These Spain-inspired tapas recipes are dressed to impress—just like your guests. Fresh takes on seafood, rustic veggies and cheesy bites make for truly delish grown-up finger food.
30 Tapas Recipes for Your Next Cocktail Party
1/30
Garden-Fresh Seafood Cocktail
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
For something cool on a hot day, we mix shrimp and crabmeat with crunchy veggies straight from the garden. Look for adobo seasoning in your grocery’s international section. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 103 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
2/30
Olives and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
3/30
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.
4/30
Crab Crescent Triangles
Total Time
40 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
When friends who love crab were planning a party, I created this recipe just for them. These comforting baked bundles wrap up a cheesy seafood filling in convenient crescent roll dough. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 77 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
5/30
Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 55 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/30
Tomato Galette
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and the crust is beyond buttery. —Jessica Chang, Playa Vista, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 317 calories, 23g fat (15g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
7/30
Ginger-Tuna Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I find myself making this recipe again and again. It's a hit at parties and potlucks. —Mary Beth Harris-Murphree, Tyler, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 1-1/2 teaspoons mayonnaise: 100 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
8/30
Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
An appetizer bursting with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar—tasty bites that vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 185 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
9/30
Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 44 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
10/30
Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 175 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
11/30
Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 46 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
12/30
Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
1 dozen (1-1/2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love nothing more than a cold beer and a shucked oyster, so when my partners and I opened Saw’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, we wanted to add them to the menu. We love making them, we love serving them and our guests love eating them. —Taylor Hicks, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster with 2 tablespoons sauce: 236 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
13/30
Apricot Wraps
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I accumulated a large recipe collection from around the world while my husband served in the Air Force for 25 years. This mouthwatering appetizer is one of our favorites, and we enjoy sharing it with friends. —Jane Ashworth, Beavercreek, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 44 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
14/30
Pan-Seared Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, parsley and wine punch up the buttery flavor of this simple shrimp recipe and give it a decadent and special feel. Party-pretty and perfect for drop-in dinner guests! Patricia Zartman - York, PA
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 262 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 very lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
15/30
Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
16/30
Ham ‘n’ Cheese Biscuit Stacks
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These finger sandwiches are filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites. I've served the fun little stacks at every event, including holiday gatherings, showers and tailgate parties. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 121 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
17/30
Asian Shrimp Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep these crisp, colorful appetizer pancakes on the small side so my guests can easily pick them up with chopsticks and eat them in a few bites. I think the little shrimp-topped cakes are as good as any I've tasted in Asian restaurants. —Tonya Burkhard, Davis, Illinois
18/30
Muenster Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful golden loaf with cheese peeking out of every slice. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 273 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
19/30
Grilled Jalapenos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 97 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
20/30
Salmon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
21/30
White Chocolate Brie Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Try these unique little tarts as an appetizer before a special meal, or save them for a surprisingly different dinner finale. They’re sweet, creamy and crunchy—and very addictive! —Angela Vitale, Delaware, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 66 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
22/30
Zucchini Patties with Dill Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen (3/4 cup dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
These crisp-tender patties are a nice alternative to crab cakes and taste very similar, thanks to the seafood seasoning. They always get gobbled up! —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty with 1-1/2 teaspoons dip: 93 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/30
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.
24/30
Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
32 crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
As a different take on crostini, these apps are fantastic for tailgating and casual parties alike. —Randy Cartwright, Linden, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 121 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
25/30
Teriyaki Salmon Bundles
Total Time
50 min
Servings
32 appetizers (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're bored with the same old appetizers, give this one a try. I serve the little salmon bundles on skewers for easy dipping. Standing the skewers in a small vase filled with table salt creates a festive presentation. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer with about 1 teaspoon sauce: 120 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
26/30
Parmesan Mushroom Tartlets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My easy tartlets loaded with a cheesy mushroom filling take advantage of refrigerated crescent roll dough. I think they’re best warm from the oven with a sprinkling of green onion.—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
27/30
Goat Cheese Spread in Roasted Pepper Cups
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a similar dish in a restaurant in Seattle, and when I returned home I just had to try my hand at making it. This is the fantastic result. I've taken it to work for parties and my boss once commented, "It's so good, it must be illegal."—Jenny Rodriquez, Pasco, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup spread with 3 toasts: 445 calories, 35g fat (19g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
28/30
Brown Sugar-Glazed Meatballs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I modeled these sweet-spicy pork-and-shrimp meatballs after the filling in Asian wontons. They're a family favorite, whether I serve them alone as an appetizer or over hot cooked rice as a main dish. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 59 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
29/30
Parsnip Latkes with Lox and Horseradish Creme
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A horseradish-flavored creme fraiche brings zip to these crispy homemade latkes, which get a touch of sweetness from the parsnips. Add fresh dill sprigs for a garnish. —Todd Schmeling, Gurnee, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 71 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
30/30
Butternut-Gouda Pot Stickers
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family can't get enough butternut squash. I had some left over, so I used pot sticker wrappers and chopped veggies to create these fun little appetizers. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 pot sticker: 55 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
