40 Finger Food Ideas That Will Be the Star of Your Next Dinner Party (2024)

40 Finger Food Ideas That Will Be the Star of Your Next Dinner Party (1)

Who needs utensils? If you ask us, the best foods can be eaten with your hands. Think about it: Pizza! Sliders! Party dips! If you're looking for some delicious finger foods for your next party or potluck, you're in the right place. These easy appetizers and snacks are perfect for game day snacking, parties, or just a weeknight when you want to do something fun. That's why we've rounded up the best finger foods that adults and kids alike are sure to enjoy.

Several of these finger foods can be prepped ahead of time, making it easy for you to mingle with guests while the party gets started. Many of them are also vegan-friendly bites or vegetarian recipes (or can be modified to be) if you're serving guests who have dietary restrictions. Some can even be made in the air fryer, slow cooker, or Instant Pot so your oven and stove are free for the main course.

Plus, if you want to add more food to accompany your small bites, round out the menu with family-style mains, favorite co*cktails and chocolaty desserts that the whole crew is sure to love. With these recipes in your pocket, you're sure to have a great tailgate, Christmas party or any other get-together.

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1

Manchego Devils on Horseback

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These elegant bites, featuring sweet dates and salty Manchego, are the ideal appetizer for your New Year's Eve spread.

Get the Manchego Devils on Horseback recipe.

RELATED: 60 Best New Year's Eve Appetizers to Get the Party Started

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2

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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Toss storebought meatballs in a delectable fruity sauce. Can you say easiest-ever finger food?

Get the Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe.

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3

Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels

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These party-ready bites, stacked with tasty cold cuts, cheese and a zesty mustard sauce, are perfect for a crowd.

Get the Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels recipe.

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4

Air Fryer Chicken Strips

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Your Super Bowl spread deserves to feature these crispy kid-friendly chicken strips.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe.

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5

Parmesan-Chive Chips

Upgrade a store-bought party staple with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh chives.

Get the Parmesan-Chive Chips recipe.

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6

Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches

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Pile slow-simmered pulled pork and a flavorful slaw atop soft rolls for easy handheld sliders the whole crew will enjoy.

Get the Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe.

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7

Injera

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If you've ever tried Ethiopian food, you know it is typically eaten with your hands. Injera is a delicious Ethiopian flatbread used to scoop up meat, vegetables, stews and more.

Get the Injera recipe.

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8

Loaded Ranch Potato Skins

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These handheld potato bites filled with bacon and melty cheddar are sure to disappear as soon as you set them down at the table.

Get the Loaded Ranch Potato Skins recipe.

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9

Ranch Croquettes

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Use the inside of the potatoes from the loaded ranch potato skins to make these delicious potatoey croquettes with cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning.

Get the Ranch Croquettes recipe.

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10

Spicy Soppressata Pizza

Make it a pizza party with this spicy, savory pizza. Drizzle a bit of honey on top for that extra special touch.

Get the Spicy Soppressata Pizza recipe.

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11

Zucchini Fritters

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Shredded zucchini, ricotta, and parmesan come together in this delicious and simple recipe that's perfect topped with a bit of flaky salt.

Get the Zucchini Fritters recipe.

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12

Butter Chicken Meatballs

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Pop some toothpicks into these gorgeous Indian-inspired meatballs for an easy finger food everyone will love.

Get the Butter Chicken Meatballs recipe.

RELATED: 51 Juicy Meatball Recipes That Are Simple Enough for Any Weeknight Dinner

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13

Pepper and Onion Pizza

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Pizza is the ultimate finger food. Serve up some slices of this satisfying pie topped with peppers, jalapeños, onions and cheddar cheese.

Get the Pepper and Onion Pizza recipe.

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14

Beef Empanadas

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These flakey savory pastries filled with ground beef, spices and briny olives are sure to disappear quickly at any party.

Get the Beef Empanadas recipe.

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15

Cheesy Garlic Bread

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Is there anything better than garlic bread? This one is made with focaccia and topped with a butter infused with lemon zest and Dijon mustard.

Get the Cheesy Garlic Bread recipe.

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16

Delicata Squash Pizza

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This unique white pizza brings together roasted delicata squash, provolone, blue cheese, onion and other yummy ingredients.

Get the Delicata Squash Pizza recipe.

