Keeping snacks on rotation makes for some happy guests, and we have all the party food ideas you'll need to make your celebration a success.
49 Easy Party Food Ideas You’ll Make All the Time
Updated on Oct. 06, 2024
1/49
Chicken Parmesan Slider Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Sliders are the perfect finger food for any get-together, and this flavorful chicken Parmesan version won’t disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
The only thing better than cheesy, decadent chicken parm is a handheld appetizer version you can eat while you catch up with family and friends. You’ll want to make a double batch of these irresistible apps.
2/49
Fontina Asparagus Tart
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised your guests will be vying for the last piece. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Frozen puff pastry does the heavy lifting for this party food idea that looks impressive, but is actually a breeze to make. Use a pizza cutter for easy slicing.
3/49
Cream Cheese Cookie Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a quick dessert? Try these yummy cookie bites. For a pretty look, use an icing bag to pipe the filling into the cups, then top each with mini M&M's. —Rachel Blackston, Mauk, Georgia
Store-bought cookie dough has never looked so good. Use a piping bag—or a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off—to fill these pretty pastry cups with cream cheese frosting before serving.
4/49
Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Pesto, provolone cheese, cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and olives come together to create a flavor-packed party food idea. Make a batch and watch them disappear.
5/49
Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheese ball will keep for several days in the refrigerator. It's delicious! I've found it's especially popular at a party or get-together.
6/49
Grilled Glazed Drummies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
These crowd-pleasers are mild, so they’re great for adults and kids alike and sure to please any palate. Best of all, you can whip up two dozen in less than half an hour.
7/49
Garlic-Cheese Flatbread
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Be forewarned, this cheesy bread disappears fast. But thanks to a tube of refrigerated thin pizza crust, it couldn’t be easier to make more.
8/49
Baked Asparagus Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Since I'm from Wisconsin, I thought it was only logical to put together a vegetable and a cheese—two of the foods my state produces in abundance. This cheesy asparagus dip fits the bill. —Sandra Baratka, Phillips, Wisconsin
This is the quintessential party food idea that never disappoints. Remember to cook the asparagus before chopping it into the dip—that way, it’ll be nice and soft. Use baked pita chips and veggie sticks for dipping.
9/49
Apple Sausage Appetizers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making apple appetizers. This no-fuss recipe makes plenty, so it's great for a football party or holiday gathering, just serve with toothpicks. —Dolores M. Barnas, Blasdell, New York
Four-ingredient apps are perfect for a party. This party food idea makes 20 servings and takes less than an hour to cook, from start to finish. Best of all, your guests will spend the whole night saying, “Wow, your house smells amazing!”
10/49
Bacon Quiche Tarts
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Flavored with vegetables, cheese and bacon, these memorable morsels are bound to be winners at any brunch. The tarts are impressive but also quite easy to make. For garnish, sprinkle on some chopped green onion.
—Kendra Schertz, Nappanee, Indiana
Equally tasty for breakfast, lunch or dinner, these cute little quiches can be whipped up a few days in advance. Just reheat them on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F until heated through.
11/49
Picnic Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll score points with a crowd when you stir together these delicious fudge-like treats. They're very moist and rich. The chocolate chips and walnuts make a pretty topping. —Frank Bee, Eugene, Oregon
You don’t need to be out on a picnic to make these bars! They’ll be a tasty addition to your holiday table too. Keep the recipe in your back pocket for celebrations all year long.
12/49
Marshmallow Fruit Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
5 cups (40 servings)
From the Recipe Creator:
You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Talk about nostalgia. Kids and adults alike will devour this fun and easy dip, which goes from fridge to table in 10 minutes. Serve this party food idea with seasonal fruit and toothpicks.
13/49
Fruit Compote With Brie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What a special, versatile recipe! “I stir leftover compote into yogurt or serve it over cheesecake, ice cream, blintzes and crepes.” Clara Coulston - Washington Court House, OH
The party food idea calls for raisins and cherries, but you could try it with whatever seasonal fruit you have on hand, like cranberries or pears. If you have any leftover compote, stir it into yogurt or oatmeal the next morning.
