Are you bored of looking for some delightful, less time consuming and flavorful finger food options?
If your answer is yes, then you’ve stumbled exactly where you were supposed to and have to look no further.
We have organized a list of the best and the most delectable finger foods that you could present at any event, cocktail party or large gathering and it is unquestionably going to be a roaring success amongst all the guests.
We firmly believe that the most promising memories are made at such gatherings and the cherry on the cake while knitting these memories is to have a platter of flavorsome food.
So, to make your life simple and your event happening, I’ve put up a list of finger foods that are easy to make and creative to serve.
Before we begin with the recipes, let us first rush towards knowing everything that we can about finger foods!
What are finger foods?
Finger foods are snacks that are ideally supposed to be small in size, do not create any mess while eating, and are often presented creatively at parties and large events.
Why are finger foods preferable in cocktail parties?
- They are easy to eat and are handy.
- They are small in size hence takes less time to chew and finish it.
- Guests can stand and consume these snacks as well, there is no need to be seated.
- No cutlery like spoons and forks are required.
- They ensure effortless eating as toothpicks are used rather than cutlery.
- They are one bite foods often finished in less than three bites.
- Most of the finger foods can be prepared well in advance.
It is a known fact that the best caterers all over the world prefer to serve finger foods as snacks at a cocktail party more than any other hassling food alternatives. They are the most preferred snacks in a cocktail party as:
How and when were finger foods introduced into the world?
Finger foods have been dangling around since 1920. They were introduced during the Prohibition era when they had speakeasy bars and Americans were forced to hide their drinking habits. Cocktails were served illegally, and they were accompanied by these small snacks which ensured that people did not leave inebriated, these small snacks later came to be known as finger foods. Finger foods are now used for fancy celebrations, casual gatherings, large events, buffets, and parties.
How do you decide on what finger foods to serve?
While the possibilities are endless when it comes to appetizing finger foods, one must decide on a specified menu for any sort of event that they are planning to host, depending upon several factors like:
- Your budget as the host of the event.
- Your management skills and the help that you have in the kitchen as well as for serving.
- The total number of people invited to the event.
- The dietary preferences of the majority number of people. (Vegetarian/Non-vegetarian/Vegan)
- Allergies of the guests (If any)
How should you plan your menu as the host of the event?
As a host, it is entirely up to you as to how and what you intend to serve your guests. Depending upon the number of guests at a party there are mainly two ways of serving food:
- Only appetizers – When you’re only serving appetizers keep in mind that there has to be more variety in the snacks as it should fill the stomach of your guests. Apart from variation, some of the appetizers can be light while the others can be heavy.
- Light appetizers followed by dinner and dessert – If you’re planning to serve dinner post drinks and snacks then the number of appetizers should be reduced. Apart from the reduction in quantity, only light appetizers should be served to keep space for the dinner and dessert.
Can finger foods be prepared beforehand?
While some finger foods are best served hot, there are a vast variety of finger foods that can be served at room temperature or cold. The latter can be prepared well in advance, which saves time, effort, and energy while allowing you to be super fresh for your event and be less troubled about the work in the kitchen.
- Cold finger foods often require to be reheated before serving like kebabs, sausages, etc., except for snacks like dips and salads which can be served right after taking them out of the refrigerator.
- Finger foods like puffs, crackers, bread, and veggies are served at room temperature and do not have to be heated at any point in time.
Are finger foods served with something else?
Finger foods are served as snacks primarily with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Typically, finger foods are served with ketchup, dips, and sauces of varied kinds.
Without further ado, let us move forward with our incredible list of delicious and savory finger foods!
I’ve bought for you 10 finger food recipes that are phenomenally amazing and divine in taste. They will surely be a superhit for any kind of event.
1. Onion Rings
Onion Rings – A crispy deep-fried snack made with a limited amount of ingredients and incredibly simple to prepare
Best served – Hot
Preparation time – 5 minutes
Cooking time – 10 minutes
Total time – 15 minutes
Servings – 9
Vegetarian
Ingredients – 1 onion, ½ cup refined flour, 2 tbsp. cornmeal, ½ tsp mixed herbs, ½ tsp chili flakes, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup water, 1 cup corn flakes (crumbs), oil for frying.
