cheese balls, without committing to a giant appetizer that we might not be able to finish. Use a melon baller or a similar scoop to make the balls, and finish by rolling in pistachios for some extra crunch and saltiness. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Individual 7 Layer Dips
The tiny version of this classic dip is an excellent finger food, appetizer, or snack. Change up the layers depending on food sensitivities or favorite toppings (we'd go with two layers of guac!), or if you're throwing a get together, wait until your guests arrive and have them assemble the dips themselves. (via Brit + Co)
Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites
Thanks to the mix of rich dark chocolate and savory cheese, these bites make for a wonderful sweet and salty treat ahead of the game. This recipe is kid-friendly since you can make the bites as small as you want. All you need is two ingredients and 30 minutes, which is basically the perfect combo. (via Brit + Co)
Mini Baked Potatoes
We love baked potatoes as much as the next person, but sometimes having a giant potato is too much for a side, especially if the rest of your meal is already heavy. Make these mini potatoes instead! You can still load up on all your favorite toppings, including cheese and bacon bits. (via Brit + Co)
Caprese Pesto Tarts
Image via Half Baked Harvest
Eat these tarts as a quick bite in the afternoon or have them for dinner if you end up eating a big lunch. Cherry tomatoes, pesto, and burrata make the perfect trio for a summer day. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Fruit + Cheese Crostini
With figs, cranberry sauce, brie, and goat cheese, this crostini might become one of your go-to faves. And considering we'll eat anything with brie on it, it's one of ours too! This recipe pairs the figs with goat cheese and cranberry with brie, feel free to mix and match until your heart's content. (via Brit + Co)
Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips
Panko- and Parmesan-coated zucchini slices crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Dip them into a sour cream-Parmesan sauce for perfection. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Beet Salad on a Stick
Rest assured, your herbivorous friends and fam will flip for this bite-sized combo of beet, goat cheese, arugula, and walnut. We love this fall-inspired dish for Halloween, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or even Christmas entertaining. If you've never prepped beets before, here's how to do it: start by roasting your beets at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 to 60 minutes. Once they cool, you can use a paper towel to rub off the peel and slice into rounds and quarter rounds for easy skewering. Assemble your appetizer and drizzle with a honey balsamic vinaigrette for an added burst of flavor. (via Salty Canary)
Rosemary Pineapple Mozzarella Bites
Using a rosemary stem as a skewer to hold your pineapple and mozzarella is both practical and delicious. Not to mention, the presentation is pretty spectacular. (via Cook. Craft. Love.)
Easy Pesto Tortellini Skewers
If you can boil water, you can make these skewers faster than you can say tortellini. Dress with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes for optimal flavor. (via Foody Schmoody Blog)
Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey
Image via Half Baked Harvest
Cut up some halloumi cheese for these bites. It's got a high melting point (aka you can fry it without it turning into a melty mess), and its natural salty flavor goes great with all kinds of condiments. The hot honey, which gets its spice from red pepper flakes, is definitely a top-tier option. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Kugel Arancini
Italian arancini gets a Jewish twist with these kugel arancini that replace rice with egg noodles and fills them with cheddar and mozzarella. (via Amanda Wilens)
No-Bake Baileys Bonbons Recipe
If you're looking for a finger food that's on the sweeter side, look no further than these boozy, chocolatey bites. With only five ingredients, you can make these in a snap, which is good because they'll be gone just as quick! Just make sure you serve them right away, just place them in an air tight container and keep 'em in the fridge until it's party time. (via Brit + Co)
Goat Cheese + Strawberry Bites
There's nothing quite like a berry and cheese combo, and this recipe (which matches up rich goat cheese with tart, sweet strawberries) makes for the perfect spring snack. Plus with a mint leaf on top, they're also just gorgeous to look at. (via Brit + Co)
Gluten-Free Baked Avocado Fries
Whether you're cutting out potatoes or you just really love avocados, prepare to have your mind *blown* by these gluten-free "fries." They're crunchy, they're tasty, they're gluten-free. Top with garlic salt and dip in the spicy aioli to take your appetizer to the next level. (via Brit + Co)
Seafood Hors D'oeuvres Recipe Ideas For Your Party-Goers
Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Simplicity is essential when dealing with sweet, fresh shrimp. A brush of garlic and butter is all you need to enhance its flavor to epic restaurant-worthy levels. (via Simply Recipes)
Smoked Salmon Poke Bites
If you're not keen on ordering sushi, opt for these poke bites, which is basically single-serve deconstructed sushi. Topped with salmon, avocado, and ginger, you still get all your favorite sushi flavors, with the added crunch of the rice cracker. (via Brit + Co)
Mini Lobster Rolls
Sometimes you can't get through an entire lobster dip, and seafood only stays good for so long. Instead of making a giant dip for everyone, split them up into these tiny (and adorable) lobster rolls! Not only will you break it up into smaller portion sizes, but you'll also completely eliminate double dipping. Win-win. (via Brit + Co)
Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
Bring the flavors of New Orleans to your shindig with these Cajun-style skewers. Serve with a spicy lemon aioli for dipping and ice-cold beer for sipping. (via Iowa Girl Eats)
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites
Nix the bagel and enjoy your lox on top of a slice of crunchy cucumber. If you're looking for finger food ideas perfect for brunch, look no further! Be sure you have cream cheese, dill, horseradish and heavy cream on hand to complete the recipe. (via Baker by Nature)
Cured Brown Sugar Salmon Skewers
Succulent salmon is even tastier when it's coated in brown sugar. Give the fish a quick sear, and each bite will be infused with smokey, caramelized flavor. (via Sprinkles and Sprouts)
Delicious Finger Food Ideas For Meat Lovers
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Tea Sandwich
Long live the BLT! To turn it into a bite-sized nosh, go for slices of Roma tomatoes and use a cookie cutter to create like-sized circles of white bread. These crust-free and dainty bites are the perfect hors d'oeuvre. For the spread, go for something creamy, smooth and tangy like Japanese mayo. For a few other pro tips, did you know bread circles cut easier when it's partially frozen? Everything can be cut and prepped the day before, just wait to assemble on the actual party day. (via Oh, How Civilized)
Delicious Finger Food Ideas For Meat Lovers
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes
Bacon wrapped around anything immediately catches our eye, and if you feel the same way then you have to try out these bacon sweet potato bites! With only a little bit of salt and pepper, the natural flavors of the sweet potato and bacon come together flawlessly for an app that everyone will love. (via Brit + Co)
Chinese Dumplings Recipe
These dumplings are filled to the brim with veggies and meat, and the wonton dough only needs two ingredients! While the recipe does call for ground pork or turkey, you can easily leave that out to make these dumplings vegetarian. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Tacos
Tacos are some of the ultimate finger foods *and* party foods, which makes them an excellent choice for the Super Bowl. The fact that they're made with the slow cooker means they're extra easy. (via Brit + Co)
Bacon Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
You can create an incredibly easy app with only bread, cream cheese, chives, and bacon. (via Garnish With Lemon)
Mini Charcuteries
SocietySocial and QueenBrieCLT/Photography Demi Mabry
Grab your charcuterie must-haves and cut them into bite sized pieces. Grab some toothpicks (or skewers if you're feeling extra hungry) and create kebabs that are sure to make all your guests' mouths water. Our favorite combo is blackberries, brie, and salami, but feel free to play with *all* the meat and cheese combos. (via Brit + Co)
Manchego Cheese, Ham, and Olive Bites
These no-cook finger food tapas bites are a quick way to satisfy rumbling bellies with minimal effort. Simply slice cheese into cubes of about 1/2" x 1/2", rip ham into narrow strips and fold them on top of the cheese. Try drizzling with honey after assembling for an added sweet touch. (via My Kitchen Love)
Mini Cheeseburger Appetizers
If you really want to make a statement, go all out and whip up mini cheeseburgers. Frozen rolls, a pound of ground beef, bacon, cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, sesame seeds, and lettuce round out the ingredient list for this easy party appetizer. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to bake the rolls after you've brushed them in melted butter and topped with sesame seeds. Then turn the pound of ground beef into 20 mini patties to grill to medium for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then assemble, or let your guests pick their toppings with a DIY cheeseburger bar. (via Pizzazzerie)
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears With Blue Cheese
You’ll want to savor each and every bite of these sweet and pungent snacks. Serve with a round of bubbly to balance its salty bite. (via Recipe Runner)
Crispy Bacon Wrapped Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Image via Half Baked Harvest
Brussels sprouts are great for getting some extra antioxidants and fiber, and the bacon is great for flavor ;). But on top of how good this recipe tastes, it only takes an hour to make! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Saucy Asian Meatballs
Saucy meatballs are a party must-have. It’s doubtful you’ll have leftovers, but if you do, serve them over rice for lunch the next day. (via Gimme Some Oven)
West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls Recipe
Great for lunchboxes and afternoon snacks alike, this handheld recipe looks like a breadstick but is actually filled with pepperoni and cheese. It's like a pizza stick! (via A Spicy Perspective)
Glazed Green Bean Bundles
Glazed in a buttery brown sugar sauce, any vegetable suddenly becomes fun to eat. Add a crispy wrapping of salty prosciutto, and these once-humble green beans are now totally picnic worthy. (via Blackberry Babe)
Dill Pickle Beef Skewers
A marinade of pickle juice keeps the beef in these skewers ultra-tender and seasoned throughout. Spear with a toothpick along with a tiny gherkin and some fresh dill for a hearty party bite. (via Sprinkles and Sprouts)
Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Wine lover? You can't go wrong with salty antipasto skewers. (via Tabitha Talks Food)
Filet Mignon Rosemary Skewers
Here’s another way to use some fragrant rosemary sprigs. Skewer juicy prime rib, roasted mushrooms, and red pepper, so each bite is infused with that woodsy rosemary aroma. (via Give It Some Thyme)
Oven-Baked Greek Meatballs
A platter of these savory Greek meatballs is a hearty appetizer or afternoon snack. To make these lamb meatballs, mix ground beef, ground lamb, finely grated onion, egg, parsley, crumbled feta, Panko bread crumbs, and garlic. Use a cookie scoop to get even servings and roll them into a ball. Pop into a preheated 400-degree oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned. Serve them alongside a creamy tzatziki sauce. (via A Fork's Tale)
Find more delicious finger food ideas and appetizer recipes for your next get together on Brit + Co's Food page and follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!
This article has been updated from a previous post published in Jan. 2019. Additional reporting by Chloe Williams.
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