14/49
Pecan Pie Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bars are decadently rich—just like pecan pie! They’re sure to disappear from the dessert table at your next gathering, so you might want to save one for later before putting them out. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
Because pecans have a higher fat content than other nuts, their shelf life is shorter. Store them in the freezer to keep them fresh longer, then use any leftovers for more tasty pecan desserts.
15/49
Party Cheese Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't go wrong with this recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread too. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
16/49
Buttery 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
The quality of the ingredients is key for these super simple shortbread cookies. Check out our Test Kitchen taste test for the best butter brands to bake with.
17/49
Sage & Prosciutto Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love, love, love to make appetizers and I especially like this recipe because I can make the rolls ahead, freeze them, and then slice and bake when needed. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California
They’re crunchy, they’re salty, they’re cheesy and they only take half an hour to whip up. We think we just found our new favorite party food idea.
18/49
BBQ Chicken Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Bacon, boneless chicken breasts, steak seasoning, horseradish and barbecue sauce combine forces to create a saucy, savory bite that all your guests will rave about. In fact, you’ll want to make a second batch just in case.
19/49
Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 cups (120 chips)
From the Recipe Creator:
Not your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
While many of your guests probably won’t be worrying about their veggie intake, this dip is so nutritious, it’s practically a salad. If you’re on a time crunch, buy pita chips instead of making them yourself.
20/49
Chocolate Mint Creams
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from an old family friend and is always high on everyone's cookie request list. I make at least six batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri
Mint and chocolate are always a winning combo, and these cookies prove it. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to really take it over the top.
21/49
Mini Party Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love finger foods in the South. For parties, I make mini burgers in advance and then wrap them in pastry, bake them and serve them with assorted sauces. —Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee
Burgers are typically too messy for a cocktail party, but make them mini and wrap them with puff pastry, and they magically become portable. The meat is extra flavorful, thanks to ranch salad dressing mix.
22/49
Apricot Turkey Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I created these unique pinwheels for a football game snack using ingredients I had on hand. They were a huge hit! I appreciate how quick and easy they are to prepare. —Melanie Foster, Blaine, Minnesota
It’s just not a party without pinwheels. This five-ingredient party food idea couldn’t be easier, with store-bought apricot preserves complementing salty sliced deli turkey.
23/49
Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These are so easy to make and take no time at all. They’re great to package up for those college kids looking for something from home. Everyone will want this recipe. —Elaine Grimme, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
We didn’t think it was possible to improve on chocolate chip cookie dough…until we sprinkled it with chocolate-covered peanuts and marshmallows and drizzled it with butterscotch topping. This quick and easy party food idea is sure to satisfy every craving.
24/49
Pesto Pull-Apart Bread
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined some of my favorite flavors in an easy bread to complement our Italian meals. I make the pesto, oven-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, but store-bought versions work too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Field Editor),
This bread is so cheesy, it’s practically a pizza. Making homemade pesto will give this recipe a wonderful flavor boost, but store-bought pesto works just as well when you have a bunch of other party foods to prep.
25/49
Homemade Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Guac is a party favorite party food idea for a reason, and because avocado is packed with monounsaturated fat, it’s actually pretty good for you. Skip the mayonnaise if you want to keep the recipe more authentic (and more healthy!).
26/49
Slow-Cooked Smokies
Total Time
5 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to include these little smokies smothered in barbecue sauce on all my appetizer buffets since they're popular with both children and adults. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
These smokies are extra saucy, so our readers suggest adding more smoked sausages if you prefer less sauce. Serve them with small cocktail forks or toothpicks.
27/49
Caprese Salad Kabobs
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
Salad, schmalad. Veggie skewers are way more exciting than a veggie plate and tastier too. Use store-bought marinated mozzarella balls for extra flavor.
28/49
Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit, and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
Shake things up by swapping the ground beef and pork sausage for a pound of Italian sausage. Top this party food idea with sliced olives, pepperoni, grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano to make it fancy.
29/49
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
There’s no need to prep or cook shrimp at home for this party food idea; just buy precooked shrimp that’s already been peeled and deveined from the seafood counter at the grocery store. Serve with minced parsley and lime wedges for extra tang.
30/49
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
31/49
Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's just right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan
Your hungry guests will be craving dessert, so get these quick and easy mini cheesecakes ready. They’ll be done in about 35 minutes, so they’re surprisingly low-stress. Plus, you won’t have to bother with cutting any cakes.