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17

Marinated Feta

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Take savory feta cubes to the next level by serving them with warmed oil and aromatics. In addition to serving it as a finger food, you can also jar it to give as a homemade food gift.

Get the Marinated Feta recipe.

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18

Roasted Artichokes

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These crispy snacks take just 10 minutes and a few ingredients, perfect if you need a last-minute finger food.

Get the Roasted Artichokes recipe.

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19

Parmesan Seeded Crackers

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Forget the store-bought crackers. These ones, made with flaky pie dough and topped with parmesan and toasted sesame seeds are way better than anything boxed.

Get the Parmesan Seeded Crackers recipe.

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20

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

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This recipe makes four full-size servings, but you can easily slice these up into smaller wraps for a finger food that can serve a whole crowd.

Get the Buffalo Chicken Wraps recipe.

40 Finger Food Ideas That Will Be the Star of Your Next Dinner Party (2024)

FAQs

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Treat your guests to a sweet and savory appetizer with bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Jan 10, 2024

What appetizer is a known as crowd pleaser? ›

Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser, but the addition of buttery avocado makes the filling extra smooth and rich. In order to dress them up for the party, finish them with chives to add a little something that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How much finger food for 40 guests? ›

If you are serving just appetizers and not a main course, you need a selection for your guests to choose from which if it's 40, best to go with 6–8 different items. Having said that, the selection would also be from cold, room temperature to hot food items.

What to feed 50 people? ›

Feed the masses without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly dishes.
  • Mexican Lasagne. A spicy lasagne for those of us who love Mexican and Italian food. ...
  • Cheese Cob Dip. ...
  • The Best Burger in Oz. ...
  • Kangaroo Casserole. ...
  • Sausage Casserole. ...
  • Nanna's golden sausage casserole. ...
  • Quiche Lorraine. ...
  • Turkey and Pumpkin Lasagne.

What is a good finger food to bring to a potluck? ›

Potluck Finger Foods
  • Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery. ...
  • Crock Pot Cream Cheese Taco Dip Recipe. ...
  • Strawberry Goat Cheese Appetizer • (Video) • Two Purple Figs. ...
  • Firecracker Chicken Meatballs Recipe | Little Spice Jar. ...
  • Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles | A Make Ahead Holiday Appetizer!

What is a typical finger buffet? ›

A finger buffet meal consists of food which may be picked up with the fingers (finger food), such as small (finger) sandwiches, canapés and vol-au-vents.

What do you feed 40 people at a party? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar.
  • Meatballs.
  • Butter Chicken.
  • Lasagna.
  • Chili.
  • Homemade Pizza.
  • Baked Pasta.
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

What's the cheapest way to feed a crowd? ›

Budget meals for large families
  1. Orzotto with pancetta & peas. ...
  2. Double bean & roasted pepper chilli. ...
  3. Halloumi flatbreads. ...
  4. Slow cooker ratatouille. ...
  5. Easy sausage casserole.
  6. Courgette & tomato soup. ...
  7. Mexican pulled chicken & beans.
  8. Vegetable curry for a crowd.

How to feed 40 people cheaply? ›

Create a “Bar” and feed everyone cafeteria-style

There are lots of bar ideas out there, such as the Nacho bar, Baked potato bar, Burrito bar, Hot dog bar, Root Beer float bar, Hawaiian Haystacks bar, Sandwich bar, etc. All of these can be done on the cheap, and links to all these ideas can be found below.

What are the most common party foods? ›

38 Ideas For Party Food That Will Please Any Crowd
  • Ham & Cheese Pull-Apart Bread. ...
  • Garlic Parmesan Potato Stackers. ...
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Fries. ...
  • Peanut Butter Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Bites. ...
  • Chocolate Caramel Oat Bars (Carmelitas) ...
  • Curly Fries. tasty.co. ...
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Crackers. tasty.co. ...
  • Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. tasty.co.
Dec 21, 2023

What are good appetizers to buy for a party? ›

11 Store-Bought Appetizers Our Editors Turn To For Easy...
  • Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit.
  • Publix Deli Chicken Breast Dip, Buffalo Style.
  • Trader Joe's Pastry Bites Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions.
  • The Fresh Market Take & Bake Brie.
  • Publix Deli Artichoke & Spinach Dip.
Feb 19, 2023

How much finger food for 25 guests? ›

How many bites per person? If you're hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items.

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