60 Simple Wedding Food Ideas You Can Pull Off Without a Caterer
Updated: Jul. 27, 2023
Weddings can get expensive, so it's important to save money where you can—like by cutting out the cost of catering. Thanks to these easy wedding food ideas, you can DIY your own scrumptious spread.
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Cucumber Party Sandwiches
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 roasting. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
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Ham & Brie Pastries
Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now, with a busy family, I need quick bites. My spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers as a snack or for supper. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Bacon-Wrapped Dates
My friends and I used to make the traditional bacon-wrapped jalapenos all the time. I decided to sweeten them up a bit with dates which can be served at dinner parties or as a wedding food idea. —Susan Hinton, Apex, North CarolinaPsst! While you’re at it, check out these wedding thank you gifts for your guests, too.
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Champagne Truffles
Who can resist champagne truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look for a shower or wedding. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
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Shrimp Cocktail
During the ’60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It’s the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion, like weddings and New Years parties, as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California
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Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam
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
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Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce
Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
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Lemon Custard Cake
This custard cake recipe comes from my grandma— it’s nice to whip up when unexpected company stops in. It’s a cool, creamy dessert that tastes like you fussed. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Butternut Thyme Tartlets
A great teaser for what’s to come, this light and crunchy appetizer makes a great DIY wedding food. Make the creamy filling a few days early, then fill the phyllo cups right before guests arrive. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Ham and Swiss Sliders
My next-door neighbor shared this ham and Swiss sliders recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
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Marinated Sausage Kabobs
These flavorful and colorful appetizers are so fun they’ll be the talk of the party. And they’re such an easy wedding food. Simply assemble the day before and forget about them! —Joanne Boone, Danville, Ohio
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Chocolate Heart Cookies
For a dramatic presentation, I dust dessert plates with cocoa powder and drizzle on a bit of melted raspberry fruit spread. I place a couple of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies in the center, along with some fresh rasberries, lemon zest and a sprig of mint.-TerryAnn Moore
Vineland, New Jersey
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Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Mixed with a blend of parsley, basil, oregano and bread crumbs, soy crumbles make a delightful addition to these savory vegetarian stuffed mushrooms. —Arline Aaron of Brooklyn, New York
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Prosciutto Phyllo Roll-Ups
These elegant finger foods use delicate phyllo dough. With artichoke sauce on the side, the cheesy rolls make extra-special hors d’oeuvres.
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Cranberry Endive Appetizers
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 awedding and everyone loved it. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
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Mimosa Butter Cookies
You can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up for a wedding buffet. —Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico
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Dill Vegetable Dip
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
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Pistachio and Date Ricotta Crostini
For appetizers, I like to keep things simple but dressed up. I’ve found that making a special appetizer helps transform the atmosphere into a fancy meal. Fresh figs can be used in lieu of dates if that’s what you have on hand! —Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona
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Watermelon Cups
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
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Easy Coconut Shrimp
Guests are always impressed when I serve these wedding-worthy shrimp. A selection of sauces served alongside adds the perfect touch. —Tacy Holliday Germantown, Maryland
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Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
These treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
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Tuna Croquettes
This tuna croquettes recipe is one of our favorites. My husband and I grow our own cucumbers and dill, both of which make the dish taste extra fresh. Reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream can be used in place of full-fat versions. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
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Bruschetta with Prosciutto
A crowd-pleaser any time of year, this savory-tasting recipe is perfect for wedding food. —Debbie Manno, Fort Mill, South Carolina
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Asparagus Pastry Puffs
When the first asparagus of the season appears, we serve it rolled inside puff pastry with a yummy cheese filling. Our guests always compliment these lovely treats. —Cindy Jamieson, Tonawanda, New York
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Double Chocolate Truffles
Here’s a delicious treat that’s very rich and chocolaty. —Ruth Gordon, Lakewood, New York
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Sausage Wonton Stars
These fancy-looking appetizers are ideal an ideal wedding food. The cute crunchy cups are stuffed with a cheesy pork sausage filling that kids of all ages enjoy. We keep a few in the freezer so we can easily reheat them for late-night snacking. —Mary Thomas, North Lewisburg, Ohio
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Stuffed Dates
Four ingredients are all you need for these citrus-flavored stuffed dates. —Diana Debruyn, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Nutty Chicken Sandwiches
Crushed pineapple gives these chicken salad sandwiches a bit of sweetness, while pecans add a bit of crunch.
