20 Creative Finger Food Recipes Perfect for Parties

Are you tired of serving the same old party snacks? Look no further! In this article, we’ll share 20 creative finger food recipes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy their cravings. From savory to sweet, these bite-sized treats cover a wide range of flavors and cuisines.

Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze set the tone for a classic Italian-inspired party spread, while Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms bring a creamy, cheesy twist to the table. Meanwhile, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs and Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears add a spicy kick and a touch of elegance.

With so many options, you’re sure to find something that suits your party’s theme and style. So, let’s dive in and explore these delicious finger food recipes!

Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Elevate your next gathering with these bite-sized, flavorful Mini Caprese Skewers, perfectly paired with a rich and tangy Balsamic Glaze.

Ingredients:

– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 10-12 wooden skewers
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Balsamic Glaze (recipe below)

Balsamic Glaze:

– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thread a cherry tomato half, a mozzarella round, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is slightly melted and the tomatoes are tender.
5. While the skewers bake, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey to make the Balsamic Glaze.
6. Serve the Mini Caprese Skewers warm with the Balsamic Glaze drizzled on top.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Elevate your appetizer game with these creamy, savory mushrooms filled with a delicious spinach and artichoke mixture.

Ingredients:

– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

A twist on classic meatballs, these Buffalo chicken meatballs combine the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the comfort of tender meat.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground chicken breast
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, mix buffalo wing sauce and a splash of water to create a thick-but-still-flowy glaze.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and toss in buffalo glaze to coat.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese dressing or ranch.

Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes total

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears

This elegant appetizer or side dish combines the simplicity of fresh asparagus with the rich flavor of prosciutto. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you’ll be enjoying this delightful treat in no time.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 6 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with salt.
5. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto, securing with toothpicks if needed.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Spice up your snack game with these creamy, crunchy, and smoky bites.

Ingredients:

– 12-15 jalapeños
– 1 block cream cheese (softened)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the jalapeños and scoop out the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
4. Stuff each jalapeño with the cheese mixture, filling them as full as possible.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
6. Place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle with brown sugar and a pinch of salt.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bacon is crispy.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Sweet and Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings

Get ready to spice up your snack game with these addictive Sweet and Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings! A perfect balance of sweet and heat, these wings are sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss until fully coated with the marinade.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the wings on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce

Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and savory combination of crispy coconut shrimp and tangy mango dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons mango chutney (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
3. Dip each shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. While the shrimp are cooking, heat the mango chutney in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Serve the shrimp warm with the mango dipping sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Elevate your appetizer game with these bite-sized crab cakes, perfectly balanced by a tangy lemon aioli dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon Aioli (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat.
3. Using your thumb or a small cookie scoop, shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Serve warm with Lemon Aioli (recipe below).

Lemon Aioli:

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 minced garlic clove

Combine ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Puff Pastry Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce

Elevate your holiday gatherings with these bite-sized treats that combine the richness of brie cheese with the sweetness of cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry.

Ingredients:

– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 wheel brie cheese (8 oz), crumbled
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 1-inch squares.
3. Place a small spoonful of crumbled brie cheese in the center of each square. Top with a few cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest.
4. Fold the pastry squares into triangles, pressing edges to seal. Brush with a little water and sprinkle with honey.
5. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each bite.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Teriyaki Glazed Meatball Skewers

Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this easy-to-make recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. Teriyaki glazed meatballs on skewers are sure to please!

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Wooden skewers
– Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place meatballs onto skewers, leaving a small space between each one.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Brush with teriyaki sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
7. Serve warm, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Cooking Time: 17-20 minutes

Loaded Potato Skin Bites with Sour Cream

Loaded Potato Skin Bites with Sour Cream Recipe

Transform ordinary baked potatoes into indulgent bites filled with creamy sour cream, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients:

– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let potatoes cool slightly before cutting off the tops and scooping out some of the flesh to create room for filling.
4. In a bowl, mix together sour cream, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.
5. Stuff each potato skin with the sour cream mixture, dividing it evenly among the four skins.
6. Sprinkle chopped chives on top (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake filled potato skins for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