Recipe:
- In a small bowl take the refined flour, cornmeal, mixed herbs, chili flakes and salt.
- Prepare a smooth lump free batter adding more water as required.
- Dip an onion ring into the paste and coat well.
- Slowly drop the coated onion ring into corn flakes crumb and coat well.
- Now do double coating and drop the onion ring again into the paste and wet it completely.
- Repeat the same with the cornflakes crumb.
- Fry the onion rings till they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Enjoy the onion rings with ketchup or any other dip of your choice!
2. Vegetarian Cheesy Garlic Dunkers
Cheesy Garlic Dunkers – A cheesy pizza snack that would melt in your mouth and blossom your taste buds with the best Italian flavors.
Best served – Hot
Preparation time – 5 minutes
Cooking time – 15 minutes
Total time – 20 minutes
Servings – 6
Ingredients – 1 Pizza dough can, 1 and ½ cups of shredded cheeses (as per choice), ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt (only add if using unsalted butter)
Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Open the pizza dough can and roll out dough onto a baking sheet.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in your seasonings as mentioned above.
- Brush herb oil all over the pizza dough.
- Bake the dough alone on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes or until the dough is lightly browned.
- Take out the dough and sprinkle shredded cheese and parmesan cheese over the top of your crust making sure to cover the edges. Pop your dough back in the oven for another 5 minutes or so until the cheese is fully melted.
- Allow the cheese to set for a few minutes before cutting the dough.
- Use a pizza cutter and cut into equal slices or sticks.
- Serve these pizza sticks hot with marinara sauce or garlic butter. Enjoy!
3. Vegetarian Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip – an amazing festive dip, relished equally by adults as well as children. It can be enjoyed with crackers, salads, or fruits. Dips are the most popular type of finger foods throughout the world!
Best served – cold
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Cooking time – 5 minutes
Total time – 15 minutes
Servings – 2 bowls
Ingredients – 1 packet cream cheese, ½ cup dried cranberries (chopped), ½ cup dried apricots (chopped), 1 tsp grated orange zest, assorted crackers
Recipe:
- Take a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, cranberries, apricots, and the orange zest together until it blends.
- Chill this in the refrigerator until serving.
- Serve with assorted crackers. Enjoy!
4. Asparagus Bruschetta
Asparagus Bruschetta – a perfect snack for a light bite, makes for a pretty looking appetizer and tastes absolute yum!
Best served – At room temperature
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Cooking time – 20 minutes
Total time – 30 minutes
Servings – 1 dozen
Ingredients – 3 cups water, ½ pound fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into half-inch pieces), 2 cups of grape tomatoes (halved), ¼ cup minced fresh basil, 3 green onions (chopped), 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 garlic clove (minced), 1 and a half tsp lemon zest, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 12 slices of fresh bread baguette (1/2 inch thick, toasted), ½ cup crumbled blue cheese.
Recipe:
- Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan.
- Add the asparagus, cover, and boil for about 3-4 mins.
- Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice-cold water.
- Drain and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, tomatoes, basil, onions, lime juice, oil, garlic, lime zest, salt, and pepper.
- Using a slotted spoon, spoon asparagus mixture onto toasted bread.
- Sprinkle with blue cheese. Enjoy!
5. Mini BLT Appetizers
Mini BLT Appetizers – a simple yet lip-smacking snack made out of just five ingredients that would surely startle the taste buds of your guests!
Best served – at room temperature/cold
Preparation time – 30 minutes
Servings – 2 and 1/2 dozen
Vegetarian
Ingredients – 30 cherry tomatoes, 3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise, 2 lettuce leaves (torn into 1-inch pieces), 1/4 cup salad croutons (broken into pieces), 3 bacon strips (cooked and crumbled), Coarsely ground pepper.
Recipe:
- Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato. Scoop out and discard the pulp, invert the tomatoes on paper towels to drain.
- Pipe the mayonnaise into the tomatoes.
- Roll the lettuce pieces and insert them into tomato centers.
- Repeat the same with croutons and bacon.