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Zippy Shrimp Skewers
These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. —Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
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Cucumber Canapes
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, MassachusettsThese elegant canapes are one of our best bridal shower food ideas, too!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Cake Sliders
The bang bang slaw dressing and shrimp cake patties can be made ahead. When ready to serve, toss the cabbage slaw and sear the shrimp cakes, then assemble and enjoy. They’re a great make-ahead wedding food. —Kim Banick, Salem Oregon
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Best Deviled Eggs
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
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Mini Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
Dainty and light, these tartlets feature two of my favorites —lemon and cheesecake —in one yummy morsel. They look lovely topped with fresh raspberries, but sliced strawberries are just as pretty and delicious. —Gwyn Brandt, Hibbing, Minnesota
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Mini Mac & Cheese Bites
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
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Tangier Island Virginia Crab Cakes
I grew up eating these crab cakes, which are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. They're absolutely delicious every time I make them. —Ann Girucky, Norfolk, Virginia
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Spiced Peach Puffs
We always made cream puffs for special occasions when I was growing up in our family of seven. Sometimes we used a custard filling, but this version with whipped cream and peaches is the best. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
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Coconut Clouds
Coconut lovers will have extra reason to celebrate when they taste these cakelike drop cookies. The generous frosting and coconut topping make them a hit at holiday cookie swaps. —Donna Scofield, Yakima, Washington
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Toasted Ravioli Puffs
I call toasted ravioli a fan favorite because it disappears faster than I can make it. With just five ingredients, this is how you start the party. —Kathy Morgan, Temecula, California
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Barbecued Meatballs
Grape jelly and chili sauce are the secrets that make these meatballs so fantastic. If I’m serving them at a party, I prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them right before guests arrive. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
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Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
I’m always looking for lighter recipes to take on tailgate outings—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the pregame festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
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Pineapple Chicken Sliders
For fun appetizers that tide over even the hungriest of guests, try these mini sandwiches. My youngest daughter likes their small size and the tangy sweetness of the pineapple.—Maria Vasseur, Valencia, California
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Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms
Basil, Parmesan cheese and mushroom blend together well, while buttery pecans give these treats a surprising crunch. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always ask for them! —Mildred Eldred, Union City, Michigan
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Valentine Heart Brownies
Steal hearts this Valentine’s Day with brownies that have cute frosting centers. They’re simply irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sweet Pea Pesto
I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
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Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Baking a fun treat is a must when my four grandchildren come to stay for "grandma camp." Sometimes the grandkids help by piping the cake batter. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
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
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Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches
Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
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Pear Waldorf Pitas
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
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Mini Grilled Cheese
If you're looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They're nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California
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Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs
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
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Fruity Chicken Salad Mini Sandwiches
Chicken salad ranks among the classics, and this version is a hit at parties of all kinds. Feel free to substitute green grapes for the red, or toss in extra strawberries when they're in season. The filling can also be served on a bed of salad greens. —Marcy Kamery, Blasdell, New York
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Chocolate-Covered Cheese with Black Sea Salt
Every time I make these for guests or for a cooking demo about real food made simply, people rave about them. They're surprising as an addition to an appetizer table—or even served after dinner paired with a nice cabernet or port. —Dorothy McNett, Pacific Grove, California
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Marinated Cheese
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
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Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
These fresh skewers and tasty sauce will have guests nibbling all night! —Cacie Biddle, Bridgeport, West Virginia
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Caprese Salad Kabobs
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
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Apricot-Filled Sandwich Cookies
I bake these delightful cookies every year for Christmas and when I share a tray of my homemade treats with the faculty at school, these are always the first to disappear! I've even had requests to make them for wedding receptions.—Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania
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Sausage Chive Pinwheels
These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves—sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels don't even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
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Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Empanadas
I created this appetizer because I entertain a lot and wanted something simple but special. People like these empanadas so much! I always make extra. —Lynn Scully, Rancho Santa Fe, California
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Smoked Salmon Bites
Because smoked salmon is one of my favorite ingredients, it plays a big role here. Best of all, there’s no cooking involved. —Tom Faglon, Somerset, New JerseyBonus: Once the couple is happily married, send over these tasty anniversary food ideas.
Originally Published: February 21, 2019
