Easy Finger Food Appetizers for Any Party
When planning a party, one of the most important considerations is the food. Finger food appetizers are a popular choice because they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and can be customized to suit any theme or occasion. From classic combinations like meatballs and cheese to international flavors like tacos and wontons, there’s a wide range of options to choose from.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 delicious and easy-to-make finger food appetizers that are perfect for any party. Each recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal preparation time, making them ideal for busy hosts who want to impress their guests without breaking a sweat.
Mini Meatballs
The mini meatballs appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. These bite-sized meatballs are made with ground beef, pork, and a blend of spices, then baked to perfection and served with a tangy marinara sauce.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve the mini meatballs warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Chicken Taquitos
Chicken taquitos are a delicious and easy finger food appetizer that combines the flavors of Mexico with the fun of eating small, crunchy tacos. These taquitos are filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and spices, then rolled up and fried until crispy.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving (optional)
Instruction
Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (180°C). In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Roll up the tortilla tightly and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Fry the taquitos in batches until they’re crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the taquitos on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Pinwheel sandwiches are a classic finger food appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat. These colorful sandwiches are made with layers of cream cheese, sliced meats, and cheese, then rolled up and sliced into pinwheels.
Ingredients
– 1 package cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives)
– 8-10 slices deli meats (such as turkey, ham, or roast beef)
– 8-10 slices cheese
– 1 package of bread (such as white or whole wheat)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, cream the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the chopped herbs and mix well to combine. Lay a slice of bread flat and spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture onto the bread. Top with a slice of meat, a slice of cheese, and another slice of bread. Roll up the sandwich tightly and repeat with the remaining ingredients. Slice the pinwheels into rounds and serve warm, garnished with chopped chives if desired.
Mozzarella Bites
Mozzarella bites are a delicious and easy finger food appetizer that’s perfect for any party. These bite-sized balls of mozzarella cheese are breaded and fried until crispy, then served with a side of marinara sauce.
Ingredients
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
– Marinara sauce for serving (optional)
Instruction
Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix well to combine. Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Fry the mozzarella bites in batches until they’re crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the bites on paper towels and serve warm with a side of marinara sauce.
Mini Sliders
Mini sliders are a popular finger food appetizer that’s perfect for any party. These small burgers are made with seasoned ground beef or turkey, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and served on small buns.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 small hamburger buns
– Cheese slices (such as cheddar or American)
– Lettuce and tomato slices
– Pickles and ketchup (optional)
Instruction
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Grill the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. Assemble the mini sliders by placing a cooked patty onto a small bun, topping with a slice of cheese, a few lettuce leaves, and a tomato slice. Serve warm with pickles and ketchup if desired.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and easy finger food appetizer that’s perfect for any party. These large mushrooms are filled with a blend of cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
– 12 large mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or Parmesan)
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Wipe the mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and remove the stems. Fill each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and bake until the mushrooms are golden brown and the filling is heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are a popular finger food appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat. These flaky pastry rolls are filled with a blend of sausage meat, cheese, and spices, then baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound sausage meat (such as pork or beef)
– 1/2 cup grated cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). In a medium bowl, combine the sausage meat, grated cheese, chopped parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Spoon the sausage mixture onto the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. Roll up the pastry tightly and cut into rounds. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Crispy Wontons
Crispy wontons are a delicious and easy finger food appetizer that’s perfect for any party. These fried wonton wrappers are filled with a blend of cheese and spices, then fried until crispy.
Ingredients
– 1 package wonton wrappers
– 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instruction
Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped chives, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Lay a wonton wrapper flat and spoon some of the cheese mixture onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle and press the edges together to seal. Fry the wontons in batches until they’re crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the wontons on paper towels and serve warm.
Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers are a popular finger food appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat. These skewers are made with marinated chicken, then grilled or broiled until cooked through.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instruction
Preheat a grill or broiler to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl with the marinade. Mix well to combine. Thread the marinated chicken onto the bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Grill or broil the skewers until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Serve warm.
Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket are a classic finger food appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat. These small hot dogs are wrapped in croissant dough and baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
– 1 package hot dogs
– 1 package croissant dough (such as puff pastry)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the croissant dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Lay a hot dog on the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the hot dog. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg. Roll up the dough tightly and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.
