If you’re looking for pre-dinner dishes that are mess free and easy to eat without utensils, try something from this collection of Finger Food Appetizers!
Finger Foods are often served with other appetizers before dinner to whet your guests’ appetites. All finger foods are appetizers, but not all appetizers are finger foods.
I classify things as finger food appetizers when they are small, individual portions of food. Ideally, they can be eaten in 1-2 bites and do not create any mess. No sticky fingers, no drips or crumbs. Although plates and utensils can be provided, finger foods can be easily eaten without them.
We’ve compiled a list of our appetizers that also classify as finger foods including meatless options, mini versions, and just our favorites!
Planning Tips
Deciding how many appetizers to make depends on the occasion and how you’re planning to serve the dishes.
Before Dinner: Plan for guests to have 3-4 appetizer pieces per person.
Appetizer Only Event: Prepare enough appetizers for guests to have 10-12 pieces during a 2 hour party, adding 4-5 more pieces per person for every hour after. Toothpicks can often make finger food easier and more sanitary to eat but aren’t necessary.
Deciding on Different Dishes: Deciding how many different dishes to make depends on the amount of people you will be hosting. Try to pick dishes that have different colors and textures, warm & cold, protein filled & produce bases, all while making sure the flavors of the different dishes are complementary.
If you have 10 or fewer guests, plan to have 3 different appetizers. Add another appetizer selection for every 8 more guests.
Best finger foods
We definitely have our go-to’s when it comes to get togethers, and here is a list of some of the appetizers we like to serve the most at functions.
AppetizerBuffalo Wings Recipe
Crispy tender chicken wings tossed in the most wonderful buffalo sauce! The best party appetizer for a crowd!
Bacon wrapped little smokies sprinkled with brown sugar, and baked to perfection. These bacon wrapped weenies are the ultimate appetizer for any party, and always the first to disappear!
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are simple, quick , and delicious. Chicken smothered in barbecue sauce and wrapped in bacon make for a popular appetizer at any gathering!
Deep fried pickles are crunchy, flavorful, and SO tasty! These pickle slices are breaded and fried to perfection, making them a crowd-favorite party appetizer!
These delicious Southwest Egg Rolls are fried to perfection and are filled with chicken, corn, peppers, beans, spices and more! Serve them with salsa, sour cream or guac and they are sure to be a favorite party appetizer.
These sausage stuffed jalapeños are also filled with cream cheese and baked to perfection. Trust us when we say they’re a must-have appetizer at your next party.
Whether you serve it as a side or an appetizer, this restaurant style Fried Zucchini is a family favorite. Fried to perfection, this dish is simply addicting, especially dipped in ranch and marinara!
This simple 3-ingredient appetizer is great for parties and get togethers and is so full of flavor! Everyone will love these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls.
We love to have a few cold finger foods to serve at parties, not only because they’re delicious but because they can be made ahead of time.
AppetizerVeggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
These delicious Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups are made from a rolled tortilla filled with Ranch Veggie dip, and chopped veggies, making them the perfect bite-sized party appetizer!
Nothing better than a smooth deviled egg appetizer! You’ll be surprised with how easy these are to make. Tons of flavor, super delicious and perfect for parties and holidays.
We all love to graze during holidays and parties, and what better way to do it than with a Charcuterie board?! Customize with all your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, veggies, fruits and dips!
If you’re looking for a tasty side, these Baked Zucchini Chips are your answer! Sliced zucchini baked to perfection with a bread crumb and parmesan crust. These bite-sized veggies taste amazing and are a great alternate to the classic fried zucchini recipe.
Hot wings are a staple at any get together or party. This easy recipe will show you how to make this appetizer in the oven resulting in crispy, Baked hot wings.
Make these buffalo cauliflower bites for your next football party! No one will even notice they are healthier or even made with cauliflower. They’re our new go-to appetizer!
These crescent rolls stuffed with spinach and cheese make for a quick and simple lunch, dinner or appetizer! Cheesy Spinach Roll Ups are so yummy, the kids won't even mind the spinach!
Hot Dog Nuggets only require TWO ingredients and make a perfect for lunch, dinner or even a party appetizer! Kids and adults alike will love these little bites.
These cheesy and delicious Pizza Muffins make for the perfect appetizer. They're filled with melty mozzarella, and topped with a yummy garlic butter, more cheese, and mini pepperonis.
Marinated and grilled chicken breast, melty cheese, marinara sauce, and lettuce all sandwiched between a ciabatta bun. These chicken parmesan sliders make for the perfect appetizer, but can hold their own as a main dish too!
Mini Pizzas are bite-sized pizzas topped with cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil and more. They're perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer at parties!
Everyone loves these Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders because they’re easy, cheesy and addicting! They don’t take long to make, and are perfect for any get together—always a crowd pleaser!
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About Kristyn
My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!
Those cheeseits are so clever and awesome! I love recipes like that, that you can make at home, it cuts out all the preservatives and chemicals!
Paige http://thehappyflammily.blogpsot.com
I love all of these. I don’t know which one to try first. My son is super picky and doesn’t like to get sticky hands, so toothpicks look like a good idea.
Those cheeseits are so clever and awesome! I love recipes like that, that you can make at home, it cuts out all the preservatives and chemicals!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.blogpsot.com
These are all such fun ideas!
My kids are very picky, but I think they might like a lot of these. Great collection!
So cute and fun ideas! I would love for you to link up at SHOW-licious Craft Showcase! Just follow this link……http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2013/03/show-licious-craft-showcase-25.html.
Marti
I love all of these. I don’t know which one to try first. My son is super picky and doesn’t like to get sticky hands, so toothpicks look like a good idea.
Thanks for the GREAT snack ideas! They’re great rewards for spring cleaning breaks. Check out more fun ideas and get a spring cleaning checklist here: http://whatsinyourmomgenes.com/spring-cleaning-5-tip-for-making-it-enjoyable-for-the-whole-family/