32/49
Chocolate Chip Brownies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
People love these rich chocolate chip brownies so much that I never take them anywhere without bringing along several copies of the recipe to hand out. The treats are wonderful to take on a picnic because you don't have to worry about melted frosting. —Brenda Kelly, Ashburn, Virginia
Speaking of dessert, we’re wild about these decadent, chocolatey brownies, which include two kinds of chocolate chips. If you’re not a fan of walnuts or a guest has an allergy, just omit them from the recipe.
33/49
Champion Chicken Puffs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests peel rubber getting to the table to munch on these chicken puffs. The tender bites are made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream cheese filling. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
This fancy party food idea are almost like a stuffed croissant—and surprisingly, it takes only four ingredients and half an hour to pull them off. Serve with a side salad, or better yet, caprese salad kabobs.
34/49
Orange-Glazed Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the sweet orange marmalade paired with the zip of a jalapeno in this sweet-sour glaze. —Bonnie Stallings, Martinsburg, West Virginia
35/49
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
If you’re unfamiliar with them, blondies are like brownies, but they’re made with brown sugar and vanilla extract instead of chocolate and cocoa powder. Baked blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, making them a great make-ahead party food idea.
36/49
Aussie Sausage Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I was born and raised in Australia, but moved to the U.S. when I got married. When I long for some Australian recipes, I bake up a batch of this sausage roll recipe and share them with neighbors or co-workers. —Melissa Landon, Port Charlotte, Florida
One reader recommends popping the assembled logs of dough in the freezer for a few minutes to make them easier to slice. This recipe makes three dozen sausage rolls, so there will be plenty to go around.
37/49
Caramel Apple Tartlets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Good-for-you things come in small packages when you make a batch of these tiny apple tartlets. Sweet and cinnamony, these mouthwatering tarts are a delightful addition to a dessert table or snack tray. —Mary Kelley, Minneapolis, Minnesota
38/49
Taco Meatball Ring
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
39/49
Lemon Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I'm always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This lemon pound cake is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
This contest-winning recipe is time-intensive, but the moist, flavorful results are well worth it. Make sure the cake doesn’t stick to the pan by greasing it with shortening, then topping it off with an extra spritz of cooking spray.
40/49
Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
You can buy these adorable mini sweet peppers at most grocery stores. They’re mild, crunchy and perfect for stuffing with cheese and broccoli, but warning: this party food idea is addictive.
41/49
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
When you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s always a safe bet to include a few party food ideas for folks with dietary restrictions. This keto and gluten-free recipe is a tasty choice for everyone.
42/49
Swiss Mushroom Loaf
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always prepared for recipe requests when I serve this outstanding stuffed loaf. It's excellent not only as an appetizer but also as a side for pasta or chili. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Pull-apart bread is pre-sliced, so all your guests have to do is choose which cheese-slathered piece they’d like to grab. It’s a great alternative to large slices of plain bread with separate bowls of messy toppings at a party.
43/49
Best 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
It’s just not a party without deviled eggs, and our version pulls out all the stops. Switch things up with bacon, chipotle peppers or crab…or make a tasting platter that features all three. Add a sprinkle of paprika and chopped parsley for a pop of color.
44/49
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
45/49
Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a real crowd-pleaser for an appetizer table or brunch buffet. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It's so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan
Salty bacon and sweet apricot are the new peanut butter and jelly. Prediction: They’ll be gone as quickly as you serve them.
46/49
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Hey, it can’t all be pizza dip and cheesy bread. This light and crunchy party food idea is a refreshing palate cleanser so your guests can get ready for the next course.
47/49
Baked Crab Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
This crab dish is just as delicious without the bread bowl. Just grease an oven-safe bowl or dish before adding the dip, then bake at the same temperature for the same amount of time.
48/49
Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Hummus just got a glamorous makeover, thanks to beets, cumin, cayenne pepper, dill and Greek yogurt. If you don’t have time to bake the beets, buy pre-roasted beets at the grocery store.
49/49
Cookie Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have a craving for cookies and you want them now, these yummy strips take just a few minutes to make from start to finish. —Kathy Zielicke, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Delicious alone or topped with ice cream, this party food idea is the perfect end to a successful party. Encourage your guests to take a few more for the road…or just eat the leftovers yourself.
