Whether planning a party or a casual get-together, food is always a top priority. You want to make sure that your guests are well-fed and happy! One great way to do that is by serving delicious finger foods.
From skewers to grazing tables, this blog post will outline seven delicious and easy-to-make finger food ideas that are perfect for any occasion. We'll also provide tips on setting them up, what occasions they are best for, and more! So read on and get inspired!
What counts as finger food?
Let's get this out of the way- what actually counts as finger food? Any food eaten without utensils can be classified as ‘finger food'.
This includes everything from appetizers and hors d'oeuvres to main dishes and desserts! Basically, if you can eat it with your hands, it's fair game.
The great thing about finger foods is that they're perfect for any occasion. Whether hosting a formal dinner party or a casual get-together, finger foods are always a hit (and usually the first to go!).
They're also ideal for events where people will be mingling and socializing, as they can be eaten while standing up or walking around. This makes them perfect for parties, weddings, corporate events, and more!
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's get into the good stuff- the finger food ideas!
1. Chicken skewers with dipping sauce – classic finger food that's always a hit!
Who doesn't go for chicken at a party? Chicken skewers are classic finger food that's always popular. They're easy to make and can be served with various dipping sauces. For an extra touch, try adding some grilled vegetables to the skewers!
Dipping sauces:
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
- Sweet chili sauce
- Tzatziki
- Sriracha mayo
To level up this classic, opt for chicken thigh meat instead of breast meat when making the chicken skewers. It's more flavorful and will stay moist even after grilling. As for the vegetables, we recommend using onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Best for:
parties, casual get-togethers, potlucks
Extra tips:
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning.
- If grilling the chicken skewers, brush them with oil to prevent sticking.
How to set it up:
For parties, have the skewers pre-made and set out on a platter with the dipping sauces. Provide all the ingredients for casual get-togethers or potlucks, and let guests make their skewers!
2. Caprese salad skewers – a refreshing and healthy option
Move over, chicken skewers! These Caprese salad skewers are a delicious and refreshing finger food option, perfect for summer parties. They're also a healthier option compared to other finger foods on this list.
To make these skewers, you'll need:
- cherry tomatoes
- mozzarella balls
- fresh basil leaves
- balsamic glaze
- skewers (wooden or metal)
Thread the ingredients onto the skewers in this order: tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf.
Best for:
Summer parties, potlucks, baby showers, bridal showers
Extra tip:
For a twist on this dish, try using grape tomatoes and mozzarella pearls instead!
How to set it up:
These skewers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. Set them out on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before guests arrive.
3. Mini quiches – a savory and satisfying finger food
These mini quiches are the perfect savory bite for any occasion! They're also relatively easy to make, which is always a bonus. To make these quiches, you'll need:
- pie crusts
- eggs
- bacon
- cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a muffin tin with the pie crusts. Crack an egg into each pie crust, then top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese—season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the egg is cooked.
Best for:
Bridal showers, baby showers, potlucks, office parties
Extra tips:
Try using different flavors of pie crusts, such as whole wheat or gluten-free. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add sautéed veggies instead.
How to set it up:
These quiches can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. Set them on a platter, or serve straight from the muffin tin!
4. A Grazing Board – a rustic and elegant finger food option
A grazing board, also known as a charcuterie board, is a rustic yet elegant finger food option perfect for any occasion. It's essentially a meat and cheese platter with various accompaniments. To make your grazing board, you'll need:
- a variety of meats (e.g., salami, prosciutto, chorizo)
- a variety of cheeses (e.g., brie, cheddar, goat cheese)
- accompanying items (e.g., crackers, jams, nuts, fruit)
The best part about a grazing board is that you can tailor it to your taste! Choose meats and cheeses that you know you and your guests will enjoy. As for the accompanying items, try to include a mix of sweet and savory options.
Best for:
Dinner parties, holiday parties, more formal get-togethers
How to set it up:
Arrange the meats, cheeses, and accompaniments on a large cutting board or platter. If you're serving a grazing board as part of a larger meal, we recommend setting it out before the main course so guests can nibble on it throughout the evening.
5. Stuffed mushrooms – a healthier alternative to traditional finger foods
These stuffed mushrooms are a healthier alternative to some of the other finger foods on this list. After all, you're using mushrooms as the base, a healthy and nutritious vegetable (that being said, the following recipe has lots of cheese). To make these mushrooms, you'll need:
- large mushrooms (White or baby Bella)
- spinach
- ricotta cheese
- bread crumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- skewers (optional)
Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop them into small pieces.
Mix the chopped mushroom stems, spinach, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl—season with salt and pepper to taste. Stuff each mushroom with the mixture, then place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are cooked.
Best for:
Cocktail parties, dinner parties, holiday parties
How to set it up:
These mushrooms can be served as is, or you could get creative and skewer them before serving. If you're using skewers, we recommend bamboo ones that can be thrown away after use. Otherwise, just place the mushrooms on a platter and let your guests devour them!
6. Cupcake – the versatile go-to dessert
Few desserts offer the versatility of the cupcake. They come in endless flavor combinations, can be decorated to fit any occasion, and can be made ahead of time. Plus, they're just plain delicious! Check out our cupcake recipes here: cupcake ideas!
Best for:
Birthday parties, office parties, baby showers, bridal showers
How to set it up:
If you're making cupcakes from scratch, we recommend baking them the day of or the day before your event. Once they're cooled, you can decorate them however you like. If you're pressed for time, store-bought cupcakes are also a perfectly acceptable option!
7. Chocolate bark – a simple yet delicious treat
Look no further than chocolate bark if you're pressed for time and need a finger dessert ASAP. Chocolate bark is a simple yet delicious treat that takes minutes and can be made in advance.
Plus, it's highly customizable—you can use any chocolate, add in whatever mix-ins you like, and even change up the shape or design to go with a theme. Here's what you need:
- chocolate
- mix-ins (e.g., nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, cereal)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each one, until the chocolate is melted.
Once the chocolate is melted, stir in your desired mix-ins. Then, pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Place the bark in the fridge for 30 minutes or until hardened. Once it's set, break or cut it into pieces and enjoy!
Best for:
Cocktail parties, dinner parties, holiday parties
How to set it up:
Chocolate bark can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until you're ready to serve it. Simply break or cut it into pieces before serving. We recommend placing it on a platter or bowl so guests can help themselves.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large party, finger foods are always good. They're easy to make (or buy), can be prepared ahead of time, and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With these easy finger food ideas, you're sure to wow your guests!
