Prep these hand-held finger foods as an easy assortment of appetizers or just a light snack with friends.
44 Cold Finger Foods Perfect for Your Next Party
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Antipasto Platter
We entertain often, and antipasto is one of our favorite crowd-pleasing finger foods. Guests love having their choice of so many delicious nibbles, including pepperoni and cubes of provolone. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
1/44
2/44
Marinated Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear from the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and so easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cheese: 121 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
3/44
Savory Cucumber Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber sandwiches are a classic finger food! Italian salad dressing is an easy way to add zip to this simple spread. You can also use it as a dip with crackers and veggies or a sandwich filling. —Carol Henderson, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 62 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
4/44
Cranberry Endive Appetizers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You can pack a lot of flavor into an elegant appetizer just by using the right combination of ingredients. I created this blue cheese filling for a holiday gathering and everyone loved it. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 40 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/44
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
6/44
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Among my friends I’m known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
7/44
Savory Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family’s holiday dinners include a giant antipasto, and my mom’s anchovy stuffed peppers are always the star dish. There isn’t a holiday that we don’t make them in her honor. Serve these finger foods cold with a nice loaf of Italian bread and a glass of wine. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 49 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/44
Chicken Salad in Baskets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
When I first made these cute little cups, they were a big hit. Now my husband often asks me to fix these finger foods for meetings and parties. —Gwendolyn Fae Trapp, Strongsville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 140 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
9/44
Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 puff: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
These pretty puffs are perfect for a special occasion! Discover more with our bridal shower food ideas and anniversary food ideas.
10/44
Marinated Sausage Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful and colorful appetizers are so fun they’ll be the talk of the party. And they’re so easy: Simply assemble the day before and forget about them! —Joanne Boone, Danville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 69 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
11/44
Shrimp Cocktail
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen (1-1/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
During the ’60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular finger foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It’s the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cooked shrimp with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
Need help with this one? Our Test Kitchen shows you how to clean shrimp.
12/44
Smoked Salmon New Potatoes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Give twice-baked potatoes a rest this year and try these stuffed spuds. Smoked salmon and cream cheese blended with lemon juice and dill are simply piped into small red potatoes. Leftovers are even good with eggs for breakfast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 35 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/44
Watermelon Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 7 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
14/44
Olive-Stuffed Celery
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother taught both me and my mom this vintage appetizer recipe for stuffed celery. We always serve this finger food at Christmas and Thanksgiving. The stuffing is so yummy that even if you don’t normally care for the ingredients on their own, you’ll love the end result. —Stacy Powell, Santa Fe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 61 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
15/44
Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Do you know someone who’s celebrating a milestone? These eggs are one of our favorite retirement party food ideas.
16/44
Zesty Marinated Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
17/44
Smashed Olives
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My best friend and I came up with this finger food recipe to bring back the wonderful tastes of Spain with us. When you are finished with the olives, use the flavored olive oil for a chicken or shrimp marinade. —Tiffani Warner, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 162 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
18/44
Ham Pickle Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I’ve been making them for parties ever since. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 34 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
19/44
Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese Crostini
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The blend of flavors in the crostini makes an absolutely scrumptious appetizer. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 crostini: 109 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
20/44
Mini Cheese Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor to these finger foods. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cheese ball: 47 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
21/44
Zippy Party Roll-Ups
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A guaranteed crowd pleaser, these zesty appetizers are an amazing way to pep up a party! This finger food recipe won a blue ribbon at the county fair, and even though I always double it, I never seem to make enough. —Dana Gonzalez del Valle, Battle Ground, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 32 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
22/44
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
23/44
Garlic Tomato Bruschetta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
24/44
Shrimp Tartlets
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini tart shells filled with a cream cheese mixture, topped with seafood sauce and shrimp make for a picture-perfect, tasty appetizer. You could also serve several as a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 61 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/44
Chicken Salad Caprese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 cups salad (6-1/2 dozen crostini)
From the Recipe Creator:
This unique, flavorful salad and bread combo will get rave reviews—guaranteed. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 179 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
26/44
Dill Vegetable Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
27/44
Greek Veggie Tartlets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
45 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
The mixture in this recipe was originally a salad I made after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve it in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer!—Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 43 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
28/44
Quick Tortilla Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare these easy, cheesy finger foods several days in advance if desired. Serve with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 47 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
29/44
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
30/44
Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add zip to your party with this easy appetizer. The dip that can also double as a flavorful sandwich spread. — Janie Colle Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
about 2 spears with 1 tablespoon sauce: 72 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
31/44
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
32/44
Mini BLT Appetizers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Five simple ingredients are all you need to wow friends and family with a tasty appetizer. I love to make these as much as I love to share them. —Nick Berg, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 27 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
33/44
Cucumber Canapes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 120 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
34/44
Antipasto Skewers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
35/44
Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 20 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
36/44
Cream Cheese Ham Roll-Ups
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Green onions and ripe olives give lively flavor to these bite-size appetizers from Kathleen Green of Republic, Missouri. “They’re quick to assemble and can be made the day before they’re needed,” she notes. “They’re very popular with my friends and family.”
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 27 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
37/44
Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pomegranate seeds intrigued me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 44 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
38/44
Spicy Crab Salad Tapas
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious finger foods have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped-edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter. —Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 145 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
39/44
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
40/44
Marinated Mozzarella
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 203 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
41/44
Grape Appetizer
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These small bites are well worth the time they take. Serve them as part of an antipasto platter or as a cheese course alongside your favorite wine. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
5 appetizers: 146 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
42/44
Crab Appetizers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled phyllo cup: 34 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
43/44
Pickled Pepperoncini Deviled Eggs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to resist these adorable deviled trees on our buffet table. The avocado filling has pepperoncini and cilantro for extra zip. —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 59 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
44/44
Dill Vegetable Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