- Sprinkle it with pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate it for up to 1 hour.
- Serve cold. Enjoy!
6. Shrimp And Cucumber Rounds
Shrimp and cucumber rounds – an easy-to-prepare appetizer, pleasing to the eyes and wholesome for the taste buds.
Best served – at room temperature
Preparation time – 25 minutes
Servings – 3 dozen
Non-vegetarian
Ingredients – 1/2 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined and finely chopped), 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise, 2 green onions (thinly sliced) 1 celery rib (finely chopped), 1 teaspoon dill pickle relish, Dash cayenne pepper, 1 medium English cucumber (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
Recipe:
- Take a small bowl and combine the first six ingredients mentioned above.
- Spoon the mix onto the cucumber slices.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
7. Vegetarian Marinated Mozzarella
Marinated mozzarella – this one is especially for all the cheese lovers out here! Feel free to serve it creatively with fancy skewers.
Best served – cold
Preparation time – 20 minutes
Servings – 10
Ingredients – 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon minced chives, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 pound cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Recipe:
- Take a large bowl and combine the first 7 ingredients mentioned above.
- Add the cheese cubes and stir them to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve cold. Enjoy!
8. Vegetarian Chili-lime Roasted Chickpea
Chili-lime roasted chickpeas – a simple, easy to make, savory snack that is bound to impress the crowd by its tinge of chili and lime!
Best served – at room temperature
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Baking time – 40 minutes
Total time – 50 minutes
Servings – 2 cups
Ingredients – 2 cans of chickpeas or garbanzo beans (rinsed, drained, and patted dry), 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon grated lime zest, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt.
Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 400° and line a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with foil.
- Mix all the ingredients mentioned above with chickpeas.
- Spread the chickpeas in a single layer over the foil, removing any loose skins left behind.
- Bake until very crunchy for around 40-45 minutes, stirring it after every 15 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
9. Chicken Salad Caprese
Chicken salad Caprese – With the plus point of being a delight to the eyes, this is an incredible, striking appetizer bursting with assorted flavors of salad and bread.
Best served – cold or at room temperature
Preparation time – 40 minutes
Baking time – 5 minutes
Total time – 45 minutes
Servings – 8 cups
Non-vegetarian
Ingredients – 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed), 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved), 1 can water-packed artichoke hearts (rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped) 1/2 cup pitted Greek olives (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup minced fresh basil, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
For the Crostini: 2 French bread baguettes, 4 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt.
Recipe:
- Take a large bowl and combine the first 6 ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle it over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate it until serving. Enjoy!
10. Vegetarian Crispy Potato Bite
Crispy Potato Bites – Potato is a commonly loved ingredient and is useful to make several tasty snacks! The crispiness in the potato is to die for!!
Best served – Hot
Preparation time – 15 minutes
Cooking time – 40 minutes
Total time – 55 minutes
Servings – 8
Ingredients – 1 kg washed baby potatoes, 40g butter (melted), ½ tsp sea-salt flakes (to serve), sour cream (to serve), Bacon (chopped, fried until crisp, to serve), chopped fresh rosemary (to sprinkle)
Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and keep it aside.
- Place a wooden spoon on your benchtop.
- Place 1 potato in the rounded area of the spoon.
- Cut slits into the potato crossways.
- Place the potatoes in a bowl with butter and salt. Gently toss them to combine.
- Place the potatoes, cut side up, on the baking tray.
- Roast for 40 mins or until crisp and tender.
- Serve topped with sour cream, bacon, rosemary, and salt flakes. Enjoy!
Conclusion
As exciting as it is to prepare appetizers for a party, likewise, it is intriguing for the guests also to see a fabulous spread of appetizers at the party. It is rightly said that the road to the heart of the guests passes directly through their stomach.
Good food has the potential of bringing life and color to any dreary party and bestows the event with a warm and welcoming feel. Everybody relishes and loves snacking on some easy to eat bites. They are preferred and cherished by all as they are of a comfortable size and hence are easy to eat and most importantly, they do not mess with your hands or mouth which allows you to continue interaction in any gathering without any type of interruption.
Keep eating! Keep snacking! Keep relishing!