A delicious twist on traditional fries, these garlic parmesan zucchini fries are a tasty and healthy snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: Additional seasonings of your choice (e.g., dried oregano, basil)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice zucchinis into fry-like strips.
3. In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese and garlic.
4. Toss zucchini strips with olive oil, salt, and Parmesan-garlic mixture until evenly coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the zucchini fries in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender and golden brown.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Mini Beef Sliders with Caramelized Onions

Savor the flavors of a classic slider elevated by sweet and savory caramelized onions, all wrapped up in a tender beef patty. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 mini hamburger buns
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– Optional: lettuce, tomato, cheese, and pickles

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 8 mini patties. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast the mini buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble sliders by spreading caramelized onions on each bun, then topping with a beef patty. Add optional toppings as desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Note: To caramelize onions, cook 1 large onion over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet.

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites with Dill Cream Cheese

A refreshing and elegant appetizer perfect for any occasion, featuring smoked salmon, creamy dill cheese, and crunchy cucumber.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup smoked salmon, flaked
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12-15 crackers or water crackers

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and chopped dill until well combined.
2. Arrange the cucumber slices on a flat surface.
3. Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice.
4. Top each slice with a small spoonful of flaked smoked salmon.
5. Place a cracker on top of the salmon to create a “bite.”
6. Serve immediately and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 24 hours.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Savor the aroma of freshly baked garlic bread with this easy recipe! This cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is perfect for snacking or as a side dish for your favorite meals.

Ingredients:

– 1 (14.1 oz) package of Rhodes frozen dinner rolls, thawed
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dinner rolls on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
4. Spread the garlic-butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and chopped parsley over the garlic butter.
6. Roll the dough into a tight log shape, starting from one of the long sides.
7. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces, or pull-apart sections.
8. Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Satisfy your cravings with these flavorful chicken satay skewers smothered in a rich and creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal or appetizer.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 20 bamboo skewers
– Peanut Sauce (see below)

Peanut Sauce:

– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, prepare Peanut Sauce by whisking all ingredients together in a bowl.
5. Serve hot satay skewers with warm peanut sauce for dipping.

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini

Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of creamy goat cheese, caramelized figs, and crispy baguette slices.

Ingredients:

– 1 (8 oz) log of goat cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/2 cup caramelized figs (see note)
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. Spread a tablespoon of goat cheese onto each crostini.
4. Top with a sprinkle of thyme and a few caramelized figs.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly melted and the bread is toasted.

Note: To caramelize figs, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice 1 cup of fresh or dried figs into thin wedges. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon water. Add the figs and toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until caramelized.

Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wontons

Elevate your appetizer game with this refreshing and spicy tuna tartare served on crispy wonton chips.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup sashimi-grade tuna, diced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12-15 wonton wrappers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place wonton wrappers on the sheet, leaving some space between each.
3. Brush wontons with sesame oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
4. In a bowl, mix together tuna, soy sauce, grated ginger, Sriracha sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. To assemble, place a spoonful of the tuna mixture onto a crispy wonton chip. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes for wontons

Mini Spanakopita Triangles with Feta and Spinach

A classic Greek appetizer gets a bite-sized makeover! These crispy, cheesy triangles are perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.

Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Pastry triangles (about 20-25)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine spinach, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the beaten egg and mix until just combined.
4. Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture onto the center of each pastry triangle.
5. Brush edges with olive oil and fold triangles into triangles, pressing gently to seal.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tartlets

Savor the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized onions and rich Gruyère cheese in these bite-sized tartlets, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
– 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, cook the onion over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
4. Place a spoonful of caramelized onions in the center of each square. Top with a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese.
5. Fold the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with egg wash and place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Summary

Get ready to impress your guests with these 20 creative finger food recipes perfect for parties. From sweet and spicy honey sriracha chicken wings to mini caprese skewers with balsamic glaze, there’s something for everyone on this list. Other standout dishes include buffalo chicken meatballs, crispy coconut shrimp with mango dipping sauce, and cheesy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. These bite-sized treats are sure to please even the pickiest eaters and leave your guests wanting more.